Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt is racing to complete work on several film projects before he has to head back to prison following his failed appeal against a 2007 conviction on weapons charges.

The actor must surrender to authorities in late April (13) to begin serving a five-year term for purchasing weapons from bombers responsible for the 1993 terrorist blasts in Mumbai, India and he is using his remaining days as a free man to wrap up his outstanding projects.

Dutt, who alleged he needed the illegal guns to defend his family during widespread riots in 1993, admitted he was "heartbroken" last week (21Mar13) after judges decided to uphold his previous conviction, and he has now revealed that he will not be asking Indian government officials to grant him a reprieve.

He says, "I respect the Supreme Court's verdict. I have not applied for any pardon. There are many other people who deserve pardon."

However, Dutt cannot hide his devastation at the ruling: "I am a shattered man. This is a very tough time in my and my family's life (sic). I have a few days left (before returning to prison).

"I have a lot of work (left to finish) and I want to finish it. I want to (also) stay (sic) all this time with my family. Please let me be in peace. I love my country."

Dutt was initially sentenced to six years behind bars in 2007 for doing business with the terrorists, who killed 257 people and wounded 713 others during the Mumbai bombings 20 years ago. He was released on bail as he fought the conviction, and although the verdict was upheld, his sentence was reduced to five years.