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Sunil Dutt, a versatile figure in Indian cinema, was a method actor, social activist, and politician who excelled in numerous roles both on and off the screen.
Born as Balraj Dutt on June 6, 1929, into a Punjabi Brahmin family that endured the Partition of India, he studied at Mumbai's Jai Hind College. He began his career as a radio show host and celebrity interviewer, which introduced him to the world of glamour.
Among the celebrities he interviewed was Nargis, who would later become his wife. His entry into films came when director Ramesh Saigal cast him as the lead in 'Railway Platform' (1955), starring Nalini Jaywant.
His collaboration with B R Chopra started with 'Ek Hi Raasta' (1956), leading to seven films together. Dutt's major breakthrough was in Mehboob Khan's epic 'Mother India' (1957), where he played Birju, the rebellious younger son of Nargis’s character, showcasing intense energy. This film also marked the beginning of his lifelong partnership with Nargis, whom he married after its release.
Dutt received acclaim for his roles in women-centric films such as 'Sadhna' (1958), 'Sujata' (1959), 'Main Chup Rahungi' (1962), and 'Darpan' (1970). Directors like Bimal Roy, Hrishikesh Mukherji, and B R Chopra challenged his established rebellious image by casting him as a sensitive lover.
By the 1960s, Dutt was a prominent actor known for his willingness to take on diverse roles, believing that an actor should explore various characters rather than stick to a single genre.
He ventured into producing in the early 1960s with offbeat films like 'Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke' (1963), which depicted a heroine's extramarital affair, and 'Mujhe Jeene Do' (1963), where he portrayed a dacoit. Both films were box office successes.
As a director, Dutt made an experimental solo-actor film, 'Yaadein' (1964), which earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, and later directed 'Reshma Aur Shera' (1971), a love story set against a backdrop of conflict, which was nominated at the Berlin International Film Festival.
His partnership with B R Chopra yielded numerous hits in the 1950s and 60s, including 'Ek Hi Raasta' (1956), 'Sadhna' (1958), 'Gumraah' (1963), 'Waqt' (1965), and 'Humraaz' (1967). Collaborations with South Indian filmmakers also produced emotionally charged rural dramas with Nutan, such as 'Khandaan' and 'Milan'.
In 1967, Dutt enjoyed a hat-trick of hits with 'Milan', 'Meherban', and 'Humraaz'. His comedic role in Jyoti Swaroop's 'Padosan' (1968) was highly praised and became a classic.
Throughout the 1970s, he delivered several blockbusters, including 'Heera' (1973), 'Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye' (1974), 'Zakhmee' (1975), 'Nagin' (1976), 'Daku Aur Jawan' (1978), and 'Jaani Dushman' (1979).
In 1981, Dutt faced personal tragedy when his wife Nargis passed away after a long battle with cancer. Following her death, he entered politics. A year later, he directed 'Dard Ka Rishta' to honor her memory and raise cancer awareness. He also established the Nargis Dutt Foundation for cancer treatment and devoted himself to aiding the poor.
Dutt continued acting into the early 1990s, working with select filmmakers like J P Dutta in 'Kshatriya' and Yash Chopra in 'Parampara'. He retired from films in the early 90s to focus on his political career, dedicating himself to helping refugees, slum dwellers, and displaced individuals. Known for his soft-spoken nature and kind-hearted demeanor, he was a beloved star and heartthrob.
His final film appearance was in Rajkumar Hirani's popular comedy 'Munnabhai MBBS', where he played the on-screen father to his real-life son Sanjay Dutt. Their emotional hug became one of the film’s most memorable scenes.
Throughout his life, Sunil Dutt was considered a greater hero off-screen than on it.
He received two Filmfare Awards, a BFJA Award, and a National Film Award. In 1995, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 2001, he received the Zee Cine Award, where he acknowledged his co-directors, co-actors, technicians, and makeup artists.
His political career was equally successful; he was the only actor who worked relentlessly for the nation without personal gain. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award for his padyatra and social work, along with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Award and Man of the Year Award. In 2004, he was appointed Cabinet Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, serving diligently until his death.
Sunil Dutt passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack in 2005. His sudden demise shocked many, with politicians mourning the loss of a valuable leader. His children continue to pay tribute to him on social media during special occasions.
Though he left the world prematurely, Sunil Dutt fulfilled his duties and left a unique legacy, not only entertaining audiences but also inspiring them through his work and dedication.
