Sanjay Dutt's fledgling political career just got a little bigger. He has been invited by South Africa's ruling party the African National Congress (ANC) to campaign for their forthcoming elections.

Says Dharam Oberoi the CEO of Sanjay Dutt Productions, "South Africa has a sizeable Indian population who are just crazy about Indian films and stars. But Mr Dutt is a special craze among Indians in South Africa. Yes, the ANC has asked Mr Dutt to campaign and influence votes among the Indians."

Taking time off from his a choc-a-bloc schedule Sanjay Dutt flies off to Durban on Saturday night to campaign round the clock for the next two days for the ANC, an exercise that he sees as extremely useful for his political ambitions in Lucknow.

Confirming his whirlwind trip to South African and the very special political mission Sanjay Dutt says, "Yes, the ANC has invited me to South Africa to kick off the campaign for their president elect Mr Zuma."

What truly thrills Dutt is the fabulous fillip this trip would give to his Gandhian ‘Munnabhai' image.

Says the exultant star, "It's an amazing coincidence. But Mahatma Gandhi's political career started in South Africa, and even mine will kickstart from South Africa now, in a way.

Because I'm going to those areas which are now considered Gandhiji's settlements in Durban with Mr Zuma for a day and will seek Gandhiji's support and blessings in those areas that he frequented in Durban during his stay."

Sanjay Dutt returns to Mumbai on March 3 to resume shooting for Blue.