Sunil Dutt, a multifaceted Indian icon, transcended the boundaries of acting to become a renowned social activist and politician. His life was a testament to dedication and service, earning him widespread respect and admiration.

Biography/Wiki

Born Balraj Dutt on June 6, 1928, in Jhelum, Punjab (now Pakistan), Sunil’s life was marked by early hardship. His father, Diwan Raghunath Dutt, passed away when he was only five. At eighteen, he witnessed the devastating Hindu-Muslim riots following the partition of India. He, his mother Kulwantidevi Dutt, brother Som Dutt, and sister Raj Rani Bali were saved by his father’s friend, Yakub, and resettled in Mandauli, Yamuna Nagar.

The family later moved to Lucknow and then Mumbai, where Sunil graduated from Jai Hind College in 1954. Briefly, he worked for the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) before pursuing his acting career.

Sunil Dutt

His Bollywood career, spanning the 1950s and 60s, saw him rise to become one of Hindi cinema’s leading actors. His exceptional talent earned him numerous accolades.

His notable awards include:

• Filmfare Best Actor Award for “Mujhe Jeene Do” (1963) and “Khandan” (1965)
• National Film Award for “Yaadein” (1964)
• BFJA Best Actor Award for “Milan” (1967)
• Padma Shri (1968)
• Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1995)
• Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award (1998)
• Numerous other Lifetime Achievement Awards from Star Screen, Anandalok Awards, and Zee Cine Awards
• Phalke Ratna Award (2005)
• Glory of India Award from IIFS, London

Sadly, he passed away on May 25, 2005, at the age of 76, due to a heart attack.

Family, Caste & Wife

Sunil hailed from a Punjabi family. His upbringing, following his father’s death, instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and empathy.

His enduring love story with actress Nargis blossomed on the set of “Mother India.” Legend has it that he saved her from a fire, forging a bond that led to their marriage on March 11, 1958. Their union produced three children: Sanjay Dutt (actor), Priya Dutt (former Member of Parliament), and Namrata Dutt.

Career

Before his acting debut in “Railway Platform” (1955), Sunil gained experience at Radio Ceylon. His career soared, with hits like “Sadhna,” “Sujata,” “Mujhe Jeene Do,” “Khandan,” “Padosan,” “Gumraah,” “Waqt,” and “Hamraaz” establishing him as a prominent figure in Bollywood.

He also ventured into directing and producing, with “Yaadein” (1964) being a notable example. While later directorial ventures didn’t achieve the same commercial success, his acting career continued to flourish throughout the 1970s with films like “Heera,” “Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye,” “Nagin,” and “Jaani Dushman.”

He also contributed to Punjabi cinema with religious films such as “Man Jeete Jag Jeet,” “Dhukh Bhanjan Tera Naam,” and “Sat Sri Akal.”

Following his wife Nargis’s death from pancreatic cancer in 1981, he established the Nargis Dutt Foundation to aid cancer patients. He also supported the India Project, helping children with facial deformities.

His foray into politics began in 1984 with the Indian National Congress, where he served as a Member of Parliament for five terms. He also held the position of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports from 2004 to 2005. His final film role was in “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” (2003), alongside his son Sanjay Dutt.

Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Sunil Dutt:

• His favorite writer was Aghajani Kashmeri.
• He enjoyed philanthropy and listening to music.
• His favorite dish was Dum Chicken.
• In 1988, he embarked on a walk from Nagasaki to Hiroshima to advocate for global demilitarization.

Awards and Recognition