As the first lady and wife to the veteran actor Sanjay Dutt, there is little to deny Manyata Dutt's thirst for limelight; the lady whose past is shrouded in mystery. While scribes claim she is 36, once she was quoted as saying that only 6 years separated her from Sanjay's daughter Trishala.

Born in Mumbai, Manyata previously known as Dilnawaz Shaikh was mainly brought up in Dubai, where her family was settled. With her love for glamour and glitter the lady tried her hand at acting which of course did not make much headway. Before her affair and marriage to actor Sanjay Dutt, she was known for the item number performed by her in Gangajaal.

Her involvement with actor Sanjay Dutt has always been steeped in controversy. The lady who came into his life when the actor was dating Nadia, was supposed to have been introduced to him by Nitin Manmohan. Apparently, simple looking and plainly dressed Manyata had the actor completely mesmerized. It is said that her culinary skills worked wonders with him.

Affair leading to the much publicized marriage which in turn led to the birth of twins were accompanied by much publicity and fanfare. She always hit the headlines for wrong reasons. There were rumours that her previous marriage to a Dubai based business-man was not yet annulled. People accused her of distancing Sanjay from her sisters Manyata and Priya. Despite these, she had the unconditional support of her husband.

Only time will prove whether it is love or an ulterior motive which goaded Manyata to win the heart of Sanjay Dutt.