Friends from different parts of the world have flown in to celebrate
the day and Sanjay says he also wanted his sisters - Namrata and
Priya - to join him on this special day in his life.
"I've invited them. The day I turn 50 is
important for me. And I'd like my family to be near me. I wish
they could be here. No matter what misunderstandings we had, I'd
like to wash them away on my 50th birthday."
Excerpts from an interview:
Q: In Mumbai, the buzz is that your friends and
family are flying in for your birthday?
A: I don't want any celebrations until Amar Singhji
(Samajwadi Party general secretary) recovers. Once he returns
to Delhi, I'll have a birthday celebration with him. But I heard
from the grapevine here that the unit of "No Problem"
are planning a small get-together for my birthday. But when I
asked them they said, no party. But my friends are flying down.
Q: Who are they?
A: Paresh from Chicago. I've known him for the
last 25 years. We've grown up together. Then there's Mac from
Los Angeles, another old and dear friend. Imran Ismail, who's
here in South Africa. These are my three best friends who will
be here on my birthday.
Q: And from Mumbai?
A: Well I heard Bunty Walia is coming. Everything
he does is announced on Facebook. So he has announced he's coming
for my birthday.
Q: Have you invited your sisters?
A: Yes, I have. I've invited them. The day I
turn 50 is important for me. And I'd like my family to be near
me. That's the way my parents would've wanted it. I wish they
could be here, but they're busy with their own lives. No matter
what misunderstandings we had, I'd like to wash them away on my
50th birthday. It's sad they can't be here. But I'm sure they've
more important things to do.
Q: Tell me about your most memorable birthday?
A: They've all been memorable in their own way,
even the ones that came in my worst days. I don't like a big birthday
bash. I just want my near ones on my birthday. It's tough to remember
my past. But I want to move on.
Q: It's very difficult to imagine Sanju Baba
being 50.
A: At heart I'm still Baba. But when I look into
the mirror, it's a reality. And I do feel 50, but not old. I've
been in the film industry for so long. Yes, it's been a long innings.
In the last 18 years, I've been fighting for my freedom and I
feel the burden of the struggle now. I want to be free, Subhash.
I want to walk into any consulate and get my
visa. I want my passport to be with me. I want to visit any country
I want. Most important of all, I want the court cases to end.
Q: So your mentor is recovering?
A: He is not my mentor. He is my brother and
family. Amar Singhji stands by his friends and we've to stand
by our friends. As soon as I get my visa, I'll fly down from here
(in Cape Town) to Singapore to spend a couple of days with him.
Q: So this friendship will last?
A: I've been betrayed by so-called friends many
times. But this time I feel I've found a true friend. I've known
him for 16 years. He has always stood by me, always been there
in the worst situations in my life.
Q: Your one birthday wish?
A: Freedom. Can you gift me my freedom for my
birthday? Otherwise the biggest gift god has given me is my wife
Manyata. She has stood by me and supported me unconditionally.
I'm very lucky to have her by side.
Q: What about a baby?
A: If that happens my happiness would be complete.
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