Sanjay Dutt is busy playing an indulgent father to little Iqra and Shahran, his twins with wife Maanayata, these days. The only regret he has is not being able to spend as much time with his 25-year-old daughter Trishala from first wife, Richa Sharma.
Do you feel the absence of your first child, Trishala?
All the time! I try my best to keep in touch with her but sometimes the timings are inconvenient for both of us. I obviously can’t go to the US because I am not given a visa. But I try and meet her outside the country sometimes. Unfortunately, I cannot spend as much time with her as I want to. She’s grown into a beautiful girl! One thing that really bothers me is that the time and moments I am spending with Iqra and Shahran, I wish I would have spent with Trishala when she was growing up. I really miss it. And for that I am apologetic to Trishala. I know she understands.
Why are you dead against Trishala getting into movies?
None of my sisters are in the movies, nor are my nieces going to be. That’s how Dutt sahab, my dad, brought up the girls in the family and I am just carrying his thought forward. If he had been alive today, Trishala wouldn’t have thought about getting into movies. In any case, she’s worked so hard in her academics. She has seen me go through my court trauma and she was very passionate about becoming a criminal lawyer to fight cases for innocent people. She studied forensic science. I really think she should continue it. And, there’s a lot of labour that goes behind the glamour. Many youngsters are attracted to it without knowing the dynamics of it. It’s not an easy route to success. There’s a grind you have to go through.
Why are you dead against Trishala getting into movies?
None of my sisters are in the movies, nor are my nieces going to be. That’s how Dutt sahab, my dad, brought up the girls in the family and I am just carrying his thought forward. If he had been alive today, Trishala wouldn’t have thought about getting into movies. In any case, she’s worked so hard in her academics. She has seen me go through my court trauma and she was very passionate about becoming a criminal lawyer to fight cases for innocent people. She studied forensic science. I really think she should continue it. And, there’s a lot of labour that goes behind the glamour. Many youngsters are attracted to it without knowing the dynamics of it. It’s not an easy route to success. There’s a grind you have to go through.
Are you saying that the industry is a big bad world for girls?
Absolutely not. Both my father and mother belonged here. The film industry is a lovely family and I respect it. I am only trying to say it’s not easy.
Is there anything now that you feel you lack?
Yes. I want my freedom back. I have been embroiled in court cases for the last 20 years. I have lost all my youth and a lot of time! I couldn’t do many things. Now my final hearing is coming up. I just pray that I get my freedom back. I want no money, no fame, just my freedom!