Sanjay Dutt rediscovered
By Taran Adarsh, February 06th, 2004 - 0930 hrs IST
Post-MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S., Sanjay Dutt is riding a wave of optimism. If one looks closely at Sanju's highly-erratic career, you can't help but notice that this film has signalled his third comeback as an actor.
After a series of inconsequential roles, the actor staged a dramatic comeback with NAAM [Mahesh Bhatt]. Signing a spate of films – some good, some not too good – Sanju's career slided downwards till VAASTAV [Mahesh Manjrekar] happened.
But none of the films released subsequently, even those with fav director Manjrekar, could bring about the 'Sanju wave' all over again. However, debutante Rajkumar Hirani's MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. did the trick.
“MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. worked mainly because the script was very good,†Sanju informs this writer in an exclusive chat, “The chemistry between Arshad, Boman and me was so evident. Actually, all of us contributed significantly to what the final product looks like.â€
Feeling upbeat, Sanju flashes a broad smile when I tell him that he should concentrate on light roles as well, since his 'timing' in MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. was perfect. “Yes, that was an enjoyable experience. Actually, I am comfortable enacting all kinds of roles. It's just that you need to be offered something different in the first place,†he reasons.
However, Sanju does admit that he is making a conscious effort to do something different. “I am tired of playing a Bhai [don] in film after film. I don't understand why makers offer me the same kind of roles… Yes, my role in MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. was also that of a gangster, but there was more to it. Raju [Rajkumar Hirani] deserves full marks for the efforts he put to make the role look different. It wasn't a caricature,†he adds.
The going is more than good for Sanju currently. Besides RUDRAKSH [Mani Shankar], A.B. Corp.'s RANVEER [Rajkumar Santoshi], Gaurang Doshi's DEEWAAR [Milan Luthria], Sanjay Gupta's MUSAFIR, Nimbus' SARHAD PAAR [Raman Kumar], Afzal Khan's MEHBOOBA…, the Deadly Dutt has also been signed by Indra Kumar-Ashok Thakeria for their new film, to be directed by David Dhawan. Suniel Shetty and one more hero [under finalisation] will co-star in it.
Sanju has never been as career-oriented as he is today. And going by the impressive line up of films in his kitty, there's no stopping him this time around!
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