‘Sanjay Dutt is a superman,’ says ‘Shamshera’ director as he talks about actor silently battling cancer

Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vaani Kapoor are gearing up for the release of their film ‘Shamshera’. The stars are on a promotional spree and fans are eagerly waiting to see them onscreen. This is the first time people will witness the face-off between real Sanju and reel Sanju. However, did you know that while shooting this film Sanjay Dutt was battling cancer? In a recent interview with Times Of India, director Karan Malhotra revealed that the actor silently fought cancer during the shoot without letting anyone know how difficult it was for him.

‘The news that Sanjay sir had been diagnosed with cancer came to all of us like a huge shock. We had no idea about it. He was talking, behaving and working like nothing has happened. I guess that’s why he is where he is today, having conquered this too. Sanjay sir doesn’t let anything get the better of him. He is an inspiration on the sets for everyone,’ he said.

‘Having given so many years of his life to his craft, Sanjay sir leads from the front and his demeanour shows us all how to conduct ourselves on the set. He went about shooting Shamshera with the attitude that there is nothing he can’t conquer. He never mentioned what he was going through personally. He kept the mood on the set light,’ he added.

Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August 2020.

Calling the actor a ‘superman,’ Karan said, ‘There is no one like him. I’m indebted for his support towards Shamshera. He is a constant guide and a mentor to me.’

‘Shamshera’ will release in theatres on July 22.