Bollywood actor Dutt freed on bail
Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:08AM BST

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By Krittivas Mukherjee
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, jailed for six years for receiving guns from gangsters involved in the country's worst bombings, was released from prison on bail in western India early on Thursday.
Dutt, sporting a beard and a shaved head, walked free following 24 days in jail and after being granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday while his lawyers challenge the conviction.

"I knew he would walk out free. I'm so happy," Trishala Dutt, the actor's daughter and a U.S. resident, told local television by telephone. "I can't believe it's happening."
The macho actor began serving his six-year sentence on July 31 -- less the 16 months he served while awaiting trial over the bomb attacks that killed 257 people in India's commercial capital of Mumbai in 1993.
Dutt, 48, stepped out of the jail in Pune city and shook the hands of police officers before leaving for home.
Dressed in a white, striped shirt, he was received by a few friends and lawyers, flown to Mumbai in a private jet and then driven to his house in a black limousine.
The actor, who earned fame playing anti-hero and gangster roles, was welcomed by family and friends, some of whom had arrived from overseas. A coconut was broken at the doorstep as an auspicious ritual and part of an emotional reception.
At Dutt's home in a swish Mumbai neighbourhood, his family was preparing for a special thanksgiving prayer to be performed by Hindu priests