Sanjay Dutt, the shutterbug
The actor was in Dubai to talk about his love for photography and his longterm connection to the city ever since he shot a film here in 1986. Can we expect to see more of him now that his wife’s opened a business here?
It’s hard to believe that Sanjay Dutt is almost knocking on 60s! The man has maintained his physique despite the years and could give young actors a run for their money. He impressed us when we met him in Dubai on Sunday to talk about his passion for photography as he tested the new Nikon camera at the Grand stores in Al Garhoud.
The Munnabhai star, who was accompanied by his wife Manyata. may be turning 58 later this month, but he sported amazing muscles that will give 20 or 30 something year-olds a complex.
Dutt started the conversation by saying that he wants to meet the Ruler of Dubai. “I am one of the biggest fans of the Ruler of the Dubai. The way he has transformed Dubai is admirable. I came here to shoot for my film Naam in 1986. It was a different Dubai then, and today, you have the best of everything right here, you don’t need to go out anywhere else in the world.
“I remember, there was Sheikh Zayed Road, and a lot of areas of barren desert land around, but today, Dubai is one of the top most cities in the world. I just wish, and pray, that someday I can meet him and congratulate him,” said Dutt while talking to City Times.
He was in Dubai last month as well to attend an Iftar. His wife has also opened an office in Dubai, and we hear that the city will see more of Dutt in the coming days. Excerpts of our conversation with the actor about his passion for photography.
How did this passion begin?
I have never learnt photography. I think it’s in my genes. I know framing – and what I want to capture the frame. I think it comes from the years of being in the film industry where you realise the camera angle and this is a still camera. I can also handle a movie camera. It’s a big passion. I have been a fan of photography since I was a child. My first camera was actually a Nikon with a film. It was the first one with an auto drive. I used to take a lot of landscape shots. I started doing portraits after our kids were born.
What are the favourite subjects that you like to shoot?
Animals, wildlife, landscapes, mountains and moments. I also like to do portraits, but I will not make
It’s the story of my life, but I don’t want to get too involved in the film because I trust Rajkumar Hirani. He is a brilliant director and he has a brilliant actor in Ranbir Kapoor. I have been to the sets – once or twice. But I don’t hang out there all the time. Ranbir and I spent a lot of time together while he was rehearsing for the film.
What are the qualities of your parents that you would like to pass on to your kids?
The respect and love for the family and elders – whether it’s the servants or anyone else. Also, the upbringing which has to be grounded. I want them to take their studies seriously and listen to their parents.
Yes. Bhumi is releasing on September 22, then I have Tod baaz, a remake of a Tamil film and then Munnabhai. I can’t say anything about Munnabhai right now because it is still in the writing stage.