With the appalling news coming in of Bollywood’s favorite Munnabhai’s 5 year long jail term, which the Supreme Court upheld in relation with the 1993 Bombay Blast Case, one can merely wonder about the millions invested on the actor by producers. The amount is nearing 350 crore rupees approximately according to a few media reports. While a few reputed trade analysts are rejecting 350 crore as a blown up amount, expecting the losses to stay contained within 100 crore rupees, which again is a gross understatement of his market value. With one of Dutt’s most loved on screen avatars as the adorable Munnabhai being shelved, it is hard to believe the losses will be on the lower side. More reliable sources estimated the stakes at a more plausible amount of 250 crore rupees with his films lined up for release in May and July. His work on Rajkumar Hirani’s PK is almost 50% complete, whereas Dharma Productions’ Ungli will have greater losses with Dutt having wrapped up only 25-30% of the film.
Dutt who was found in possession of illegal arms has been charged with aiding terrorist activities. He has previously served an 18 month term, will now be in jail for three and half years more.
His upcoming ventures are the Zanjeer remake named Toofan, Policegiri, Dharma Productions’ Ungli along with a cameo in Rajkumar Hirani’s P.K. which stars Aamir Khan. He recently wrapped up his work on Ghanchakkar and was scheduled to begin with Munnabhai Chale Dilli which will be directed by Subhash Kapoor and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Sanjay Dutt though known for his warm and kind nature has constantly been involved in social work. His good conduct has been instrumental in this case, besides his high profile stardom. The court however meted out specific statements re-emphasizing the grievousness of the man’s crime. Supreme Court upheld the judgment of the TADA court finding Sanjay Dutt guilty on many grounds.
His lawyers are expected to retaliate against the judgment by filing a review petition in the Supreme Court in the next four weeks to come. Otherwise he will have to surrender in the Bombay High Court which will direct him to serve his jail term.
Most film makers are shocked with this news. While one might understand the gravity of his crime, Sanju baba has been an adorable human being to all. Following from his father Late Sri Sunil Dutt, Sanjay has managed to fit into his too large shoes with the same humility of the Senior Dutt.
Mahesh Bhatt took to twitter and wrote, “I was hopeful there would be a happy ending but life is not a movie. I expected mercy! Alas it did not happen.”
Kunal Kohli exclaimed, “Justice has not been done. All of us are shattered. It’s a very sad day. But what about the real operators, the real people behind the blast?”
Pritish Nandy wrote, “Sad day for Sanjay Dutt. He is paying for an act of folly. He is no traitor. He made a mistake. He is paying for it hugely.”
Dabboo Ratnani got overtly emotional. He wrote, “Shattered to hear about Sanjay Dutt. He is like an elder brother and has a pure heart of gold. God give him strength.”
Vishal Dadlani tweeted, “It breaks my heart to see Sanjay Dutt face this. He has done so much, so helplessly for so many.”
While Bollywood showed their love and support for Sanjay Dutt, the Indian Judiciary has confirmed the man’s crime. Convicted in 2006 for the possession of 9 mm, AK 56 rifle, he has been given the clean chit from more grievous charges of criminal conspiracy under TADA.
The hearing of the 1993 Bombay Blast Case has been in news all through 2011-12 for the appeal and cross appeals in the important terrorist attack of the Blast which tore Bombay brutally killing 258 people, and injured 713.
