Bollywood shocked, says court harsh on Sanjay Dutt

New Delhi: The film industry is shocked with the verdict of the Tada court that has sentenced actor Sanjay Dutt to six years imprisonment in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

“It’s a blow to the film fraternity and especially to me. There was a kind of tremendous element of hope. But I can understand the court’s position. They have been harsh in providing sentences to others,” says filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.

“The film industry is shocked. May God give him strength to endure this harsh sentence,” adds actor, Govinda.

“The sentence can't be questioned, but I hope there is some humanitarian area and they show some leniency,” says director, Anubhav Sinha.

There is a wave of emotion in the industry and Dutt’s friend and fellow actors feel the news has come as a disaster.

“I am speechless. My reaction is emotional. It’s taking a little bit of time to sink in because we thought that the worst is over,” says Boman Irani.

Irani who has acted with Dutt in Lage Raho Munnabhai adds, “He (Dutt) has been already traumastised for a long time just waiting and watching. He is a very sensitive person.”

As soon as Judge P D Kode gave the verdict, he asked the police to take the 48-year-old actor into custody.

A shellshocked Dutt was trembling and almost in tears as the judge gave his ruling.

Dutt has filed a bail petition in the Supreme Court, hearing on which will begin on Tuesday.

Yesteryears actress Saira Bano feels Dutt has already been punished. He had behaved in an “exemplary manner” all the while that he has been out on probation.

“We feel disappointed. He is an extension of our family. This is too much. They could have lessened the punishment because he is a good boy,” says Saira Banu.

Bano also said the media could have played a bigger role in saving him.

“Dilip (Kumar) sahab and my heart bleeds for him,” the actress adds.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Dutt's neighbours are also shocked over the fact that the man, who was so kind and loved, could have been treated like that.

Says his neighbour, Fausan Khan, "I think the judge has been too harsh. I have known Sanjay for 10 years now. The problem is that people are more bothered about his upcoming films and not about the man as such."

, Fausan Khan, "I think the judge has been too harsh. I have known Sanjay for 10 years now. The problem is that people are more bothered about his upcoming films and not about the man as such."

So while verdict has stunned Dutt’s fans, friends and well-wishers, editor of Mahanagar, Nikhil Wagle feels it is justice well done.

“I want to congratulate the judge. Hats off to Kode. He has shown that finally justice is proved,” says Nikhil Wagle.