Sanjay Dutt Birthday Post: 11 Must-Know Facts the ‘Munnabhai’ Actor

As Dutt turned 57 on July 29 this year, here are some interesting facts about the actor.

Published: August 2, 2016 11:13 PM IST

By Chhaya Nene

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[Photo Credit: Sujit Jaiswal/Getty Images]

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt is best known for his work in more than 100 Hindi films in roles ranging from comedy to romance and even gangster thugs. These thug-like roles have even given him the pet name “Deadly Dutt.” As Dutt turned 57 on July 29 this year, here are some interesting facts about the actor.

1. He was born in Mumbai, India and is a Punjabi.

2. His is lovingly known as Sanju Baba and Baba.

3. His parents are Sunil and Nargis Dutt, two Bollywood legends themselves. Sunil Dutt is well known for his roles in “Padosan,” “Mother India,” “Munna Bhai,” “Chhaya,” “Milan,” and many more! Nargis is famous as well and is considered one of the most famous women in Bollywood. Nargis’ can be seen in the Oscar-winning “Mother India,” “Shree 420,” “Hulchul,” and more.

4. Nargis died due to pancreatic cancer, just before Dutt made his Bollywood debut. His mother’s death was said to have contributed to his drug addiction. Dutt denies that his mother’s death had that influence, and instead he starting abusing drugs because he wanted to and has spent 12 years with substance abuse. He says there is no drug in this world he hasn’t done and even spent time in America for rehab. When he finally decided to quit drugs he said he did it for himself and not because of any familial influence.

5. He has been married three times. His first wife was Richa Sharma, followed by Rhea Pillai, and currently, he is married to Manyata Dutt.

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[Photo Credit: STR/Getty Images]

6. Dutt has three children. Their names are Trishala, Iqra, and Shahraan.

7. Dutt’s first movie was “Rocky” in 1981. He starred in “Vidhaata,” which was the highest-grossing film of 1982. 2003’s “Munnabhai M.B.B.S” was another great turn in his career. His chemistry with Arshad Warsi created a new, beloved on-screen bromance of Munna and Circuit.

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[Photo Credit: Mail Today/Getty Images]

8. 1986’s “Naam” was a turning point in Dutt’s career. He shared screen space with Nutan, Poonam Dhillon, and Amrita Singh.

9. Dutt co-hosted the fifth episode of the Indian show “Big Boss” with his good friend Salman Khan.

10. Dutt has had his fair share of legal trouble. With the 1993 Mumbai bombings, Dutt was accused having some serious involvement. In April of that year, he was arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act, granted bail in 1995, arrested again that year, and released on bail in 1997. In 2006, his case was brought to court and from 2006-2007 he spent seven months in Arthur Road Jail and in Pune prison. Dutt was accused of accepting a delivery of weapons to his house from Abu Salem and Riyaz Siddiqui.

In 2007, Dutt was sentenced to six years imprisonment for illegal possession of weapons and was cleared of charges related to the Mumbai bombings. He spent time in and out of jail until 2016.

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[Photo Credit: Hindustan Times/Getty Images]

During his time in jail, he earned Rs. 38,000 but by the time he left jail, he left with Rs. 450 as salary.

Since his release from jail, Dutt has been approached on numerous occasions for new acting opportunities. His close friend Salman Khan said he was eagerly waiting for Dutt’s release so the two could party together.

11. Dutt has won numerous awards from 1992-2004. These awards include Filmfare awards, Star screen awards, International Indian Film Academy Awards, Global Indian Film Awards, Stardust Awards, Zee Cine Awards, Bollywood Movie Awards, and Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards.

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[Photo Credit: Hindustan Times/Getty Images]

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