On the occasion of Sunil Dutt’s birth anniversary, we revisit an insightful revelation made by his son, Sanjay Dutt, about his father’s foray into politics. Sunil Dutt, a beloved actor of the 1960s and 1970s who continued to leave his mark in films until the 1980s, entered the world of politics in 1984. While Sunil Dutt was highly respected as a politician, his son Sanjay believed that his father’s inherently kind and trusting nature made him unsuited for the political arena.
During a candid chat with Filmfare in the early 1990s, Sanjay Dutt expressed that politics became a contentious issue between him and his father. Sanjay believed that Sunil Dutt should step away from politics, as he witnessed people constantly taking advantage of his father’s good intentions. Sanjay stated, “People are constantly making a fool of Dad, taking him for a ride and are constantly returning for repeat performances. I wish he’d realize this and stop being treated like this. He’s too good a man and wants to help others since he is in a position to do that.”
Sanjay Dutt firmly believed that Sunil Dutt was “too nice and honest for politics.” He expressed his desire for his father to quit politics, emphasizing that Sunil’s genuine intentions to serve the country were not aligned with the harsh realities of political dynamics. Sanjay remarked, “He wants to do good for the country but he fails to realize that it’s not a one-man job. He’s constantly under tension since he joined politics. I wish he’d stick to making films, something he’s done all his life.”
During the same conversation, Sanjay Dutt also shed light on his relationship with his parents, addressing the popular notion that he was more influenced by his mother, veteran actor Nargis. Contrary to public perception, Sanjay revealed that his father, Sunil Dutt, had been the most significant influence in his life. He acknowledged the shared values and priorities between him and his father, emphasizing their strong bond.
Throughout Sanjay Dutt’s personal struggles, including his battle with drug addiction and the allegations surrounding his involvement in the 1993 Bombay blasts, Sunil Dutt stood unwaveringly by his side. Sunil’s unwavering support and belief in his son’s innocence showcased the deep bond and unconditional love within their family. In 2007, Sanjay Dutt was ultimately cleared of all charges related to the Bombay blasts but had to serve a sentence due to illegal possession of weapons.
The insightful revelation by Sanjay Dutt offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of a father-son relationship and highlights the contrasting views they held regarding Sunil Dutt’s political career. It exemplifies the deep respect Sanjay held for his father’s character, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by honest and well-intentioned individuals in the realm of politics.
