I have become a family man: Sanjay Dutt

GURGAON: His turbulent past is only too well known, but Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt says he has changed ever since he tied the knot with Manyata two years ago and has become a family man.

"After marriage I have become a family man. I like to be more at home now and spend quality time, watch movies with my wife. I have become more responsible," Sanjay told IANS in an interview.

The 51-year-old actor has been married thrice. Sanjay's first marriage was to actress Richa Sharma in 1987, but she died from brain tumour in New York in 1996. The couple have a daughter named Trishala, who lives in the US.

Then he married model Rhea Pillai, but the two got divorced in 2005. In 2008, Sanjay tied the knot with Manyata.

"Ups and downs don't change a person, age changes a person. With age I have become more responsible. I thank my fans for standing by me during tough times," he said about his chequered life.

Sanjay's personal life was troubled by drug problems and his life took a turn for the worse when he was arrested for illegal possession of weapons and was convicted.

The actor feels things started looking up ever since Manyata has come into his life and right now he is looking forward to welcoming twins.

Asked how he is preparing himself, Sanjay said: "I am not preparing anything. I am just waiting for them to come and I can see them in front of me. I am excited."

Sanjay made his Bollywood debut with "Rocky" in 1981 and was seen in films like "Sadak" (1991), "Saajan" (1991) and "Khalnayak" (1993). His 1999 film "Vaastav" won him the Filmfare Best Actor Award.

After doing serious and action-packed roles, Sanjay went on to tickle the funny bones of audiences with fun films "Munnabhai M.B.B.S", "Lage Raho Munnabhai", and "All The Best". The actor is returning to the action genre with Mani Shankar's "Knock Out". Releasing Friday, it also stars Irrfan Khan and Kangana Ranaut.

"The action genre has been suppressed for a while in the film industry and now it is coming back, which is very good for all of us. Thanks to Salman Khan and his film 'Dabangg', action is coming back," he added.

The actor was at the IIFA Buzz at Kingdom of Dreams here for the promotion of "Knock Out".

Giving details about the film, he said it is about "a man with a mission. He wants to get back all the money stored in Swiss banks. He wants the money back in the country and distribute it among our people. Irrfan is the mediator through whom he wants to bring the money back."

So how was it working with Irrfan and Kangana?

"It was a great experience. Irrfan is a great actor and a fantastic human being. Initially, it was difficult shooting for the film as I had to imagine Irrfan in front of me and say my dialogues but later everything went off well."

"Kangana is a wonderful human being. She gets completely involved in her character. I have just completed another film with her, 'No Problem'. She is a lovely co-star to work with."

Other films that Sanjay is working in are "Power", "Rascals", which is also his home production and the third instalment of the Munnabhai series.