In the vibrant world of Hindi cinema, numerous actors have ascended to stardom after enduring extensive struggles. However, there exists a poignant narrative of an actor whose personal life remained tumultuous despite his professional success. This actor, whose legacy endures through his films, is Sunil Dutt. His journey is a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication, both on and off the screen.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born into an ordinary family on June 6, 1929, in Jhelum, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Sunil Dutt's early life was marked by hardship. His father, Raghunath Dutt, a landowner, passed away when Sunil was merely five years old. This loss thrust the family into challenging circumstances, particularly as India approached independence. The ensuing Hindu-Muslim riots compelled Sunil’s mother to relocate the family to the Yamunanagar district in East Punjab, now part of Haryana.
Despite these adversities, Sunil Dutt pursued his education in Lucknow before moving to Mumbai, where he enrolled in Jai Hind College. To support himself, he worked as a bus conductor and later as a radio jockey at Radio Ceylon. His initial foray into the world of entertainment was marked by determination and perseverance, setting the stage for his eventual rise to fame.
Rise to Stardom
Sunil Dutt's breakthrough came with the 1955 film "Railway Platform." His compelling performance caught the eye of director Mehboob Khan, who cast him in the iconic film "Mother India." This role proved to be a turning point in his career, paving the way for a succession of hit films, including "Milan," "Humraaz," "Waqt," "Padosan," "Nagin," "Jaani Dushman," "Mera Saaya," and "Gumrah." Beyond acting, Sunil Dutt showcased his versatility as a director, producer, and writer, contributing significantly to the Hindi film industry.
A Love Story for the Ages
While working as a radio jockey, Sunil Dutt had the opportunity to interview the superstar Nargis, whom he deeply admired. Despite his feelings, he remained reticent, aware of Nargis's romantic involvement with Raj Kapoor. Fate intervened during the filming of "Mother India," where Sunil Dutt's heroic act of saving Nargis from a raging fire on set led to a profound bond between them. This act of bravery marked the beginning of their love story.
Nargis and Raj Kapoor’s relationship had ended, and during a hospital visit to the injured Sunil, their connection deepened. Sunil proposed to Nargis, and they married in 1958. Their union was blessed with three children: Sanjay, Priya, and Namrata.
The Struggle for Sanjay Dutt
Sunil Dutt's life took a challenging turn with the birth of his son, Sanjay Dutt. The film "Sanju" (2018) depicts the turbulent events of Sanjay's life, marked by his mother’s untimely death in 1981, which led him into substance abuse. Sunil Dutt’s efforts to rehabilitate his son were relentless. He directed "Rocky" to launch Sanjay’s career, yet Sanjay's struggles with addiction and legal troubles, particularly his involvement in the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts case, cast a long shadow over the family.
From 1993 to 2002, Sunil Dutt battled tirelessly against legal challenges, striving to guide his son back to a stable path. His dedication never wavered, even as his own health deteriorated under the strain of his son’s troubles and his persistent efforts to secure Sanjay's release from prison.
Legacy and Passing
Sunil Dutt's remarkable journey came to an end on May 25, 2005, when he passed away at the age of 75. His final film appearance was in "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S" (2003), where he poignantly portrayed the father of his real-life son, Sanjay Dutt. Beyond his cinematic contributions, Sunil Dutt also made his mark in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament with the Congress party.
- PTC PUNJABI
