The sentence of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt by the Supreme Court in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blast case has caused uproar in the film industry with everyone supporting the actor.
Bollywood's Munnabhai, Sanjay Dutt on Thursday was directed to serve a five-year jail term for the illegal possession of weapons during the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. The actor will serve three years and six months since he has already served 18 months in jail.
Bollywood celebrities from Vidya Balan to Rajkumar Hirani were seen visiting Dutt's residence in Mumbai after the court verdict was out.
Celebrities from all the film industry including Priyanka Chopra, Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar, Riteish Deshmukh, Bipasha Basu and Jaya Bachchan among others came out in support of the actor.
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth is the latest to join the list of celebrities who have come out in support of Sanjay Dutt. The actor on Friday said that he was "disturbed" by the verdict.
"I was very disturbed when I heard my friend and a lovely person Sanjay Dutt's verdict (by the Supreme Court). The current support and appeal for his pardon is giving me hope," the Tamil icon said in a statement, according to PTI.
"I pray to God that he gets remedy and spends at least the rest of his life peacefully," Rajinikanth said.
Veteran Bollywood actress Jaya Bachchan, MP of Samajwadi Party, supporting the actor said that she is personally going to appeal the governor to pardon Dutt.
"I agree with everyone that he (Sanjay Dutt) has suffered a lot. I believe that he should not be given such a big punishment. He is a changed man now. I'm going to personally appeal governor and ask him to pardon him," Jaya said.
Several celebrities took to Twitter and other micro blogging sites to show their support.
Priyanka Chopra tweeted: "My heart goes out to Sanju sir and his family..the nicest gentlest person..I pray for some respite for him through our judiciary.. (sic)".
Hrithik Roshan tweeted: "I cannot comprehend. I know d law is d LAW. But I can bet my Life 2 say that Sanju sir doesn't deserve this! D most loved man!i stand for Sanjay dutt."
Karan Johar tweeted: "I am truly shattered to hear of Sanju's sentence...the nicest guy i have known just doesnt deserve this...my heart goes out to him..."
Bipasha Basu tweeted: "Saddenned n shocked with the news about Sanjay Dutt's Jail sentence.Strength to him n his family."
Riteish Deshmukh: "One does respect the SC judgement- but in my personal capacity- my heart goes out to Sanju sir n his family. Having Worked with Sanjay Dutt in three films n 10yrs in d industry one thing I can say for sure is that he is the nicest n d most loved."
Celebrities like Sujoy Ghosh, Vidya Balan, Ranbir Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Raju Hirani, Sophie Choudry and director Apoorva Lakhia arrived at Dutt's residence in Mumbai to extend their support.
