Bollywood happy with Sanju's new role

Bollywood on Thursday welcomed the Samajwadi Party decision to nominate Sanjay Dutt from the Lucknow Lok Sabha constituency.

Though the actor himself chose to stay mum before the legal complications were cleared, people close to him said he knew that those hurdles could be a roadblock to his political aspirations.

Actor Suniel Shetty, known to be one of Sanjay's closest friends, is not surprised at the SP decision to offer the actor a Lok Sabha ticket. He said: "I am not shocked to hear that Sanju has been offered a ticket. After whatever has happened to Mumbai on 26/11, there is definitely a need to have more people coming into politics, especially those who have a heart and think like Sanju and want to bring about change and are ready to give time for the country.''

Actor Jackie Shroff, too, feels that Sanjay has the genes in him. "He is the son of Sunil Dutt, who has given his blood and sweat and was considered the pride of the Congress. Sanju definitely has the same qualities. Besides, anybody who feels for the country should join politics and Sanju has always expressed a desire to work for people. I wish him a successful beginning like he had in his film career,'' he said.

Producer-director Mahesh Bhatt, who gave Sanju a second lease of life in the film industry (with Naam), said: "I wish my buddy nothing but the best. But let me warn him that the road ahead will be full of challenges, which he will have to negotiate alone. The world of politics is bizarre. But it's great news that two people from such an illustrious family are going to represent two different parties.'' Dutt's sister, Priya, is a Congress MP.

Producer Punkej Kharbanda, a close family friend, said, "Dutt Saab (Sunil) has taught his family to stand up and serve the people and Sanju has chosen his father's path. We require people like him who are not joining politics for making money.''

Others reacted cautiously. "I really don't know anything,'' David Dhawan, who directed Dutt in many a laugh-riot, said. "I will be able to comment only after I know about Sanjay's decision.'' Sanjay's sister, Namrata Dutt, too said, "He has not spoken to us and so I really cannot comment. Besides, I am not into politics at all.''

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