NEW DELHI: Having directed Sanjay Dutt in blockbusters like Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) and Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), one would think Rajkumar Hirani and the actor are close friends. However, the director shares that he only really got to know the legendary actor when the he got out on parole earlier this year for two months and it was then when he decided that the story of his life must be told.

As reported by Hindustan Times, Hirani said: "I just went to meet him once, and he opened up and started talking about his life. He has never done that before. He literally poured his heart out because by then, he had already spent some time in jail, and he was like, ‘let me finish the complete term, and do away with it once and for all'".

Intrigued by Dutt's stories, Hirani added: "I felt, God! What a life he’s led! That’s the day I thought there’s a story in there, and then I sat with him for 25 days, every evening, seven to eight hours, and started meeting his friends. But we don’t want to glorify him (in the film)."

Talking to dnaindia.com, he shared: "I knew Sanjay for the longest time and I have seen the multi facets to his personality. But the way this person has suffered so much is unbelievable. So much has happened to him in one lifetime. People need to know about it."

The untitled project is still in the initial stages.

The 3 Idiots director also said: "There's a lot more research left. After finishing with PK, I will meet his family members, other people and friends to know more about him. We will touch some of his life's episodes and will leave out on some."

Dutt has currently applied for a 14-day furlough from Pune’s Yerwada Jail where he is serving a sentence for illegal possession of arms in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.