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Dutt’s like a real man

The verdict of Sanjay Dutt case shocked the Indian populace, but the Bollywood star is ready to abide by the five-year jail term awarded by the supreme court.

During a press conference, an emotional Dutt said that he will not seek pardon and will serve the remaining three years of his sentence. The star referred to himself as a “shattered man” and broke down many times while reading out his statement to members of the media.

The court ruling has certainly highlighted one thing for sure: the respect and support that Dutt has among his massive fan following and his cohort of loyal friends in Bollywood is certainly impressive. The moment news of the verdict made headlines, social media was barraged with an overwhelming show of support and sympathy by Bollywood celebrities and ordinary fans.

Known for his big heart, amiability and charity in the Indian film fraternity, Sanju baba (as he is lovingly called by his close friends) has had a rather tumultuous life — the reason why so many people have a soft corner for him. But with his third marriage to actress Manyata Dutt and the birth of his twins, it seemed like the 53-year-old finally seemed to have found happiness and stability in his life. Perhaps this the SC’s verdict is particularly disconcerting for the people who adore him.

But even though the ruling has broken the hearts of millions, it marks a milestone for the Indian judicial system. It clearly shows that no one is above the law — and not even an influential public figure has the power can manoeuvre a criminal trial in his favour. Perhaps the biggest attestation to the fairness of the trial comes from Dutt himself, who has chosen to honour the SC’s verdict instead of asking for pardon.

In fact, the actor, by deciding to serve the sentence, has actually demonstrated himself as a loyal citizen of the state. For the lovable Munnabhai, whose name has been associated with the 1993 Mumbai bombings case for too long, serving the prison sentence would be the ultimate redemption. And he will be loved even more for bravely accepting the SC’s verdict despite raucous pleas for clemency made by his friends and fans.