Court convicted me for six years but people acquitted me with all respect, '' said noted actor Sanjay Dutt, affectionately called 'Munna Bhai'', in an emotionally-choked voice while addressing a youth gathering.

Addressing the gathering at the historic Sri Krishna Memorial Hall on the occasion of prize distribution ceremony of Sukhdeo Narain Cricket tournament here yesterday, Mr Dutt said he felt traumatised after conviction by the TADA court but got a new lease of life with the affection showered by people who stood behind him in the hour of crisis.

Dutt, who effortlessly propagated the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi in his film ''Munna Bhai'', exhorted the youth not to fall in the vicious trap of addiction.

''It's easy to get addicted but very difficult to come out of the trap, '' he said, and cautioned them to stay away from the temptation of addiction for leading a ''healthy and happy'' life.

''Dutt is not only a film icon but also pioneer in popularising the 'gym culture' among the youth, '' said veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha while speaking on the occasion.

''It is a different matter that Munna Bhai got addicted but he managed to come out of the trap and his 'glowing face and vigour' were indicative of that, '' Mr Sinha pointed out while asking the youth to stay away from it.

''Dutt is an inspiring figure among the youth population who successfully propagated the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi across the nation and abroad which was difficult to spread otherwise through any academic discussion, '' said senior Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh while addressing the gathering.

Manyata, wife of Dutt, was also present on the occasion among other distinguished personalities.