The courts may have held Sanjay Dutt guilty, but his friends in the industry plan to show he’s not bad as he’s made out to be. Cine & Television Artiste’s Association, in collaboration with associations of producers, cinematographers and junior artistes, among others, are planning a signature campaign on December 12 at Film City.
“Sanjay Dutt is a gem of a person. We want to use this signature campaign to show the world what a genuine and helpful person he is,” said Dharmesh Tiwari, general secretary, CINTAA, adding, “He’s been kind and generous to everyone – from spot boys and camera attendants who’ve gone to him for help.”
Tiwari said the plan is for people from the industry to write about their experiences of how Dutt helped them at some point in their lives. He insisted the campaign had nothing to do with the judicial process, but the industry wanted to correct public perception of “the real Sanjay Dutt”.
The industry is apparently awash in stories of how Dutt helped spot boys or production hands. Asked about the campaign, Dutt’s secretary Kalim said, “They’ve decided this between themselves and it’s heartening. I don’t know much about it except that it’s happening on December 12”.
With a large turnout of industry hands expected at the event, the trade is expecting business to practically be shut for the day. “It’s a signature campaign, so people can come at their convenience,” said Tiwari.
Pahlaj Nihalani, president of Association of Motion Pictures & TV Programme Producers, said his association will also be a part of the campaign.
“I will definitely be there and so will members of my association.” TP Aggarwal, president of Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association, also counted himself in. “We will all be there,” he said.
vajir.singh@hindustantimes.com