Family, friends plan Sanjay Dutt’s welcome

The family and friends of jailed actor Sanjay Dutt, who is set to released from Yerwada Jail on Thursday, are planning a big welcome for him. The actor is being released for good behaviour during his imprisonment.

Speaking about Dutt’s release, additional director general Bhushan Kumar Uapadhay said, “Dutt will be released on the morning of February 25. He will be given Rs 450 from his account in jail that he earned from making paper bags.”

Sources from Yerwada Jail said they had planned a low-key, unofficial farewell of half-an-hour for the Bollywood actor a day before his release. Dutt used to earn more than Rs 400 each day, but spent the money to buy food from the jail canteen.

A jail source said Dutt was helpful to jail workers and ill inmates. The source specifically mentioned that Dutt took care of those he interacted with when they were ill.

Sources added that after Dutt took over as the radio jockey for the jail radio, the two-hour show was thoroughly enjoyed by all. He would mimic actors, politicians and also imparted positive quotes.

MLA Krushna Hegde, who is very close to the Dutt family since patriarch Sunil Dutt’s time said, “It is very good news for his family. His daughter who used to miss him every day will finally meet him in the next two days. I am sure Sunil Dutt sir would be the happiest man if he was alive.”

Sources from the Dutt family told The Asian Age that they were planning proper welcome celebration with Dutt’s friend in Mumbai, and also a family holiday.

Dutt, who was arrested for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case, will be released from Yerwada Jail on February 25 on completion of his five-year jail sentence. Home department officials maintained that, contrary to popular perception, he was not being granted any additional remission and was just being released as per prison laws. During his stay in jail, Dutt got furlough and parole several times and also got remission for his good behaviour, paving the way for his early release.