Karan Malhotra: We had no idea Sanjay sir had cancer while shooting Shamshera

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Sanjay Dutt has been in the entertainment industry for the past four decades and witnessed several highs and lows, professionally and personally. As a result, he is one of the most amazing actors who has delivered some of the most thrilling performances. Now, as the actor will portray another exciting negative character in Shamshera, the director of the film, Karan Malhotra revealed how his respect for Dutt increased after learning that he shot the film like a professional despite battling cancer, personally.

Calling him a superman, Karan revealed during a recent interview, “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 as if 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 added, “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.”

“It is exemplary how he silently showed us that we too can face life's adversities with a smile on our faces. To me, Sanjay sir is a superman and there is no one like him. I'm indebted for his support towards Shamshera. He is a constant guide and a mentor to me,” the filmmaker said.

Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in August 2020 and went through treatment for it. After a few months, the actor declared that he was cancer free and stated that he was happy to have battled through this and emerged victorious.