Sanjay Dutt

From Arisepedia


Sanjay Dutt
Born 29 July 1959
Birthplace Bombay, Bombay State, India (now Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Nationality Indian
Education The Lawrence School, Sanawar
Alma mater Elphinstone College, Mumbai
Occupation Actor, film producer, playback singer
Years active 1981–present
Known for Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Vaastav, Khalnayak, Agneepath
Spouse(s) Richa Sharma (m. 1987; died 1996)
Rhea Pillai (m. 1998; div. 2008)
Manyata Dutt (m. 2008)
Parents Sunil Dutt (father)
Nargis Dutt (mother)

Sanjay Balraj Dutt (born 29 July 1959) is an Indian actor, film producer, and playback singer known for his extensive work in Hindi cinema, along with appearances in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Punjabi films. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has acted in over 160 films and is widely recognised for portraying intense, morally complex, and unconventional characters.[1]

Born to legendary actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis, Dutt made his lead debut with Rocky (1981). He rose to prominence with films such as Naam, Saajan, Sadak, and Khalnayak. His performance in Vaastav: The Reality earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor and is regarded as one of the finest performances in Indian cinema.[2]

Early life and education

Sanjay Dutt was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra. He studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, and later attended Elphinstone College, Mumbai. As a child, he appeared briefly in Reshma Aur Shera (1971). The death of his mother shortly before his debut deeply affected him and marked a turbulent phase in his life.[3]

Career

Dutt gained early recognition in the 1980s, but it was Naam (1986) that established him as a major star. In the 1990s, he became one of Bollywood’s most bankable actors with films like Saajan, Sadak, and Khalnayak. His portrayal of a Mumbai gangster in Vaastav (1999) won him widespread acclaim.

The 2000s marked a reinvention with Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) and Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), which transformed his public image and became cultural landmarks. He later received praise for strong roles in Agneepath, PK, and Shootout at Lokhandwala.

In recent years, Dutt expanded into South Indian cinema, earning acclaim for antagonist roles in K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022) and Leo (2023). He continues to work on major upcoming projects including Dhurandhar, Baaghi 4, and KD: The Devil.

Personal life

Sanjay Dutt has been married three times and is the father of three children. His life story inspired the biographical film Sanju (2018), which received critical and commercial success.

Legacy

Sanjay Dutt is regarded as one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema. Known for redefining the anti-hero archetype, his versatility and powerful screen presence have earned him lasting popularity. He has been featured in Outlook India’s list of the “75 Best Bollywood Actors”.

Awards and recognition

  • Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Vaastav: The Reality
  • Filmfare Award for Best Comedian – Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.
  • Multiple Screen, Stardust, and critics’ awards

References