This actor once warned Aishwarya Rai to be mindful of the industry’s challenges. His last big appearance was in a highest-grossing film at the box office.
He is considered a superstar in 90s. With his debut film, the actor achieved overnight stardom and became Bollywood’s heartthrob. His hunkiness and impress acting have always charmed the audience. We are talking about none other than Sanjay Dutt.
Sanjay Dutt is the son of legendary actor-politicians Sunil Dutt and Nargis. He made his acting debut with Rocky (1981), directed by his father. His debut was a superhit and went on to solidify his status as a superstar with hits like Thanedaar, Saajan, Khalnayak, Daag and more.
He gained widespread acclaim for playing Munna Bhai in Rajkumar Hirani’s Munna Bhai series (2003-2006), his most iconic role ever. Since 2000, his other notable films include – Jodi No.1 (2001), Rakht, Musafir (both 2004), Shabd, Parineeta,Dus (all 2005), Shootout at Lokhandwala , Dhamaal (both 2007), All the Best (2009), Double Dhamaal (2011), Agneepath, Son of Sardaar, PK and more.
The actor who experienced every high and low in his professional career, once warned Aishwarya Rai at the very beginning of her career to be mindful of the industry’s challenges. In a conversation with CineBlitz, Sanjay spoke about the first time he saw Aishwarya in a Pepsi ad, remarking, “Who’s that beautiful woman!”—a compliment that left Aishwarya blushing. He also mentioned how her two sisters Priya and Namrata Dutt, were equally fond of her beauty.
Sanjay once cautioned Aishwarya Rai that stepping into the world of glamour could take her innocence and purity away. “When you come into this glamour industry, it starts changing you, maturing you, that innocence is lost. That beautiful side that she has right now on her face will disappear. Because she has to handle the film world right and that is not easy to do. It’s competitive. It’s like Man I have to look better than that, I’ve gotta be there. You know you climb two steps and there will be like 500 people pulling you down five steps. And you become hard. And those beautiful qualities are gone.”
Aishwarya further considering Dutt’s perspective agreed upon the tough realities of the film industry. She agreed that challenges can do toughen a person. “I suppose that’s true. There are so many things you’ve got to handle that I suppose it does harden you.” the actress stated.
Talking about Sanjay Dutt’s personal life, the actor married model Richa Sharma in 1987, but tragedy struck soon after as she was diagnosed with cancer. Despite her battle, Richa passed away at just 32. Two years after Richa’s death, Dutt married model-turned-air hostess Rhea Pillai in 1998. Their relationship garnered significant attention, but during their marriage, Rhea found love somewhere. Sanjay decided break all ties with Rhea after knowing her extramarital affair.
Following his second divorce, Sanjay Married Manyata in a simple Goa ceremony, despite their 19-year age gap. The couple welcomed twins, a boy and a girl in 2010. Though Sanjay’s many ups and downs, Manyata remained his constant support.
Meanwhile, on the professional front, Sanjay Dutt was last seen in Kannada film – KGF Chapter 2, in which he played the antagonist Adheera. In 2022, the film released in theatres and broke all box office records, grossing Rs 1200 crore worldwide. He followed it up with a cameo in Jawan in 2023 and another negative role in Tamil film Leo. Together, his three films marked Rs 3000 crore, marking Dutt’s comeback a massive one.
