Sanjay Dutt was accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Supreme Court. During the same time, Dutt’s films Khalnayak and Saajan were released and went on to become blockbuster hits. But instead of joining his team, Sanjay was arrested in 1994 from Mumbai airport. 

Decades later Khalnayak‘s director and veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai opened up on the same. He went on to say that he’s known Dutt ever since he was a kid and 10 years later, he decided to cast him in Khalnayak. Further speaking about the celebrated actor, Ghai said, “He was not a criminal.” 

“I did not spend a single rupee to promote Khalnayak. I stayed silent. There was such a furore over Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai, 32 political units were against me, there were court cases against me. But I stayed quiet. I knew what film I had made, I knew what Sanjay Dutt was, I knew what Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai was,” he further added. 

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Ghai said, “When the arrest happened, I knew he is completely innocent. In his innocence, he is trapped technically, he isn’t a criminal. Every child flies, and sometimes in the wrong direction.” Ghai also added that the climax of the film, which was shot in a police station was scheduled after his release from jail. 

In April 1993, Sanjay was arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act. He was released on bail a month later and was later arrested again. He was then released in October 1995. He was convicted under the Arms Act by TADA Court in 2006 where he was found guilty of possessing a 9mm pistol and an AK-56 rifle but acquitted of more serious charges. Dutt spent jail time from 2013 to 2016 and details of the same were shown in his biopic, Sanju.