Munnabhai goes to Jail

1 August, 2007

It's Dutt to Dust for Sanjay Dutt, even as the 48-year-old delinquent rides an immense sympathy wave.

BY OUR CELEBRITY REPORTER

All the jaadu ki jhappis seem to have failed for Sanjay Dutt. As the special TADA court announced its verdict on the country’s longest trial over terrorist activities, with Sanjay Dutt being sentenced to six years in prison and a fine of Rs. 25,000, the country went in a tizzy. Any hopes of clemency in the case lay dashed as Sanjay Dutt was immediately taken into custody after the announcement of the verdict. The question on everyone’s mind was: is this sentence justified? Considering what Sanjay Dutt stood on trial for – abetting terrorism – it should not come as a surprise to anyone.

If Nargis was the pious, daunting image of Mother India, Sanjay Dutt was exactly how the country would not want its sons to be. A high profile debut with Rocky in 1981 brought instant recognition to Sanjay Dutt, till then known as Sunil Dutt’s son. Sanjay’s new found stardom was mired by his long standing drug addiction, and was the highlight 80’s celebrity sleaze gossip.

After rehab, Sanjay Dutt managed to do well professionally, chiefly because of hits like Naam. He also managed to stay out of controversy for some time. Till the 1993 blasts, when he was accused of possessing weapons in connection with the event. He was arrested twice, serving a total of 16 months in jail. It is interesting to note that he was granted bail on both terms.

Later, in 2001, he was accused of conspiring with the underworld for money laundering rampant in Bollywood. The media went berserk, playing, and replaying the alleged conversation between him and kingpin Chhota Shakeel, suggesting he was involvement in kidnapping, extortion, and murder. This controversy was forgotten soon as the country found other interesting news to keep itself busy with.

In November 2006, Sanjay Dutt was found guility under the Arms act for the possession of a pistol and an AK 56, which he claimed was for protection from all the threats he and his family had received since the 1993 blasts. The court cleared him from charges of conspiracy and terrorism, with Judge PD Kode stating that Sanjay was not a terrorist. So far, being a celebrity worked in favor of the bad boy of Indian cinema.

July 2007: Sentenced for six years of rigorous imprisonment

When Judge Kode meted out the sentence to Sanjay Dutt, he categorically stated that he was following the law and that such possession of arms reflected “imminent danger” and “showed scant respect for the law.” The stance of the judge clearly points to the court’s effort to remain unaffected by Sanjay Dutt’s celebrity status and his kinship with two of the most respected names in political circles – late Sunil Dutt, and now his sister, Priya Dutt.

Sanjay Dutt’s humble demeanor, adopted during the proceedings to plead for leniency in his sentence, did not deter the court from meting out justice. The teary-eyed, hands-folded appeal of Sanjay Dutt that he was tired, that the crime was committed fourteen years ago, and that he be let off on probation were in vain, as Judge Kode expressed sympathy, but maintained that since Sanjay solicited others (Yusuf Nulwalla, Kesri Adjania and Rusi Mulla) to participate in illegal acts, such intentions could not be considered noble in the eyes of the law.

Mass Amnesia and the Money Machine

1993 was fourteen years ago – long enough a time for many to forget the trauma Mumbai faced on the fateful day of the serial blasts. Since then, Sanjay Dutt appeared in his many avatars as an underworld don. His fans were quick to forget the connection. And then comedy happened. For the past five years or so, Sanjay Dutt's image gradually shifted that of a stern, gaunt, serious hero to that of a flawed man with a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. His earlier collaborations with Govinda helped.

Then came the landslide hit Munnabhai MBBS, which instantly endeared him to millions as the do-gooder underworld don out to set the medical system right with his jadu ki jhappi treatment. Everyone felt good, and completely forgot Sanjay Dutt’s sticky record.

His goodwill reached its peak with Gandhigiri in the sequel to Munnabhai MBBS, creating an almost sickening wave of sugar-coated bhaichara. It ensured that Sanjay Dutt was now the apple of the country’s mummyjees, behenjees, and unclejees – the prodigal son who forsakes his errant ways to return to Ma’s waiting bosom, and repent for all the evil just when he felt his life was in danger of going downhill. Reel life transformation worked in real life for Sanjay.

When Sanjay Dutt revealed he hoped for a lesser sentence, or probation, everyone wanted to pray for this ‘now reformed’ desh ka puttar. Such a sympathy wave is understandable but what is surprising is the stark dismissal of the gravity of 1993 blasts and Sanjay Dutt’s repeat offences despite being granted bail earlier by those who consider this sentence harsh. Terrorism, and abetting terrorist activities is a heinous crime worldwide, but our idolatry habits can lead us to mass amnesia.

The film fraternity has reasons for backing Sanjay Dutt other than goodwill – and it’s all about money. After hits such as Munnabhai MBBS and Lagey Raho Munnabhai, Sanjay Dutt became invariably synonymous with profitability, and was flooded with offers. With Sanjay Dutt’s conviction, the film industry could be in for a huge loss of lucre. Reportedly, about Rs. 1 billion are riding on Dutt, of which Rs. 500 million alone are on movies such as Alibaug and Fraud. It becomes as plain as the nose on your face that the industry was not looking forward to this verdict. The producers’ hopes are grounded, and their money could well be in a limbo, at least till further action is announced by Sanjay Dutt’s attorneys.

Drama Dutt

For Sanjay Dutt, however, this is not the end of the road. He knows he can appeal in the Supreme Court. Which is what his lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, intends as the next step. Sanjay Dutt has not been known for convincing histrionics on screen. His attempts at real life drama didn’t work in the special court.

Will this recent goodwill and his domesticated attitude win the hearts of those in the highest order of Indian judiciary? Time will tell. Only, this time it will be a test of can our courts successfully handle terrorism vs. favoritism. We are watching, closely.