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Not many are sure if actor Sanjay Dutt will be a part of Sujoy Ghosh’s Aladdin or not. And though many insist on his exit from the film, Sanju is very much excited about it. Besides, there’s another actor who is thrilled about Sanjay being around and he is Ritiesh Deshmukh who plays Aladdin Chatterjee in this one. After working with Sanju in Dhamaal, Rits is looking forward to working in Aladdin with him. Let’s hope the movie creates some magic at the box office too.

Sanjay Dutt has just been released on interim bail after being sentenced to six years imprisonment in the Mumbai serial blasts case, and the actor has already grabbed another film. The actor will be seen playing a cameo in good friend Rajkumar Hirani’s next film, which takes a scathing look at the present education system in the country. Loosely based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Something, the film has an ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan and Dia Mirza.

However, the shooting dates of Rajkumar Hirani’s film are yet to be determined. Sources close to Hirani say that the film will hit the floors later this year. Says a reliable source, “Sanju has a crucial cameo in the film. Hirani considers Sanju his lucky mascot and he couldn’t have made a film without him. Also, Shah Rukh and Sanju make a good pair. But we are yet to finalise the dates of shooting.”

In circles where it really matters the buzz is that Sanjay Dutt will shoot during his bail period to complete his film assignments and pending patchwork. He is set to resume shooting for Sanjay Gupta’s Alibaug and Sanjay Gadhvi’s Kidnap next week.

When quizzed about it Sanjay Gupta says, “We will surely resume shooting but it all depends on Sanju’s frame of mind. He will call the shots in this case. The moment he is ready to shoot, we will do so.”

With four of Sanjay Dutt’s movies in various stages of completion, a sum of about Rs 100 crore is riding on him. While most filmmakers are still waiting to see how the situation develops, others are sure that they will wait for Sanjay - even if it takes six years. Says director Soham, “The story of my film is still being written. Except for Sanjay Dutt, the cast has not been finalised. I started work on the film about two months back, and it was completely Sanjay’s idea. I hope the time span of the sentence reduces. However, six years or one, I will wait for Sanjay. I am sure that everyone from the industry feels the same way.”

Filmmaker Bunty Walia also concurs, “We have still not decided what to do next. It is a very crucial stage. I have announced two movies with Sanju - Lamha and Just Punjabi - and I am going to wait for him to come out. My films will not be without Sanju.”

Adds Rahul Dholakia, who will direct Lamha, “The script of the film is still being written, and it is the producer’s prerogative to change the cast or not. In this case, the producer is Bunty Walia. If he wants, he can replace me as well, but I am sure Bunty would want to wait for Sanju, and so would I. We have written the script keeping him in mind and have also discussed the story with Sanju. I can’t think of anyone else doing the role.”

Of late, Sanjay Dutt has been hitting the gym regularly and following a strict diet regime. He has been avoiding pub-hopping lest his friends pour drinks down his throat. Not too many know that all these measures are part of the actor’s preparations for Sujoy Ghosh’s ambitious film, Aladdin. Dutt plays a towering tyrant who has the capacity of covering the sun in this Bollywood version of the popular Arabian Nights story of Aladdin.

Dutt will also get a makeover of sorts for the film, which hits the floors in August. Director Sujoy Ghosh and Dutt have had a few meetings last week to discuss the look of the character. The actor plays a happy-go-lucky individual who derives vicarious pleasure by hurting others. Adds Ghosh, “Sanju will sport this impish devil-like smile all through the film. There’s a mischievous kid in him who spoils the show for others.”

If sources are to be believed, the plot has Amitabh Bachchan (who plays the Genie) and Dutt engaging in fierce fighting sequences. Dutt is an antagonist to the good-hearted Genie. Director Ghosh refuses to divulge many details. He says: “Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt are surely going to light up the screen. While I have grown up on Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt is the rockstar I have always adored. Dutt is going to be the surprise package.”

However, our sources insist that Dutt wages a battle on Riteish Deshmukh (Aladdin) and Bachchan (the Genie). “The story has a modern set-up. Bachchan and Dutt are the good and evil forces respectively,” says the same source.

Bollywood heartthrob Sanjay Dutt may be in the news recently for his brilliant performances and for being associated with good causes and charity. However, not many are aware that he has been doing it for a long time now, even though his generous side has come to limelight only recently. But people who know the hunky actor swear by his big-heart. Dutt, himself is extremely hesitant to talk about his generous acts. Ask him why so, and he says, “It’s not for anyone to know. That’s a part of me and I do it for myself, and not to prove anything to anyone.” He adds rather emotionally, “There’s also a personal motive behind it. I feel closer to my parents when I do something for such causes, be it cancer or fighting against drugs. I feel like they are with me and supporting me with their love, even in their absence.” Well, we’re sure Sanju baba, not only has the love and blessings of his parents, but also of the numerous people he’s helped over the years!

Even while Karan Johar’s entire production unit is working at break-neck speed adding final touches to KANK, a part of KJ’s attention (however little) is diverted to his next venture. Yeah, very unlike the Karan we know, but the lad’s promised to make us ‘feel good’ more often, remember? Well, we’re talking about his next production venture to be directed by Soham (of Kaal fame). The film made news from its onset, as it marked the coming together of old buddies - Kareena Kapoor and Karan Johar (they patched up after almost two years). Now we hear, the hunky Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham have also been signed on for this project. We think there’s gonna be some feel-good action for a change out here.

He may give you the impression of being this tough, unapproachable star, but Sanjay Dutt has a softer side to him too. And when he takes to you, Dutt will go out of his way to accommodate you. Also, it certainly helps to build on this friendship when you have the same tastes as the Deadly Dutt. Like director Milan Luthria reveals, “Sanjay has always been there for me. When I joined Mahesh Bhatt, Sanjay was this big star. And while shooting for Gumraah, the first day that I was introduced to him, we hit it off. In many ways we are quite similar. We both work on our gut instinct; we don’t follow trends. The kind of films that he and I have done quite rightly prove it. The films that we like are so much the same. We both love outdoor locations for films, and the rugged terrain look. We have worked together on Deewar - Let’s Bring Our Heroes Home recently and there is a lot of understanding between us. Sanjay is very supportive as an actor. And now I am directing a film for him. I think it’s a great way to keep our friendship going!” Let’s hope this friendship stands the test of time!

Ask Milan Luthria about what he’s up to these days and he says he’s quite excited about his next venture which will be produced by the late Sunil Dutt’s banner Ajanta Arts, which will star Sanjay Dutt. “The film is based on a true story,” reveals Milan. “It’s about four characters; Sanjay Dutt is an outlaw and Ajay Devgan is a cop chasing him down. And there are two female leading pivotal roles. We haven’t zeroed in on anyone for these roles as yet. The film would be shot at real locations in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. We will have an international crew and it will be an actionadventure film. The film will have a kind of rugged look, and will be shot in hazardous terrain. Currently, we are working on the script and getting the crew together.” Looks like Dutt is in khalnayak mode once again!