Sanjay Dutt's wife Maanayata Dutt to host Raksha Bandhan lunch for the family

Raksha Bandhan has an extra special place in every Indian household. But in Sanjay Dutt’s life, it is the most significant day because even when he was incarcerated under the Arms Act, his sisters Namrata (fondly called Anju by the family) and Priya Dutt, ex-Congress MP and social activist always made it a point to send the Bollywood superstar the sacred thread.

Dutt, in turn, has reciprocated their love in many ways. Post marriage, of course, his wife Maanayata has taken over the responsibility of maintaining the tradition. An insider says, “Each year, Maana ensures there is a family lunch. Priya, who lives in the same building (in fact, she is Sanju’s immediate neighbour), and Anju, who lives a short distance away in Bandra, assemble at Sanju’s 11th floor home for the traditional rakhi ceremony followed by a sumptuous lunch. Maana cooks some of the dishes personally and supervises a small puja, which is done before the food is served.’’

This year will be no different. Maanayata and Sanju have already conveyed to his sisters that they have to mark the Sunday in their calendars. Like it is said, the family that eats and prays together stays together.