Sanjay Dutt is certainly much more than a Bollywood superstar, and is a survivor and a symbol of resilience.
It would not be wrong to say that there are only few other stories that are as compelling as that of Sanjay Dutt – a man who has seen the high of fame while battling the darkest storms of controversy. However, it is his story of remarkable comebacks that has inspired everyone over the years. As Sanjay Dutt celebrates his 66th birthday, let’s recall his journey, which is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Born to actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis, Sanjay made his debut with Rocky (1981), which brought him immediate recognition. In fact, the 1980s and early 1990s saw him emerge as a quintessential “bad boy” of Bollywood as he embodied masculinity in hit films such as Saajan (1991) and Khal Nayak (1993).
However, his initial success years were marred by turmoil in his personal life. After struggling with drug addiction, he witnessed several bouts of rehab. But his biggest storm was certainly in 1993 when he was arrested under charges of arms possession related to the Mumbai serial blasts. The years that followed saw him in and around court cases, jail terms, and public scrutiny.
After his initial release from prison, his career seemed almost over, but the late 1990s saw the first major “comeback” of Sanjay Dutt. In the year 1999, he had five major releases, including Kartoos, Khoobsurat, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Daag: The Fire, and notably, Vaastav: The Reality. The latter got him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor. In the years that followed, he went on to star in films like Mission Kashmir, Kaante, and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., further cementing his position as a bonafide star.
Yet, the shadows of his past were not over him. The legal battles continued, and in 2013, the Supreme Court rejected his review petition and he had to complete his sentence at Yerwada Central Jail. He was finally released in 2016.
Dutt, yet again, announced his return to cinema with Bhoomi (2017). Although Bhoomi’s box office performance was underwhelming, he managed to carve out his space in the industry and reconnected with audiences. He then starred in films like Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3, and the much-anticipated K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022).
Finally, in 2018, with the blockbuster biopic Sanju, with Ranbir Kapoor portraying Dutt, there were talks about his tumultuous life. Sanju’s huge box office success proved everyone’s fascination with Dutt’s journey.
Today, Sanjay Dutt is not just a star, but a symbol of resilience. His story, with dramatic highs and devastating lows, shows that it takes immense strength to rise—time and again—after a fall. On his birthday, let’s celebrate Sanjay Dutt not just as an actor, but as a true “fighter” off screen.
