Dutt says drugs helped shape his career

Actor Sanjay Dutt, 52, says he feels his legal and personal misfortunes have helped him become a better actor. “The experience of life, right from being involved in drugs, my mother’s death, the death of my (first) wife (Richa Sharma), and the jail episode ... The problems I have gone through helped me in one way — I can now play any character comfortably because I have seen so much,” says Dutt, who wants to dabble in direction in the near future.

The Munnabhai actor has a checkered past that involves drug abuse, mafia and a stint in jail. However, Dutt has since recovered and is among the most sought after actors in the film industry today.

First Published: Aug 13, 2011 12:46 IST