Sanjay Dutt to complete preliminary treatment in Mumbai, says wife Maanayata

Last week, after actor Sanjay Dutt announced he would be taking a medical break from work, came word that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and would be flying to the US for treatment. Yesterday, the actor's wife Maanayata updated everyone on his status by putting out a statement late in the day.

She began by thanking everyone for the love and warmth bestowed on Sanjay over the years. “Sanju has been through many ups and downs in his life, but what has kept him going through every tough phase has always been your adulation and support,” she wrote. “And for this, we will always be grateful. We are now being tested through yet another challenge, and I know, the same love and warmth will see him through this time as well.”

Maanayata said the only way the family could tackle this was through positivity and grace. “We are going to go about our life as normally as possible, with a smile, because this will be a tough fight and a long journey. And, we need to do this for Sanju, without any negativity setting in,” she shared.

She and their children, nine-year-old twins Shahraan and Iqra, were away in Dubai during the lockdown. They have now returned due to Sanjay's diagnosis, but remain in the mandatory quarantine period.

Thankfully, younger sister Priya has been there by his side. “Priya, who has worked extensively over two decades with our family-run cancer foundation, and who has also seen her mother battle this illness, has been our incredible torchbearer, while I will hold the fort,” she continued.

Furthermore, Maanayata added that Sanjay will complete his preliminary treatment in Mumbai. “We will formulate further plans of travel depending on how and when the COVID situation eases. As of now, Sanju is in the best hands of our esteemed doctors at Kokilaben hospital,” she elaborated.

The family has not yet confirmed his lung cancer diagnosis, and Maanayata asked everyone to stop speculating the stage of his illness and asked to let the doctors continue their work. She said the family would share regular updates.  

Adding that Sanjay was the heart and soul of the family and a father figure to sisters Anju and Priya, she ended by saying, “While our family is shaken up, we are determined to fight tooth and nail. With God and your prayers on our side, together we will overcome, and emerge as winners.”

The actor's next film, Sadak 2 (2020), is due to be released on Disney+ Hotstar on 28 August.