In 1979, the Dutt family posed for this photograph, which was sent to friends as a New Year card. It was impossible for any of these smiling faces to guess that two years later, life would turn so bleak

Sanjay Dutt’s letter to his sister Priya while he was held at Thane jail for possessing illegal arms

Thane Jail,
29th Oct, ’94

My dearest darling sister Pri,

Hi! I hope you all are fine, and I hope you all have got my speed post. The days are passing slow and it get (sic) boring in here, but I have to pass them somehow — I read, write and pray a lot.

I started reading the “Ramayan” today and it is fantastic. I really haven’t seen you properly nor have I received any letter from you — please write back to me and tell me what’s happening.

It’s 11.30 at night right now and I can’t sleep. I am thinking about all the Diwalis we all spent together and it makes me sad that I can’t be with you all this year, but God willing and with the grace of Baba, we will have many more beautiful Diwalis together. Pri, this Diwali call Rhea (Pillai) home and let her spend Diwali with the family — it will make me real happy.

You know Pri today, I washed my room — I put water and then Dettol soap, took a jhadoo and really did safai (written in Hindi) like we used to do on our terrace and now my room is all shining.

Dad came to see me today and he was sounding pretty good and positive and that was good. I wonder what’s happening. He keeps telling me (that in) November things will fall in place — I hope it is TRUE — I am dying to come back home now. It’s enough.

How is (sic) Anju, Saachi and Siya (Namrata and her daughters)? Tell them I miss them and how is Bunts (Kumar Gaurav)? Tell him to have a drink for me. Rest all is fine. I just hope to be out soon — at least by Dec end or early Jan.

I pray to God to make that possible. I miss you all and love you all too much. Write and tell me what’s happening, anything positive? Rest all fine — I love you and miss you too much.

Lots of love,
Your Bhaiya

PS: Where is Baba’s photograph Anju was sending? Send it soon.

Mid-Day