Sanjay Dutt is one of the most recognizable actors in Indian cinema, particularly known for his work in Hindi films. Born Sanjay Balraj Dutt on July 29, 1959, he is the son of legendary Bollywood actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt. He made his acting debut with Rocky in 1981 and went on to build a career spanning more than four decades.
Throughout his career, Sanjay Dutt has played a wide variety of characters, ranging from romantic heroes and troubled protagonists to gangsters and memorable villains. Some of his best-known films include Naam, Saajan, Khal Nayak, Vaastav: The Reality, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Agneepath and K.G.F: Chapter 2. His intense screen presence and distinctive personality have made him particularly successful in powerful and negative roles.
Dutt’s life away from the screen has also received enormous public attention. His struggles with drug addiction, legal troubles connected to the 1993 Mumbai bombings case, imprisonment and later return to cinema have made his life one of the most widely discussed stories in Bollywood. In 2026, he remains active in the film industry, with his appearance in 7 Dogs alongside Salman Khan becoming one of the latest highlights of his long career.
Sanjay Dutt Profile Summary
| Profile | Details |
| Full Name | Sanjay Balraj Dutt |
| Popular Name | Sanjay Dutt |
| Nicknames | Sanju, Baba |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1959 |
| Age | 67 years |
| Birthplace | Bombay, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer and Playback Singer |
| Father | Sunil Dutt |
| Mother | Nargis Dutt |
| Spouse | Manyata Dutt |
| Children | Trishala Dutt, Shahraan Dutt and Iqra Dutt |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
| Debut Film | Rocky |
| Education | The Lawrence School, Sanawar |
| Famous Films | Khal Nayak, Vaastav, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Agneepath, K.G.F: Chapter 2 |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Net Worth | Not officially verified |
Sanjay Dutt Early Life
Sanjay Balraj Dutt was born on July 29, 1959, in Bombay, now Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was born into one of India’s most famous film families. His father, Sunil Dutt, was a celebrated actor and politician, while his mother, Nargis Dutt, was one of the most respected actresses in the history of Hindi cinema.
Growing up as the son of two major Bollywood stars meant that Dutt was surrounded by the film industry from childhood. However, his early years were also affected by family pressures and personal difficulties. His mother’s battle with cancer had a profound impact on him, particularly during his teenage years.
Dutt was educated at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, a boarding school in Himachal Pradesh. His upbringing eventually led him toward acting, following the path established by both of his parents. He entered the film industry as a young man but soon began facing personal struggles that would influence both his private life and professional career.
Sanjay Dutt Education
Sanjay Dutt received his schooling at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, one of India’s well-known boarding schools. His education there formed an important part of his early upbringing before he returned to Mumbai.
Unlike many contemporary actors who pursue university degrees before entering entertainment, Dutt did not build his career around higher academic education. His transition into cinema happened at a relatively young age as he prepared to follow his parents into acting.
His education was therefore primarily completed during his school years, after which his professional life became centered on acting, filmmaking and the demands of the Hindi film industry.
Sanjay Dutt Career
Sanjay Dutt made his acting debut in 1981 with Rocky. The film was released during a particularly emotional period in his life because his mother, Nargis Dutt, was seriously ill and died shortly before the film’s release.
His early career established him as a young Bollywood star, but his personal struggles affected the trajectory of his professional life. He later appeared in films including Vidhaata, Naam, Mera Haque, Jeeva and Kabzaa, gradually developing a reputation for intense performances.
Sanjay Dutt Rise to Stardom
The late 1980s and early 1990s brought Dutt some of his most important commercial successes. Films such as Thanedaar, Sadak, Saajan and Khal Nayak strengthened his position as one of Bollywood’s leading stars.
Khal Nayak, released in 1993, became particularly important to his public image. Dutt played the charismatic criminal Ballu Balram, a role that became one of the defining performances of his career.
Sanjay Dutt Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
Dutt’s career was dramatically affected by the legal case arising from the 1993 Mumbai serial bombings. He was arrested under India’s Terrorist and Disruptive Activities legislation after authorities discovered weapons in his possession.
The terrorism-related charges against him were eventually dropped, but he was convicted of illegally possessing firearms. He served a prison sentence and was released from Pune’s Yerwada Central Jail in 2016 after completing his sentence.
The case became one of the most controversial chapters of Dutt’s life and had a significant effect on his career and public reputation.
Sanjay Dutt Comeback and Major Roles
Following his legal troubles, Dutt continued rebuilding his acting career. One of his most important later performances came in Vaastav: The Reality, for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
He later became especially popular through the Munna Bhai franchise, in which he played Munna Bhai, a lovable Mumbai gangster who transforms into an unlikely do-gooder. His partnership with Arshad Warsi’s Circuit became one of the most popular comic duos in modern Hindi cinema.
Dutt subsequently appeared in major films including Agneepath, PK, Sanju and K.G.F: Chapter 2. His performance as Adheera in K.G.F: Chapter 2 introduced him to a new generation of audiences and further established his ability to play intimidating antagonists.
Sanjay Dutt Recent Career
Sanjay Dutt has continued working extensively in Indian cinema despite being in his 60s. He has increasingly taken on supporting and villainous roles, particularly in large-scale action films.
In 2026, he appeared alongside Salman Khan in 7 Dogs, an international action film shot in Riyadh. The film became one of the latest projects connecting two of Bollywood’s most recognizable stars.
Dutt was also originally associated with Welcome to the Jungle but eventually exited the project because of scheduling issues. Director Ahmed Khan later confirmed that Dutt had shot some portions before leaving the production.
In another major development, Dutt acquired the rights to his iconic 1993 film Khal Nayak, with plans for the property to be reimagined in collaboration with Jio Studios. The project has renewed interest in one of the most recognizable characters of his career.
Sanjay Dutt Trending: Why Is Sanjay Dutt Famous?
Sanjay Dutt is currently attracting attention because he remains active in Bollywood at 67 and continues to appear in major productions. His recent appearance in 7 Dogs alongside Salman Khan has brought renewed attention to his long-standing friendship and professional association with the superstar.
The two actors have shared the screen several times, including in Saajan, Chal Mere Bhai and Yeh Hai Jalwa. Their continued popularity has made their reunion in 7 Dogs particularly interesting to Bollywood audiences.
Dutt has also been in the news because of the continuing legacy of Khal Nayak. His acquisition of the rights to the 1993 film and plans to reimagine the property have renewed interest in the character Ballu Balram and the original film.
Sanjay Dutt Personal Life
Sanjay Dutt has been married three times. His first marriage was to actress Richa Sharma in 1987. The couple had a daughter, Trishala Dutt, before Richa died from a brain tumour in 1996.
Dutt later married model Rhea Pillai in 1998. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2005. In 2008, he married Manyata Dutt, who has remained his wife and an important figure in his personal life.
Sanjay and Manyata have twins, Shahraan and Iqra Dutt. Dutt also maintains a relationship with his daughter Trishala, making him the father of three children.
Sanjay Dutt Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Sanjay Dutt was born on July 29, 1959, making him 67 years old in 2026. He was born in Bombay, India, and is Indian by nationality.
Dutt comes from a Hindu family and has publicly participated in Hindu religious practices. His parents, Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt, were among India’s best-known film personalities.
He is widely known for his tall, muscular build, deep voice, long-standing beard and distinctive screen presence. His height is commonly reported to be around 6 feet (183 cm), although celebrity height figures are not always independently verified.
Sanjay Dutt Net Worth
Sanjay Dutt’s exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. Various entertainment publications have published different estimates over the years, but these figures should not be treated as independently verified financial records.
His wealth has been accumulated through more than four decades of acting, film production, endorsements, appearances and other professional activities. He has worked in more than 100 films and has remained commercially active well into his 60s.
Because there is no definitive public financial statement establishing his total assets and liabilities, it is more accurate to describe his net worth as substantial but privately held rather than assign a precise figure.
Sanjay Dutt Legacy
Sanjay Dutt has built one of the most distinctive careers in Indian cinema. His filmography spans romantic dramas, action films, comedies, crime stories and major commercial productions, allowing him to remain relevant across several generations.
His personal journey is also a major part of his legacy. His struggles with addiction, his mother’s death, legal problems, imprisonment and eventual return to the film industry transformed him into one of Bollywood’s most closely followed personalities.
On screen, characters such as Munna Bhai and Ballu Balram have become cultural landmarks. His ability to reinvent himself, particularly through powerful supporting and villainous roles later in his career, has helped ensure that Sanjay Dutt remains an influential figure in Indian cinema.
Conclusion
Sanjay Dutt is a legendary Indian actor whose life has been marked by extraordinary success, personal struggles, controversy and resilience. From his debut in Rocky to iconic performances in Khal Nayak, Vaastav, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and K.G.F: Chapter 2, he has remained one of Bollywood’s most recognizable stars. At 67, Dutt continues to work in major films, demonstrating the longevity of a career that has lasted more than four decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanjay Dutt
Who is Sanjay Dutt?
Sanjay Dutt is an Indian actor and film producer known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is the son of actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt.
How old is Sanjay Dutt?
Sanjay Dutt is 67 years old in 2026. He was born on July 29, 1959.
When did Sanjay Dutt start acting?
Sanjay Dutt made his acting debut in 1981 with the film Rocky.
Who are Sanjay Dutt’s parents?
His father was actor and politician Sunil Dutt, while his mother was legendary actress Nargis Dutt.
Who is Sanjay Dutt’s wife?
Sanjay Dutt’s wife is Manyata Dutt. They married in 2008.
How many children does Sanjay Dutt have?
Sanjay Dutt has three children: daughter Trishala Dutt and twins Shahraan Dutt and Iqra Dutt.
Who was Sanjay Dutt’s first wife?
His first wife was actress Richa Sharma, whom he married in 1987. She died from a brain tumour in 1996.
What is Sanjay Dutt’s religion?
Sanjay Dutt comes from a Hindu family and has publicly participated in Hindu religious practices.
What is Sanjay Dutt’s height?
Sanjay Dutt is commonly reported to be around 6 feet, or approximately 183 cm, tall.
What is Sanjay Dutt’s most famous movie?
Some of his most famous films include Khal Nayak, Vaastav: The Reality, Saajan, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Agneepath and K.G.F: Chapter 2.
Why did Sanjay Dutt go to prison?
Sanjay Dutt was convicted of illegally possessing firearms in connection with the 1993 Mumbai bombings case. His terrorism-related charges were dropped, but he was convicted on the weapons charge and served a prison sentence.
Did Sanjay Dutt have cancer?
Yes. Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2020. He subsequently underwent treatment and later said that he had overcome the disease.
Is Sanjay Dutt still acting?
Yes. Sanjay Dutt continues to act in films. In 2026, he appeared in 7 Dogs alongside Salman Khan and remained involved in other film projects.
What is Sanjay Dutt’s net worth?
His exact net worth is not publicly verified. Different publications have published estimates, but there is no definitive publicly disclosed figure.
Why is Sanjay Dutt famous?
Sanjay Dutt is famous for his long Bollywood career, iconic performances, his family legacy, his highly publicized personal struggles and his successful return to acting after imprisonment.
Is Sanjay Dutt related to Nargis Dutt?
Yes. Nargis Dutt was Sanjay Dutt’s mother.
Is Sanjay Dutt related to Sunil Dutt?
Yes. Sunil Dutt was Sanjay Dutt’s father.