I'm 51, stop thinking of me as Sanju Baba: Dutt

Sanjay Dutt's chequered career has been marked by as many lows as highs. With his latest, Knock Out, ready for release, the actor tells Priyanka Pereira that he has much more to look forward to — his production house, playing Munnabhai again, returning to action films and the birth of his twins.

Every film has a certain curiosity moment which inspires the actor to take it up. What was your inspiration for Knock Out?
When Mani Shankar narrated the script, it sounded fascinating. When it came to shooting, I was stuck in the room for 45 days. Since I am supposed to be communicating with Irrfan over phone, I had to imagine how he would react and say the dialogues accordingly. It was difficult talking to myself.

Did you enjoy playing this role?
Of course. Mani had brought down the action directors of Bourne Identity. It was a mix of martial arts and parkour. It was a relief for me to do a fight sequence after such a long span of time.

Why did you stop doing out-and-out action films?
When it came to action movies, everybody had lost the plot. All the producers were too scared to try out the genre. Mushy love stories and comedies took over. It was such a wonderful change to see Dabangg. I am proud of Salman, because only somebody of his calibre had the guts to do it.

Now that you have set up your production house, do you see yourself bringing the trend back?
Definitely. Salman has started it, I will follow suit. I am happy that the action genre is not finished.

Of late, you have been doing roles which are not typical of a Bollywood hero, something that you were popular for. Why the change in approach?
Now when I act in a movie, I don't want to play 'Sanjay Dutt'. I would rather play an interesting character. Also, the genre of masala action films — where I could just be myself — had got lost. At this age, I cannot do mushy love stories. All those shaadi scenes are definitely not happening.

... contd.

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