Prison rules need to be changed: Dutt

Out on bail, actor Sanjay Dutt feels that there is a need to bring about a change in the rules and regulations of Indian prisons which are still following British manuals. The actor believes that he managed to survive his prison term due to his experience of living alone in hostels.

"It is not an easy thing. I don't understand the jail rules and regulations. There is no communication, you can't meet your family," he said in an interview to Karan Thapar on the Devil's Advocate programme.

"I questioned myself. We got independence 60 years ago and yet we are living in the British times. We follow the same British manuals which have been left behind," the actor said.

On whether he would favour a change in the system, he said, "I wish I could change the system but I cannot do anything about it. If we can change the system people could be much better".

On whether he had wanted to meet his family more often, the actor said, "It is very necessary to meet them and be connected to them and you can't meet them always. You can meet your family only once a month".

"Spending Diwali in jail was a very sad part. I couldn't be with my family," Dutt added.

On how he feels after being out of jail, he said, "I think one should not live in the past and move on and carry on with your daily activities and carry on with your work and not be left behind".

"Jail is basically a reformatory....it is not a good place to be in. If you look at the positive side, that is the only connection with God," Dutt said, adding that he used to spend long hours praying in prison.

Quizzed about his routine in prison, the star of the hit Munnabhai series said he used to make wicker chairs and admitted that he found it difficult initially.

Dutt said that the food, though not the best, was edible. But it was difficult to be alone.

"It is not an easy thing, but being in a boarding school and all helped me. I pulled it off because of this," he added.

Asked about his feelings on being out on bail and whether he felt that a sword was hanging over his head, he said, "I don't think about it. I have to take forward the legacy of my father and my mother".

"Prison either breaks you or makes you depending on the person you are," Dutt added.