suniel shetty cancels birthday for Sanju

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day
Thursday, August 09, 2007
This year, suniel shetty will not be celebrating his birthday on August 11.

His close friend Sanjay Dutt is in jail and he feels there's no cause to celebrate his 46th birthday.

A chat with Suniel on his birthday, Sanju baba and turning 46.

Are you planning a party this year?
No. I won't be celebrating this year. It's been a bad week. I will be in Mumbai but there won't be any parties. I don't want to celebrate thinking what Baba (Sanjay Dutt) must be going through. But I also know he's God's child and is being watched over. I am hoping something good comes out of it.

Are you planning to meet Sanjay at Yerwada jail?
If I can, I would love to. That's a priority.

What was your first reaction when you heard about his judgment?
I went numb. The thought of Baba being in jail had me in tears. He once told me, 'Anna, I am tired. I won't be able to take it any more.' That's the only thing worrying me - him being alone. Baba is not used to being alone. But the love for Sanjay is unbelievable!

I get up in the morning and my children ask me if Sanju uncle will be okay, from my servants, to liftman and the urchins everybody keeps asking me, 'Sanju baba theek ho jayege na?' They think we will know but they don't know we are in the same boat and just keep hoping and praying.

Have you been in touch with his family?
Yes. I've called to ask if Sanju's okay, whether he's coping and eating. I am worried about how he's feeling right now and if he is strong enough to hold on. When he does that he will be fine.

I spoke to him on his birthday (July 29) and asked him, 'Baba, what do you think?' and he said, 'Everything will be fine'. I know eventually it will be. God has his own way of showing his love for his children.

Recently, you were in tears at Ajay Nagrath's exit from Biggest Loser Jeetega.
Yes. I got emotional at Ajay's exit because I wanted him to be one of the winners - at least in the top 3. I felt he was unlucky. Ajay and Sandeep will be great brand ambassadors for the show. One always needs a hero to look up to and I wanted them till the very end.

How old will you be?
I will be turning 46 and am proud of my age. I don't feel old. The day I quit my pranks I will feel I'm getting old.