Sanjay Dutt - Rotten Tomatoes Celebrity Profile

Biography

This page uses content from the Sanjay Dutt biography page on the English version of Wikipedia and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. This list of authors can be seen in the page history. Rotten Tomatoes disclaims any and all warranties as to the accuracy or reliability of the content.

Sanjay Dutt (born July 29, 1959) is one of the top actors in Bollywood . He is the son of late Bollywood actors Nargis and Sunil Dutt. His fans often affectionately call him Sanju Baba. After the mega success of his Munna Bhai movies, many of his fans have started calling him Munna Bhai.

Film career

He made his acting debut in the film Rocky in 1981 which was directed by his father. Though Rocky was a hit it did not establish him as a star.

He steadily began to build his career, and he had many hits such as Vidhaata, Naam, Kabzaa, Hathyar, Sadak and Saajan. His breakthrough role finally came in Subhash Ghai's Khalnayak. The release of Khalnayak happened to coincide with Dutt's arrest in connection with the 1993 Mumbai Bombings. The hype surrounding the event and his convincing portrayal of the villainous role in the film gave his career a much needed boost and a filmfare nomination for best actor. Khalnayak went on to become a huge hit also partly because of the use of a popular song in the film "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai".

Dutt retained his macho image after being released from jail and built on his steady fan following. Over the last 10 years, he has matured as an actor, with action, gangster and comedy roles being his forte. His performances in Vaastav, Mission Kashmir, Munnabhai M.B.B.S. and Lage Raho Munnabhai earned him rave reviews. His performance as a gangster in "Vaastav" earned him almost all the top awards that the industry has to offer, further cementing his place as one of the best actors in the Indian Film Industry.

He along with friend and director Sanjay Gupta (Director) formed a production company called White Feather Films. They have produced films such as Kaante, Musafir and Zinda in which Sanjay played the lead role. He has also excelled in comic roles in Munnabhai MBBS, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Jodi No. 1 and Lage Raho Munna Bhai etc.

Personal life

Tragedy seems to love Dutt and Dutt often seems to be actively courting tragedy. Despite getting into trouble with the law, Dutt has maintained his huge fan following. Perhaps the two main reasons that fans love this troubled star is his ability to survive and fight through the deepest tragedies of his life, and the exemplary respect that the common man in India has for both of his parents. What would amaze anyone following Dutt's life and career, is the bizarre and almost unthinkable love and affection that his fans and general public have for him. Anyone who is accused of being a terrorist and accused of being of involved in a crime which killed hundreds and injured thousands would be ridiculed, especially someone who has lived his entire life in the constant glare of the media. But perhaps that is exactly what saved Dutt, his kind heartedness, his do gooder and extremely gullible nature was seen by the public through the media over the years, which perhaps led them to believe that Sanjay Dutt is not a bad man at heart. And such sentiments also seem to be reserved for Dutt only. Bollywood megastar, Salman Khan has had his brush with the law, but the public never seems to back him as much as they back Dutt[1]. The general population in a strange way seems to believe that after all he's gone through his life, Sanjay Dutt has just about suffered enough.

Sanjay Dutt's problems started while he was still in high school. He took up drugs, probably as he could not handle the pressure of being the son of one of India's most well known and superstar couples. His drug problems were huge enough to worsen his mother's health who was already diagnosed with cancer. Nargis Dutt died a few weeks before his first film was to be released. A heartbroken Dutt took to doing more drugs, but managed to reach out to his father who sent him just in time, to a rehab center in Texas, But on reaching New York, Dutt suffered from a collapsed lung. After attending a rehabilitation program in the United States, a sober Dutt started working in films again. He married Richa Sharma, who had nursed him back from his Lung injury and the couple had a child a year later, but almost immediately Dutt learned that his wife had brain tumor. His wife's death just a couple of months after the birth of their daughter, was followed by a bitter custody battle between Dutt and his in-laws over the custody of his only daughter, which Dutt lost. After working hard at resurrecting his career with the mega hit "Saajan" and his first Filmfare nomination for the best actor in a lead role, Dutt found that the Mumbai Police had filed a charge against the actor for his alleged involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bombings. After being arrested, Dutt spent more than 18 months in Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. Once he was released from jail, Dutt married Rhea Pillai but the marriage did not last too long and the couple divorced in 2005 after spending the last few years apart. His father Sunil Dutt, died in May 2005. Sunil Dutt was the sports minister of India at the time of his death. Sanjay Dutt is reportedly dating Nadia Durrani from Lahore, Pakistan.

Alleged involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bombings & the courts verdict.

Sanjay Dutt was arrested on April 19, 1993 for alleged involvement in the March 12, 1993 bombings of Mumbai.

Mumbai was engulfed in riots as the aftermath of the destruction of the Babri Masjid complex in Ayodhya in December 1992. The resulting riots claimed hundreds of lives and it is during this time that Sanjay Dutt claims to have asked his under world friends to provide him with a fire arm for protection. He however had not conveyed to police any threats to his life.

As per the CBI case filed in a TADA court Abu Salem and his men went to Dutt's house on January 16, 1993 and gave him three AK-56 rifles, 25 hand grenades, one 9 mm pistol and cartridges. He returned two AK-56 rifles, hand grenades and cartridges to Hanif Kadawala and Samir Hingora but kept one AK-56 rifle with himself.

It is alleged that after the blasts, Sanjay, who was shooting in Mauritius on learning that Mumbai Police is investigating his involvement in the blasts instructed his friends to destroy the rifle .

On Dutt's instructions, the rifle was destroyed by Yusuf Nullawalla, Kersi Adjenia, Rusi Mulla and Ajay Marwah. The rifle and cartridges formed part of the consignment, which was smuggled into India at Dighi Port on January 9, 1993, in pursuance to the conspiracy as the CBI alleged.

Dutt denies the charges that he was involved with the larger conspiracy to blow up Mumbai, but acknowledges that he personally knew the other accused. On learning that Mumbai police was looking to question Sanjay Dutt, his father, Mr. Sunil Dutt asked him to immediately return from Mauritius. Sanjay however instructed his friends to destroy the rifle and then called the then Mumbai Police Commissioner of Police and informed him of his plans to return to India immediately, where he was arrested upon landing.

After arrest in 1993 Sanjay Dutt spent 18 months in the jail and was released on bail. During this time, Sanjay Dutt got tremendous support from arguably the entire Indian Film Industry, but more surprisingly in the face of the serious allegation his fans and the people of Mumbai supported him through the ordeal, in spite of a negative portrayal of the star in all forms of media.[2]. The vast majority of Indians considered the charges ludicrous, though their reasons varied, as is evident in Shatrughan Sinha's sarcastic reaction: "Don't be ridiculous! He doesn't even know what a stock exchange is.[3].

On November 21, 2005 Abu Salem reportedly confirmed the involvement of Sanjay Dutt.[4]

On November 28, 2006, A special TADA court held actor Sanjay Dutt guilty under the Arms Act for possessing weapons, but acquitted him of terrorism, and conspiracy charges. [5]

"During my reasoning I have not found him (Sanjay) to be a terrorist," Judge P D Kode said in the open court.

Sanjay Dutt has been given bail till December 17 when he has to surrender before the court.His jail sentence will be known after that,he can appeal to higher courts. As nearly 90 people are convicted the Judge P Kode did not pronounce the sentence at once. http://www.mid-day.com/news/city/2006/november/147379.htm

Other controversies

In 2001 he was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate about alleged hawala deals in connection with the probe into the underworld-Bollywood nexus.[6] No charges were filed against the actor.

Trasnscripts/Tapes proving underworld connections On the night of November 11, Sanjay Dutt spoke on the telephone for 45 minutes to the underworld don Chhota Shakeel in Karachi. The audio tapes show Sanjay try to please shakeel with a gift and talk about several Bollywood/Underworld figures. [7]

In 2002, it was reported that he beat up a rickshaw driver after an altercation. Apparently the latter rammed his rickshaw into the actor's car, while trying to overtake at night.

Trivia

Has a "Never Give In" sticker on his car from his days at Lawrence School, Sanawarhttp://movies.indiainfo.com/newsbytes/sanju_0715.html
His fans fondly call him "Sanju Baba".
Various sections of fans, media and tabloids often refer to him as the "Deadly Dutt"
The 6'2" hulking actor is the inspiration for professional wrestler Sonjay Dutt's stage name
Is considered to be the Original Bad Boy of the Indian film industry
Has figured in all editions of the India Today - Top 10 List of the Most influential Bollywood personalities
Has a daughter (by his marriage to his first wife) named Trishla who lives in New York with her grandparents. No children by his marriage to socialite Rhea Pillay
His sister Anju (Namrata Dutt) is married to Actor Kumar Gaurav (son of superstar of yesteryears - Rajendra Kumar.)
His sister Priya contested and won the election for her father's constituency and is now a Member of Parliament
His peers are among his biggest fans. Salman Khan, Zayed Khan, Fardeen Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and many more look up to Dutt as an icon.
His ex wife Rhea Pillay, is reportedly married to Indian tennis star Leander Paes, the couple had a child in early 2006
He was the first choice to play the lead in Subhash Ghai's "Hero", but after witnessing Sanjay Dutt in his drug phase during the shooting of "Vidhataa", Ghai picked Jackie Shroff.

Awards and nominations

Filmfare Awards

1992: Nomination, Best Actor for Saajan

1994: Nomination, Best Actor for Khal Nayak

2000: Winner, Best Actor for Vaastav: The Reality

2001: Nomination, Best Actor for Mission Kashmir

2003: Nomination, Best Supporting Actor for Kaante

2004: Winner, Best Comedian for Munnabhai M.B.B.S.

2006: Nomination, Best Supporting Actor for Parineeta

Awards of the International Indian Film Academy

2000: Winner, in category "Award for Artistic Excellence, Actor in a leading role" for Vaastav: The Reality

2001: Nomination, Best Actor for Mission Kashmir

Star Screen Awards

2000: Winner, Best Actor for Vaastav: The Reality

2001: Nomination, Best Actor for Kurukshetra & winner, Best Supporting Actor for Mission Kashmir

2004: Nomination, Best Actor for Munnabhai M.B.B.S.

2005: Nomination, Best Supporting Actor for Deewaar

Stardust Awards

2004: Winner, Stardust Star of the Year Award - Male, Munnabhai M.B.B.S.

Filmography

Untitled Soham Shah Project (2007) ... (announced)
Happy New Year (2007) ... Shaghal (announced)
Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007) ... (announced)
Race (2006) Starts Shooting in November 2006
Jaan Ki Baazi (2006) (post-production)
Nehle Pe Dehla (2006) (pre-production) ... Johnny
Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2006) (post-production)
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) ... Murli Prasad Sharma (Munna Bhai)
Anthony kaun Hai (2006) ... Master Madan
Tathastu (2006) ...
Zinda (2006) ... Balajeet Roy
Sarhad Paar (2006) (post-production) ... Ranjeet Singh
Mohabbat Ho Gayi Hai Tumse (2005) (post-production)
Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! (2005) ... Yamaraj M.A.
Ek Ajnabee (2005) ... Special Appearance (Song)
Shaadi No. 1 (2005) ... Lukhwinder Singh (Lucky)
Viruddh... Family Comes First (2005) ... Ali
Dus (2005) ... S Dheer
Parineeta (2005) ... Girish Babu
Tango Charlie (2005) ... Squadron Leader Vikram Rathore
Shabd (2005) ... Lead Role
Musafir (2004) ... Billa
Rakht: What If You Can See the Future (2004) ... Rahul
Deewaar (2004) ... Khan
Rudraksh (2004) ... Varun
Plan (2004) ... Mussabhai
Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003) ... Murli Prasad Sharma (Munna Bhai), Winner for Best Comedian
LOC Kargil (2003) ... Lt. Col. Y.K. Joshi
Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (2003) ... Sitara
Kaante (2002) ... Jay Rehan 'Ajju'
Annarth (2002) ... Iqbal Danger
Hathyar (2002) ... Rohit Raghunath Shivalkar
Maine Dil Tujhko Diya (2002) ... Bhai-Jaan
Yeh Hai Jalwa (2002) (uncredited) ... Shera (special appearance)
Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (2002) ... Munna Bhai
Pitaah (2002) ... Rudra
Jodi No.1 (2001) ... Jai
Raju Chacha' (2000) ... Gafoor
Kurukshetra (2000) ... A.C.P Prithviraj Singh
Mission Kashmir (2000) ... SSP Inayat Khan
Jung (2000) ... Balli
Chal Mere Bhai (2000) ... Vicky Oberoi
Baaghi (2000) ... Raja
Khauff (2000) ... Anthony/Vicky/Babu
Khoobsurat (1999) ... Sanju (Sanjay Shastri)
Vaastav: The Reality (1999) ... Raghunath Namdev Shivalkar, Winner for Best Actor
Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999) ... Sonu
Safari (1999) ... Captain Kishan
Kartoos (1999) ... Raja/Jeet Balraj
Daag: The Fire (1999) ... Captain Karan Singh
Dushman (1998) ... Major Suraj Singh Rathod
Daud (1997) ... Nandu
Mahaanta (1997) ... Sanjay 'Sanju' Malhotra
Sanam (1997) ... Narendra Anand
Vijeta (1996) ... Ashok
Namak (1996)
Andolan (1995) ... Adarsh
Jai Vikraanta (1995) ... Vikranta
Amaanat (1994) ... Vijay
Aatish (1994) ... Baba
Insaaf Apne Lahoo Se (1994) ... Rajoo
Zamane Se Kya Darna (1994)
Gumrah (1993) ... Jagan Nath (Jaggu)
Kshatriya (1993) ... Vikram Singh (Mirtagarh)
Khal Nayak (1993) ... Balaram Prasad "Ballu"
Sahibaan (1993) ... Prince Vijay Pal Singh
Yalgaar (1992) ... Vishal Singhal
Sarphira (1992) ... Suresh Sinha
Sahebzaade (1992) ... Raja
Adharm (1992) ... Vicky Verma
Jeena Marna Tere Sang' (1992)
Saajan (1991) ... Aman Verma/Sagar
Do Matwale (1991) ... Ajay Jamesbond 009
Fateh (1991)
Khoon Ka Karz (1991)
Qurbani Rang Layegi (1991) ... Raj Kishen
Sadak (1991) ... Ravi
Yodha (1991) ... Suraj Singh
Thanedaar (1990) ... Brijesh Chandar (Birju)
Krodh (1990) ... Vijay (Munna)
Jeene Do (1990)
Khatarnaak (1990) ... Suraj 'Sunny'
Tejaa (1990) ... Tejaa/Sanjay
Zahreelay (1990) ... Raaka
Ilaaka (1989) ... Inspector Suraj Verma
Do Qaidi (1989) ... Manu
Hathyar (1989) ... Avinash
Hum Bhi Insaan Hain (1989) ... Bhola
Kanoon Apna Apna (1989) ... Ravi
Mohabbat Ka Paigham (1989
Taaqatwar (1989) ... Inspector Sharma
Mardon Wali Baat (1988) ... Tinku
Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1988) ... Govinda
Kabzaa (1988) ... Ravi Varma
Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988) ... Raja
Mohabbat Ke Dushman (1988) ... Hisham
Imandar (1987)
Inaam Dus Hazaar (1987)
Naam O Nishan (1987) ... Inspector. Suraj Singh
Naam (1986) ... Vicky Kapoor
Jeeva (1986) ... Jeeva/Jeevan Thakur
Mera Haque (1986) ... Prince Amar Singh
Do Dilon Ki Dastaan (1985) ... Vijay
Jaan Ki Baazi (1985)
Zameen Aasmaan (1984)
Mera Faisla (1984) ... Raj Saxena
Bekaraar (1983) ... Shyam
Main Awara Hoon (1983)
Johnny I Love You (1982)
Vidhaata (1982) ... Kunal Singh
Rocky (1981) ... Rakesh/Rocky
Reshma Aur Shera (1971) ... Qawalli singer (child artist)

References

External links

Videos of interviews with Sanjay Dutt

Interview with Simi Garewal Video 1 [[[8]]]
Interview with Simi Garewal Video 2 [9]
Interview with Simi Garewal Video 3 [10]
Cofee with Karan Interview [11]
Karan Thapar's "Devil's Advocate" Interview [12]
Diwali Interview on NDTV part 1 [13]
Diwali Interview on NDTV part 2 [14]

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify the biographical information on this page under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation.