Karan Malhotra: I will never offer Sanjay Dutt a role which is not deserving of him – Exclusive – Times of India

Sanjay Dutt’s performance as Kancha Cheena in the 2012 remake of Agneepath excites audiences to date. Likewise, glimpses of his role in Ranbir Kapoor‘s upcoming Shamshera has got the fans excited and some have even expressed that it’s looking as iconic as Dutt’s recent portrayal in KGF: Chapter 2. Director Karan Malhotra, who’s given Sanjay both Agneepath and Shamshera, feels they have a strong connection.

Speaking about his rapport with Sanjay Dutt, Karan said, “My connection with Sanju sir started only after Agneepath. I enjoyed working with him on Agneepath a lot. The way he owned Kancha Cheena was unbelievable. When we were creating Shudh Singh’s character, Sanju sir automatically came to mind.”

Describing his experience of working with Sanjay the second time, Karan recalled, “He came to the sets and asked me ‘Beta bata kya karna hai?’ I told him this is what the scene is and these are the dialogues. Then he’d ask me, ‘Tu ek baar kar ke dikha’. I would play the whole part for him and he would look at me with childlike excitement, watching me do the part.” He further added, “Eventually, Sanju sir makes the role his own and delivers in his own phenomenal screen presence and style. Now with him, I don’t have to tell him anything in words. Eye contact mein ho jaata hai.”

Having formed the creative partnership and bond, Karan has pledged to only offer his best while working with Sanjay. He said, “I will never go to Sanjay sir with a role which is not deserving of him. Because I know he won’t say no to me. So, I would never do that. He and his presence in my films are very special to me. I will try to respect that as much as I can.”