Bollywood actor and politician Sunil Dutt was born on June 6, 1930, as Balraj Dutt in the Jhelum district (now in Pakistan). Dutt started his career as a radio jockey at Radio Ceylon. He made his acting debut with Railway Platform in 1955, directed by  Ramesh Saigal. Dutt later gave exceptional performances in movies like Sadhna, Padosan, Insaan Jaag Utha, Waqt, Khandaan and Reshma Aur Shera. But it was Meboob Khan's Mother India, in 1956, which shot the actor to stardom and also helped him tie the knot with his ladylove Nargis. Dutt played the short-tempered son of Nargis in the cult classic. Sanjay Dutt Remembers His Father Sunil Dutt on His Death Anniversary; Shares Heartfelt Post on Insta and Says ‘You Remain a Guiding Light’ (See Pics).

Dutt's final film was in the iconic Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. in 2006, where he portrayed the father of his real son Sanjay Dutt. Throughout his illustrious career spanning five decades, Sunil Dutt held a special place in the hearts of movie lovers. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, we bring you a few lesser-known facts about the legendary actor turned politician.

Sunil Dutt’s Name Change

Sunil Dutt's real name was Balraj Dutt. His first film role was in 1955's Ramesh Saigal's Railway Platform. The director then changed his screen name to Sunil Dutt to avoid confusion with then-famous actor Balraj Sahni.

Sunil Dutt Launched Sanjay Dutt

Sunil Dutt played an important role in shaping his son, Sanjay Dutt's acting career. He directed and launched Sanjay Dutt in 1981 with the film Rocky. It also starred Amjad Khan, Tina Munim, Reena Roy, Rakhee, Shakti Kapoor and Aruna Irani.

Sunil Dutt and Sanjay Dutt in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)

He Survived a Plane Crash in 2001

Dutt had a narrow escape with four other people as their plane crash-landed and caught fire in Nashik in 2001. He suffered injuries to his leg and shoulders and was immediately rushed to the Lifeline Hospital. After initial treatment, Dutt was shifted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital.

His Secular Take in 1994 Mumbai Riots

After the demolition of Babri Masjid and the Mumbai serial blasts, Dutt was the only politician who was secular. He visited and arranged relief for both Hindu and Muslim families. Dutt's act was applauded by most people, while some sections of society didn't like it. He even received death threats for his humanitarian acts. But that didn't stop him from helping others.

Sunil Dutt, Sanjay Dutt and Nirmala Dutt (Nargis)

His Directorial and Production Ventures

Dutt not only showcased his acting prowess but also explored the realm of direction and production. He made his directorial debut with the film Yaadein in 1964. The film was added to the Guinness Book of World Records in the category of 'Fewest actors in a narrative film'. The film is acclaimed as the world's first feature film to star only one single actor.

Dutt’s Life Was Once Saved by a Man Named Jacob

Sunil Dutt was caught in the Indian-Pakistan riots when he was 18 years old. His life was then saved by a man named Jacob and his family.

Dutt Was the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports

Sunil Dutt was the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in the Manmohan Singh-led Congress from 2004 to 2005. He held his post until his death in 2005.

Sunil Dutt with then PM Manmohan Singh

Dutt’s Embarrassingly Cute Encounter With Nargis

Dutt began his career as a radio jockey for the Hindi service of Radio Ceylon. Once, he was scheduled to interview Nargis, but the show had to be cancelled because Sunil Dutt was so starstruck that he couldn't utter a single word in her presence. Cute, isn't it? Nargis Birth Anniversary: Sanjay Dutt Fondly Remembers His Beloved Mother, Writes ‘I Hope I Have Made You Proud’.

The veteran Bollywood star died on May 25, 2005, after suffering a heart attack at his Mumbai residence. On his 95th birth anniversary, we remember the great man for his immense contributions to both cinema and society.

 

 

 

 

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2024 09:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).