Sanjay Dutt, often called “Sanju Baba”, is one of Bollywood’s most charismatic yet controversial stars. Known for his powerful screen presence, versatile performances, and turbulent personal life, he has remained one of the most talked-about actors in Indian cinema for over four decades. His journey has been a blend of extraordinary success, heartbreaking struggles, and inspiring comebacks. From his early days as the son of Bollywood legends to becoming an action hero, facing imprisonment, and then reinventing himself, Sanjay Dutt’s life story is nothing short of a movie script.
Early Life & Family Background
Sanjay Dutt was born on 29 July 1959 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He belongs to one of Bollywood’s most respected film families. His father, Sunil Dutt, was a legendary actor and politician, while his mother, Nargis Dutt, was one of the most iconic actresses in Indian cinema. Sanjay has two sisters—Priya Dutt, who later became a politician, and Namrata Dutt.
Sanjay’s childhood was comfortable but also filled with pressures of being born into a famous family. The sudden death of his mother Nargis in 1981, just a few days before his debut film released, left a deep impact on him. This tragedy shaped much of his early life and contributed to the struggles he would face later.
Education
Sanjay studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, a prestigious boarding school in Himachal Pradesh. He was known to be active in sports and dramatics. However, the absence of his mother during his teenage years and his growing exposure to the film world made him drift towards substance abuse at a young age. Despite his privileged upbringing, Sanjay faced many personal battles during his school and college years.
Film Career Journey
Debut & Early Struggles (1980s)
Sanjay Dutt made his debut with Rocky (1981), directed by his father Sunil Dutt. The film was released just weeks after his mother’s passing, which made it both emotional and challenging for him. Despite a successful debut, Sanjay’s career was affected by his personal issues, including his battle with drugs. After undergoing rehabilitation in the U.S., he returned to films determined to make a mark.
Rise to Stardom (Late 1980s – 1990s)
The late 1980s saw Sanjay establish himself as Bollywood’s action star. Films like Naam (1986), directed by Mahesh Bhatt, gave him critical acclaim for his emotional depth. Soon, he became known for his rugged looks and action-packed roles in movies like Kabzaa (1988), Thanedaar (1990), and Saajan (1991), where he proved his versatility by playing a romantic hero.
His biggest breakthrough came with Khalnayak (1993), where his performance as the anti-hero Ballu became a cultural phenomenon. Songs like “Nayak Nahi, Khalnayak Hoon Main” made him a youth icon. The 1990s firmly established Sanjay Dutt as one of the leading stars of Indian cinema.
The Munna Bhai Era (2000s)
After overcoming several personal challenges, including legal battles, Sanjay made a strong comeback with Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003). His role as the lovable gangster-turned-doctor, Munna, became iconic and redefined his image. The film was both a critical and commercial success, followed by its sequel Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), which became a blockbuster and is remembered as one of the finest comedies in Bollywood.
During this era, he also appeared in successful films like Kaante (2002), Dhamaal (2007), Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007), and Agneepath (2012), where he impressed audiences with his villainous portrayal of Kancha Cheena.
Recent Years (2010s – Present)
Despite health issues and a break due to imprisonment, Sanjay Dutt returned to the big screen with films like Bhoomi (2017), Kalank (2019), and Sadak 2 (2020). His major comeback came with KGF: Chapter 2 (2022), where he played the antagonist Adheera, leaving a powerful impression. In 2023, he continued to take up strong supporting and villainous roles, proving that he remains a force in Bollywood.
Controversies & Legal Battles
Sanjay Dutt’s life has been filled with controversies. He struggled with drug addiction in the 1980s but successfully overcame it after rehab. However, his most serious controversy came during the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case, when he was accused of possessing illegal arms. After years of trials, he was sentenced to imprisonment under the Arms Act. He spent several years in jail before being released in 2016. Despite these setbacks, his fans stood by him, and he managed to rebuild his career.
Awards & Achievements
Over the years, Sanjay Dutt has won several awards, including:
- Filmfare Award for Vaastav (1999) – Best Actor.
- IIFA Award for Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) – Best Actor.
- Multiple accolades for Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006).
His ability to portray both intense negative roles and light-hearted comedy characters has earned him immense respect in the industry.
Personal Life
Sanjay Dutt’s personal life has been as dramatic as his films. He married Richa Sharma in 1987, who tragically passed away due to cancer in 1996. Their daughter, Trishala Dutt, lives in the U.S. Later, Sanjay married Rhea Pillai, but the relationship ended in divorce. In 2008, he married Manyata Dutt, with whom he has twins—Shahraan and Iqra.
His journey as a family man has been full of ups and downs, but today he is known to be a devoted husband and father.
Health Battles
In 2020, Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with lung cancer. However, after undergoing treatment in Mumbai, he announced that he had beaten the disease. His strength during this phase once again proved his resilience and fighting spirit.
Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Sanjay Dutt’s estimated net worth is around $35–40 million (₹280–320 crore). His earnings come from films, brand endorsements, stage shows, and investments. He also owns luxury cars and multiple properties, including a lavish home in Mumbai.
Legacy
Sanjay Dutt is often referred to as Bollywood’s “Rebel Star”, a tag he has carried throughout his career. Despite his troubled past, his fans love him for his honesty, humility, and larger-than-life persona. His journey has inspired the biopic Sanju (2018), starring Ranbir Kapoor, which became one of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood.
Today, Sanjay Dutt is celebrated not just as an actor but as a survivor who has faced life’s biggest challenges and emerged stronger every time.
