It’s hard to imagine a more tumultuous time for the Dutt family than when Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was arrested in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts. For his late father, Sunil Dutt, the experience was nothing short of grueling. He left no stone unturned in his quest to get his son out of jail. Recently, actor Shatrughan Sinha, a close friend of Sunil Dutt, opened up about this trying period.
At the launch of producer Rajan Lal’s biography, Sinha recalled how he, along with Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and Rajan Lal, came together to help Sunil Dutt rescue Sanjay. What’s poignant, however, is that today, Sanjay is no longer in touch with any of them. It’s a stark reminder of how life can take unexpected turns, leaving behind a trail of severed relationships and unfulfilled expectations.
The Day Sanjay Went to Jail
Sinha reminisced about the time, saying Sunil Dutt was like an elder brother to him. During the Mumbai riots, they would often gather at each other’s homes, along with Rajan Lal and Shashi Ranjan, navigating the perilous roads. It was then that disaster struck – Sanjay Dutt landed in jail, and the group was consumed by worry. They were genuinely concerned about the young actor’s well-being, wondering how they could help him, and more importantly, how to get him out.
A Helping Hand
Sinha went on to explain that they were fortunate to have the support of Bal Thackeray, who played a pivotal role in Sanjay’s case, facilitating his return from jail and ensuring he received the necessary amenities. If only Sunil Dutt were alive today, it would have been a different story altogether. When Sanjay was finally released, he joined his friends, and they visited the Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings before heading to Rajan Lal’s home, where they spent hours catching up.
A Distance that Grows
However, Sinha expressed his sadness that they no longer get to see Sanjay, and he has stopped meeting them. Despite their efforts, especially Rajan Lal’s, to reconnect with him, Sanjay has seemingly disappeared from their lives. It’s as if he has put up a sign that says “keep searching,” Sinha quipped. But this doesn’t mean they’ve given up on him; perhaps Sanjay has his reasons, his problems, or maybe he’s just busy. The bond they shared with Sunil Dutt and his family remains strong, even if Sanjay is no longer a part of it. Life, after all, is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, people and relationships fade away, leaving behind only memories.