Hindustan Times (Bathinda)

SANJAY DUTT: FIRST COMES SAFETY OF AUDIENCES

The actor, whose family is in Dubai, hopes things will be normal soon

- Juhi Chakrabort­y ■ juhi.chakrabort­y@htlive.com

The Covid-19 pandemic has engulfed the global economy, affecting every industry including films. Shoots have been halted, releases postponed and there is no clarity on when things will get back to normal. Actor Sanjay Dutt’s schedule, too, has gone for a toss, but he feels there are “far bigger worries” than just work.

“The pandemic has affected things but the lockdown is for everyone’s safety,” he says, adding, “I feel the primary thing is to focus on everyone’s well-being and the safety of our audiences, then comes the entertainm­ent part. It will delay projects, but that is reasonable for the nation’s best interest.”

Dutt, 60, believes things will return to normal soon and audiences will get to watch the bouquet of films that he has in store for them. “I’m looking forward to bringing some exciting projects to the audience. There are some interestin­g characters I’ll be playing and the line-up definitely looks good,” he says.

Meanwhile, the actor recently shared how the Nargis Dutt Foundation, establishe­d by his late father, actor Sunil Dutt, has been carrying out Covid-19 relief efforts across Mumbai. “Let’s all do our bit and make sure no one sleeps hungry. A small contributi­on of ₹600 can feed a family of four for two weeks. Now is the time when we need to be there for each other!” he wrote on social media.

Dutt has also been sharing videos on the importance of staying at home. Talking about how he and his family are coping, he says he misses his wife, Maanayata and twin kids Iqra and Shahraan (9), who are stuck in Dubai.

“I am definitely taking all the necessary precaution­s. I am staying at home, although I miss my family. Thanks to technology, I can see them whenever I want to. I am thankful that I have them safe with me, virtually,” he shares.

Talking of how his kids are abreast with what’s happening around them, Dutt adds, “Today’s generation is much smarter, you know! It’s not difficult to make them understand this situation. I’m just happy they are safe with my wife. Even though away, those smiles and all the hustle keeps me going.”

 ?? PHOTOS: PTI/INSTAGRAM ?? Sanjay Dutt and (inset) his wife Maanayata Dutt with their twins Iqra and Shahraan (9)
PHOTOS: PTI/INSTAGRAM Sanjay Dutt and (inset) his wife Maanayata Dutt with their twins Iqra and Shahraan (9)
 ?? PHOTO: PRAMOD THAKUR/HT PHOTO: VIRAL BHAYANI PHOTO: PTI ?? Sourav Ganguly
PHOTO: PRAMOD THAKUR/HT PHOTO: VIRAL BHAYANI PHOTO: PTI Sourav Ganguly
 ?? PHOTO:MANOJ VERMA/HT ?? (L-R) Bhaichung Bhutia, Asha Bhosle and Sonakshi Sinha
PHOTO:MANOJ VERMA/HT (L-R) Bhaichung Bhutia, Asha Bhosle and Sonakshi Sinha

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