The star's friends and staff say Dutt has been on tenterhooks ever since Amar Singh fell ill.
"He just can't get over the fact that one more person close to him feel seriously ill. First it was his mother whom Sanjay lost at a young age. Then his first wife Richa Sharma went with shocking suddenness.
Sanjay's father's loss left him shattered all over again. Now when Amar Singhji fell ill, Sanjay felt almost guilty. He has begun to feel people close to him come to harm."
Given his mood celebrations are the last thing on Dutt's mind. "Sanjay's biggest blow was when he couldn't be by Amar Singhji's side during the surgery in Singapore because a visa was denied. The fact that he isn't free to be with his loved ones hit Sanjay hard, " says a source.
He flew to Cape Town in a dark mood. "Doing slapstick comedies is not quite his prescription for wellbeing at the moment. Sanjay finished one comedy in Goa and left for another in South Africa, " says a source close to the actor.
There was some talk of close friends flying down to Cape Town to be with him for his birthday on 29 July.
But Dutt nipped the idea in the bud.
When asked about his birthday plans Sanjay Dutt says, "I don't want to celebrate until Amar Singhji is in hospital. Once he's back to Mumbai we'll celebrate my 50th birthday. I'll just be shooting on my birthday."
Sanjay's wife Maanyata flew down to be with Dutt on Monday. Her birthday in Cape Town on July 22 was also a quiet affair. Two of the actor's best friends Suniel Shetty and Anil Kapoor are also shooting with him in Cape Town.
Whether Dutt likes it or not Maanyata, Suniel and Anil have decided not to let Sanjay Dutt's 50th birthday go without at least a small celebration.