Bollywood Star Convicted In Mumbai Blasts Trial
Filed under: Drama, Foreign Language, Music & Musicals, Romance, Celebrities and Controversy, Newsstand, Cinematical Indie
I think we are all used to a little scandal with our celebrities; a couch jump here, a nip-slip there and even the odd racist tirade. But a trial in India surrounding Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt has them all beat.Just days after having one his films chosen as an eligible Foreign Selection for the Oscars (Lage raho Munnabhai), Sanjay Dutt has been convicted for his role in a wave of bombings that swept the city of Mumbai, India in 1993. Over 250 people were killed during the blasts, and families have waited over 13 years to see the accused brought to trial. Dutt was a one of Bollywood's most respected stars and this story has gripped India for weeks now. Dutt was accused of criminal conspiracy under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, and possession of illegal arms under the Arms Act. Dutt was found guilty of the firearm possession, but acquitted of all other charges.
The bombings had been linked to Indian organized crime, which has long been rumored to be connected to the entertainment business. The Indian film industry is the biggest in the world in terms of the number of films produced and tickets sold. So if you are unfamiliar with the Bollywood phenomenon, this is the equivalent of Jack Nicholson going on a bombing rampage in downtown LA -- it's that big. It's not over yet though, as Dutt is still out on bail and is awaiting sentencing on December 19.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-29-2006 @ 8:09PM
Pranav said...
THIS IS THE SAME MAN WHO'S MOVIE MUNNA BHAI M.B.B.S IS BEING REMADE IN HOLLYWOOD AS GANGSTA M.D. (CHRIS TUCKER IN TALKS)
The man was already convicted back in '93, he was a nobody then ... pretty much like Kirk Douglas's son Michael minus the things that made him Michael (i.e. Dutt's dad was a legend in the HINDI FILM Industry and recently a politician before passing on last year). When he came out of prison (I remember it to be a few months) he was lauded by the dumb and blinded followers and politicians and after over ten years in the industry, the man gave his first major movie hit.
His wrongdoing was that he got involved with the "mafia" at the same time as the bombings took place. Ever since his arrest, he had been going to courts and attending hearings. That's right, all these past years he had to get permission each time he wanted to travel internationally. And finally the verdict comes in. I read even he said, and I quote, "Either convict me or don't ... but do it soon".
Hopefully the Judge presiding on the case will not be impaired by political pressure and will deliver a just sentence.
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