Mumbai, 19 August
Maanayata Dutt, wife of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, has released an official statement to update information on the actor, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
In the statement, Maanayata said the actor’s initial treatment would continue at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. The family would consider going abroad for further treatment if the Covid pandemic situation becomes easier.
The statement read: “To all the fans and volunteers of Sanju, I can not begin to thank you for the love and warmth you have shown him all these years.
“Sanju has been through many ups and downs in his life, but what has happened to him through every difficult phase has always been your adulation and support. And for that we will always be grateful. We are now being tested by yet another challenge, and I know , the same love and warmth will see him through this time as well.
“As a family, we have decided to approach this with positivity and grace. We will go about our lives as normally as possible, with a smile, because this will be a difficult struggle and a long journey. And, we must do this for Sanju, without any negativity in it.
“In these sad times, I have unfortunately not been to his side in the hospital, because of my quarantine at home which ends in a few days. Every battle has a torchbearer and one who keeps the fort. (Sister of Sanjay Dutt ) Priya, who has worked extensively for over two decades with our Family Cancer Foundation, and who has also seen her mother fight this disease, has been our incredible torchbearer while I will keep it fort.
“For those who ask, Sanju will complete his preliminary treatment in Mumbai. We will formulate further travel plans, depending on how and when he loses the covid situation. From now on, Sanju is in the best hands of our eight doctors at Kokilaben Hospital.
“I urge everyone, with my full hands, to stop speculating about the stage of his illness and the doctors to continue to do their job. We will all update you regularly on his progress.
“Sanju is not only my husband and father to our children, but he has also been a father figure to Anju and Priya, after they lost their parents.
“He is the heart and soul of our family.
“While our family is shocked, we are determined to fight teeth and nails. With God and your prayers on our side, we will overcome together, and emerge as winners,” Maanayata concluded her statement.
On August 11, Dutt, who had recently been hospitalized due to breathing and chest problems, shared that he took a break for medical treatment.
Although the 61-year-old actor and his family have not officially revealed anything to date, trade analyst and industry insider Komal Nahta wrote the same evening on his verified Twitter account: “Sanjay Dutt diagnosed with lung cancer. Let’s pray for his speedy recovery “. IANS
