One of the most beloved actors of Indian cinema, Sanjay Dutt, also a producer and occasional singer, has been an integral part of industry for over four decades. Known for versatile roles in action, romance, and comedy, he has appeared in over 160 films. His life, marked by professional triumphs and personal challenges, remains a subject of public interest.
Early Life and Career
Sanjay Balraj Dutt was born on July 29, 1959, in Bombay. His parents, Sunil Dutt and Nargis, were iconic Hindi film actors and politicians. Sunil Dutt belonged to the Punjabi Hindu Hussaini Brahmin community, with roots in Jhelum, now Pakistan. His mother, of Punjabi Muslim descent, was the daughter of film and music legend Jaddanbai.
Sanjay has two sisters: Priya Dutt, a politician, and Namrata Dutt, who is married to actor Kumar Gaurav. His name was chosen via crowdsourcing through the Urdu film magazine Shama. Growing up in a film-centric family, Sanjay was exposed to cinema early.
He faced a traumatic incident at age four when dacoits kidnapped him on the set of his father’s film Mujhe Jeene Do (1963). He was returned unharmed the next day.
Sanjay attended The Lawrence School, a private boarding school in Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh. He struggled academically and developed a drug addiction during high school. He later enrolled at Elphinstone College, Mumbai, but did not complete his degree. The death of his mother from pancreatic cancer in May 1981, days before his debut film’s release, retriggered his drug addiction.
Sanjay Dutt In Films
Sanjay debuted as a child artist in 1971, playing a qawwali singer in his father’s Reshma Aur Shera. His adult debut came with Rocky (1981), a romantic action film directed by Sunil Dutt, opposite Tina Munim. It also stars Reena Roy, Rakhee, and Amjad Khan.
The film ranked among the top ten highest-grossing Bollywood films of 1981. Despite early success, Sanjay faced a career slump in the mid-1980s, with several flops. The slump was mainly due to his struggle with drugs and subsequent rehabilitation. After undergoing drug rehabilitation in the United States in 1984, he adopted the spelling “Sanjay” from “Sunjay” to mark a fresh start.
In this period he starred in some memorable films like Subhash Ghai’s Vidhaata (1982) with Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor and Sanjeev Kumar. He also acted in
Johny I Love You (1982), Main Awara Hoon (1983), Bekaraar (1983), Zameen Aasmaan (1984) and Jaan Ki Baazi (1985).
Breakthrough Of Sanjay Dutt
In 1986 he starred with Kumar Gaurav, Poonam Dhillon, Amrita Singh, Nutan and Paresh Rawal in Mahesh Bhatt’s Naam. The crime thriller, where he played a conflicted young man on the wrongside of the law, proved to be his breakthrough. His intense performence earned him critical acclaim and revived his career. In 1987 he starred opposite Farah in Imaandaar (1987), which became a big musical hit. Its song “Aur is dil kya rakha hai” was a chartbuster.
Sanjay’s filmography spans diverse genres, showcasing his ability to portray heroic, villainous, and comedic characters. In the late 80s he starred in films like Jeeva (1986), Inaam Dus Hazaar (1987), Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1987), Mardon Wali Baat (1988), Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988), Kabzaa (1988), Ilaaka (1989), Kanoon Apna Apna (1989), Hathyar (1989), Kroadh (1990), Thanedaar (1990), and Jeene Do (1990).
The Success
1991 was the transformative year of Sanjay Dutt. He starred in Laurence D’sousa’s musical romantic triangle Saajan (1991). In the film he starred with Madhuri and Salman Khan and was praised for his grounded performance. In the film he played a disabled youngman who is secretly a famous poet. Sanjay’s sensitive portrayal earned a Filmfare Best Actor nomination.
The same year he starred in Mahesh Bhatt’s romantic thriller Sadak with Pooja Bhatt. In the film he plays a young man who decided to rescue a girl from a brothel run by a ruthless transgender. In 1992 he starred in Feroz Khan’s action crime thriller Yalgaar alongside Khan himself, Kabir Bedi, Nagma, and Manisha Koirala. He again collaborated with Mahesh Bhatt for Gumrah opposite Sridevi. He also acted in Ramesh Talwar’s period romance Saahiban with Madhuri and Rishi Kapoor. In the film his character had negative shades.
Perhaps the most famous film of his career was Subhash Ghai’s Khalnayak (1993), which became his identity for a long time. In the crime thriller, Sanjay’s anti-hero role as Ballu garnered a Filmfare nomination. The film’s controversy boosted its popularity. He then starred in Sanjay Gupta’s “Aatish,” with Aditya Pancholi, Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapoor and Atul Agnihotri. The film became a cult classic for the portrayal of Baba (Sanjay) and Nawab (Pancholi)’s friendship.
Legal Troubles
In 1993, Sanay faced the biggest challenge of his career as he was arrested for illegal arms possession under TADA. He was accused of being in conspiracy with the accused of the Mumbai Serial Blasts. Sanjay denied the charges but confessed that he purchased a single gun for his family’s safety after repeated threats. It was reported that his father’s political rivals tried to exaggerate his case. From 1993 to 1997 Sanjay went in and out of jail many times and his career came to a standstill with only a few releases like Amaanat, Andolan, and Jai Vikraanta.
In 1997 he starred in Ram Gopal Verma’s Daud opposite Urmila Matondkar. The film is known for its music by AR Rahman but flopped at the box office. He then starred in Tanuja Chandra’s Dushman with Kajol. As a blind ex-army man, he mentored Kajol’s character to fight against the serial rapist played by Ashutosh Rana. The film was a critical and commercial hit. He followed it with Raj Kanwar’s Daag: The Fire (1999), David Dhawan’s Haseena Maan Jayegi(1999), Sanjay Chhel’s Khoobsurat (1999), and Mahesh Bhatt’s Kartoos (1999).
Resurgence Of Sanjay
The same year he starred in Mahesh Manjrekar’s gritty crime drama Vaastav: The Reality (1999). It’s the story of Raghu, a hard-working street vendor turned gangster. After accidentally killing a goon, Raghu spirals into Mumbai’s underworld. His rise to power leads to betrayal, addiction, and tragedy. The film explores crime’s devastating consequences.
Sanjay portrays Raghu’s transformation from an innocent youth to a hardened don with raw intensity. His performance includes physical stunts and emotional depth, notably in scenes with his father, played by Shivaji Satam, and mother, Reema Lagoo. Sanjay’s portrayal of a gangster won him his first Filmfare Best Actor Award.
Critics lauded his raw intensity and called his portrayal one of the greatest in recent times. The film has since become a cult classic and a cultural phenomenon and marked Sanjay’s career resurgence after legal troubles. He played the role of Raghu’s son in Vaastav’s sequel Hathyar (2002).
He then acted in films like Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Mission Kashmir (2000), Mahesh Manjrekar’s Kurukshetra (2000),David Dhawan’s Chal Mere Bhai (2000), Jodi No. 1 (2001), Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (2002), and Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (2003), Sanjay Gupta’s Khauf (2001), Plan (2004), Musafir (2004), and many more.
Kaante
One of Sanjay’s other memorable films was the thriller Kaante (2002), a story of six criminals planning a bank heist in Los Angeles. The group, led by Ajju (Sanjay Dutt), faces internal conflicts and police pursuit. A twist reveals betrayal within the team. Sanjay plays Jay “Ajju” Rehan, a volatile, loyal gangster. His aggressive demeanour and comedic timing shine in group scenes. Directed by Sanjay Gupta The film was inspired by Reservoir Dogs (1992) and stars Amitabh Bachchan, Suniel Shetty, Mahesh Manjrekar, Kumar Gaurav and Lucky Ali. Sanjay also sang the famous numbers “Jane Kya Hoga Rama Re” and “Chhod Na Re” in the film.
Munna Bhai Series
In 2003 came Dutt’s most iconic role, which changed his image forever. Rajkumar Hirani’s Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.follows Murli Prasad Sharma (Munna Bhai), a goon posing as a medical student to fulfil his father’s dream. His unorthodox methods transform the hospital. The film blends comedy with social commentary on healthcare.
Sanjay infuses the role with humour and heart, improvising iconic dialogues like “Jadoo ki jhappi,” which became a cultural phenomenon. His chemistry with Arshad Warsi (Circuit) drives the film’s appeal. The film redefined Sanjay’s image as a comedic hero and won him a Filmfare Best Comic Role Award.
He collaborated with Hirani for the sequel of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), which sees Munna Bhai hallucinating Mahatma Gandhi, inspiring him to adopt non-violence. He helps people through “Gandhigiri” while battling a corrupt builder. The film mixes comedy with Gandhian principles.
Sanjay reprises Munna Bhai, balancing humour and sincerity. His portrayal of a reformed goon preaching nonviolence earned critical acclaim. The film popularised “Gandhigiri” as a cultural term and influenced social discourse on non-violence.
Other work
Directed by Karan Malhotra, the remake of the 1990 film, Agneepath (2012), follows Vijay Chauhan seeking revenge against Kancha Cheena, who killed his father. Set in Mandwa, the story explores power and betrayal. It blends action with emotional drama. Sanjay plays Kancha Cheena, a psychopathic drug lord. His menacing look—shaved head, tattoos—and chilling dialogue delivery create a memorable villain.
Some of his other memorable films in this period include Parineeta (2005), Shabd (2005), Zinda (2006), Dhamaal (2007), Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007), All the Best (2009), Double Dhamaal (2011), and Son of Sardaar (2012). He again worked with Raju Hirani in the 2014 blockbuster PK starring Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma.
Sentence and Comback
Sanjay Dutt was acquitted by the court from the charges of terrorism in 2014. But he was sentenced for illegal arms possession and went back to jail to complete his sentence.
After his release from jail, the first film he did was Omung Kumar’s Bhoomi (2017). He followed it with Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3 (2018), Kalank (2019), Panipat (2019), Sadak 2 (2020), Torbaaz (2020), and Bhuj: The Pride of India (2021). He also produced and starred in Prassthanam (2019), directed by Deva Katta. The political thriller also stars Ali Fazal, Jackie Shroff and Manisha Koirala.
He ventured into South cinema with Prashanth Neel’s Kannada film K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022). Sanjay’s role as Adheera, a ruthless warrior, was praised for its intensity. The film ranked as the fourth highest-grossing Indian film.
Sanjay has acted in over 160 films across Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Punjabi cinema. Some of his later films include Samrat Prithviraj (2023), Shamshera (2023), Leo (2024), KD – The Devil (2024), and Double iSmart (2025).
Carft and Legacy
anjay’s acting style blends naturalism with intensity. He is a director’s actor; he is one of the rare actors who can do wonders if he finds a director who has the ability to stimulate the actor within him. He also can sleepwalk through a film if the director is not that capable.
Sanjay is a natural actor and mainly draws from his instinct and personal experiences. For Vaastav, he based his character on real-life gangsters he met. In Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., he improvised dialogues to enhance the character’s humour, as noted by director Rajkumar Hirani. Sanjay prepares minimally, relying on instinct over method acting. He adapts to directors’ visions, excelling in situational comedy and emotional depth. His physicality—tall frame, muscular build, and distinctive walk—amplifies his screen presence, especially in strong roles. He often performs stunts himself, adding realism to films.
Sanju (2018), directed by Rajkumar Hirani, chronicled his life. Ranbir Kapoor played Sanjay. The film is among India’s highest-grossing films. Sanjay made a cameo appearance.
Personal Life
Sanjay’s personal life has been turbulent. He dated Tina Munim, his Rocky co-star, from 1981 to 1983. Their relationship ended due to his drug issues. Rumours linked him to Madhuri Dixit during Saajan and Khalnayak, though neither confirmed it. He allegedly dated Nadia Durrani before and during his marriage to Rhea Pillai.
First Marriage: Married actress Richa Sharma in 1987, whom he met in the U.S. while he was in rehab. They had a daughter, Trishala Dutt, born in 1988. Richa died of a brain tumour in 1996. Sanjay lost custody of Trishala, who lives in the U.S. with her maternal grandparents.
Second Marriage: Married model Rhea Pillai on February 14, 1998. They divorced in 2008. Sanjay provided Rhea with alimony, including a sea-view condominium and a car.
Third Marriage: Married Manyata (born Dilnawaz Sheikh) in 2008. They have twins, Shahraan and Iqra, born on October 21, 2010.
Sanjay Dutt on IMDB
