Actor Sanjay Dutt, who was handed down a five-year jail term in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts, for the first time addressed the media outside his residence since the verdict.

Sanjay on Thursday broke his silence and said that he will surrender within the deadline set by Supreme Court. He also said that he has not sought pardon. 

Last week, the Supreme Court upheld Sanjay's conviction under the Arms Act for illegal possession of weapons during the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

"I have the highest respect for Supreme Court and I have the highest respect of what the decision is and I will abide to all the terms and condition. I will surrender when the time is given. All I can say is that I have not applied for pardon; there are many other people who deserve pardon," the actor told the press.

"I will request the media people and the citizen of my country that when I am not going for pardon then there is no debate about it."

Struck by emotion, the 53-year-old actor broke down several times and requested the media to leave him alone till the time he is out.

"Right now, I am a shattered man, my family is shattered. It's a very very tough times in our life. I want to thank everybody who supported me.

"I want to tell everybody that only few days are left. I have lot of work and want to finish it before I surrender. I have to spend the remaining time with my family. With folded hands I request media to let me be in peace till the time I am here.

"I love my country, I love the citizens of my country and I love India," the actor said.

The SC has given Sanjay four weeks time, starting from 21 March, to surrender. He was initially given a six year jail term by the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) court, but the court lowered it to five years since he already served 18 months in jail. He is now required to serve the remaining 42 months in jail.  

According to reports, Sanjay will shoot TP Agarwal's 'Policegiri' in which he is paired opposite Prachi Desai. The film is currently being shot in Hyderabad and Chennai.

His other films that are currently under pre-production are Rajkumar Hirani's "P.K (PeeKay)", Karan Johar's "Unglee" and Apoorva Lakhia's remake of "Zanjeer".