Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt on Thursday denied reports that he had married Manyata, a small-time actress who had accompanied him to the Star Screen Awards a few days ago.

Dutt had reportedly admitted to Mumbai-based tabloid Mid-Day that he and Manyata had a secretly-held wedding at his house on November 19, 2006.

Dutt and Manyata spoke to the tabloid at 3 am on Thursday morning and apparently told the correspondent to publish the story. The newspaper, however, could not publish it in the morning edition but in the afternoon edition.

As the sensational news spread like wildfire, Dutt went into denial mode by Thursday evening.

In a meeting with media persons, Dutt did a complete volte face. Denying his marriage to Manyata, the actor said that he had said those words to Mid-Day because he was tired of the 'affair rumours' and wanted no-one to point a finger on Manyata.

"If I was married, why will I hide it? Marriage is a sacred institution. I believe in the institution of marriage and if I marry I will announce it to the whole world," Dutt said.

"Manyata is from a respectable family and I feel bad for her. She is going through all this because of me. I want to say sorry for whatever happened," he added.

Asked about Manyata's status in his life, Dutt said, "She is a good friend of mine and very special to me."

"There are so many men and women who go out for dinner and no one points a finger at them. But when I go out with Manyata, why is there such a hue and cry? I have known her for a long time and she has a special place in my life," he said.

Dutt and Manyata were first seen together in public at the Star Screen Awards.

According to media reports, Manyata is a 'failed actress' and her last claim to fame was an item number in Prakash Jha's Gangajal.

Speaking about his priorities in life, Sanjay said, "My first priority is my daughter and then my sisters. Moreover, I can think of my life only after my court case is over. I cannot think about marriage at this moment."

Dutt's bail application will come up in Mumbai's TADA court next week and the judge will decide whether to extend the actor's bail or not. He was convicted under the Arms Act for possessing illegal weapons but was freed from serious offence of terrorist charges.

Dutt was earlier married to the late Richa Sharma and their daughter Trishala is studying in the US. Sanjay then married model Rhea Pillai but the marriage did not last long. After their divorce, Pillai married tennis player Leander Paes, with whom she has a daughter.