Sanjay Dutt is an Indian actor born July 29, 1959. Known for Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., married to Manyata Dutt. Net worth ₹295 crore. Read his complete biography.
Sanjay Dutt stands as one of Bollywood’s most iconic and controversial figures. Born on July 29, 1959, in Mumbai, he is an Indian actor and film producer who has worked in over 135 films across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, and Punjabi cinema. The son of legendary actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis, he inherited both talent and a legacy that would shape his tumultuous yet remarkable career. At 66 years old, Dutt remains a powerful presence in Indian cinema. His journey from the romantic hero of the 1980s to the intense action star of the 1990s and the beloved comic character Munna Bhai has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite facing personal tragedies, legal battles, and imprisonment, he has continuously reinvented himself and maintained his position as a bankable star.
Quick Facts About Sanjay Dutt
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sanjay Balraj Dutt |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1959 |
| Age | 66 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer |
| Net Worth | ₹295 Crore (approx.) |
| Spouse | Manyata Dutt (m. 2008) |
| Children | Trishala, Shahraan, Iqra |
| Education | Lawrence School, Sanawar; Elphinstone College |
| Famous For | Munna Bhai series, Vaastav, Khalnayak |
| Debut Film | Rocky (1981) |
Early Life and Family Background
Sanjay Dutt was born into Bollywood royalty. His father, Sunil Dutt, was a celebrated actor and politician, while his mother, Nargis, was one of Hindi cinema’s greatest actresses. His paternal ancestry traces back to the Rawalpindi Division in West Punjab, now part of Pakistan. He grew up in a household where cinema and politics intertwined seamlessly. Dutt has two sisters, Priya Dutt and Namrata Dutt. The family’s prominence brought both privilege and pressure. At age 12, he made a brief singing appearance in his father’s film “Reshma Aur Shera” in 1971. This early exposure to filmmaking planted the seeds for his future career. Tragedy struck when his mother Nargis was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1980. She passed away in 1981, just days before the release of his debut film “Rocky.” This devastating loss occurred when Sanjay was only 22 years old and profoundly affected him. Many believe this trauma contributed to his subsequent struggle with substance abuse during his formative years.
Education and Early Struggles
Sanjay attended the prestigious Lawrence School in Sanawar for his schooling. He later enrolled at Elphinstone College in Mumbai, where he pursued higher education. However, his college years became marred by experimentation with drugs and substance abuse. Dutt has been candid about his addiction struggles, describing it as “nine years of hell.” He began using drugs to appear confident and cool among peers. This period saw him battle various narcotics before seeking professional help. He eventually entered rehabilitation centers, including facilities in the United States, to overcome his addiction. The actor later spoke about waking up after prolonged drug binges and recognizing the destruction it caused in his life. This realization motivated him to seek treatment and transform himself. People called him a “charsi” (junkie) after rehab, which further fueled his determination to rebuild his image and career.
Debut and Rise to Stardom
Sanjay Dutt made his acting debut with “Rocky” in 1981, directed by his father Sunil Dutt. The romantic action film became a box office hit and introduced a sensitive yet masculine hero to audiences. Despite this successful launch, the early 1980s brought a career slump with several forgettable films. His breakthrough came with “Naam” in 1986, a crime thriller that became one of the decade’s highest-grossing Hindi films. This success was followed by notable performances in “Vidhaata” (1982), “Hathyar” (1989), and “Thanedaar” (1990). These films established him as a credible action hero with emotional depth. The 1990s marked his golden era. Films like “Saajan” (1991), “Sadak” (1991), “Adharm” (1992), “Gumrah” (1993), and “Khalnayak” (1993) turned him into a superstar. His portrayal of the anti-hero in “Khalnayak” earned him a Filmfare Award nomination and became culturally iconic. The film’s success solidified his image as Bollywood’s quintessential bad boy.
Career Resurgence and Iconic Roles
After facing legal troubles in the mid-1990s, Dutt staged a remarkable comeback in 1999. He delivered powerful performances in “Vaastav: The Reality,” for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. The film showcased his ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters with authenticity. The early 2000s brought his most beloved role as Munna Bhai in “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” (2003). This comedy-drama about a lovable goon pretending to be a doctor became a cultural phenomenon. His natural comic timing and emotional depth earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role. The sequel “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” (2006) was equally successful and critically acclaimed. Other significant films include “Mission Kashmir” (2000), “Kaante” (2002), “Dus” (2005), “Shootout at Lokhandwala” (2007), “Agneepath” (2012), and “PK” (2014). He successfully transitioned to South Indian cinema with blockbusters like “KGF: Chapter 2” (2022) and “Leo” (2023). His 2025 film “Dhurandhar” became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time.
Personal Life and Marriages
Sanjay Dutt’s personal life has been as dramatic as his film career. He married his first wife, actress Richa Sharma, in 1987 while undergoing rehabilitation in the United States. The couple had a daughter, Trishala Dutt, in 1988. Tragically, Richa died from a brain tumor in 1996, leaving Sanjay devastated. He married model Rhea Pillai in 1998, but the marriage ended in separation in 2005, with the divorce finalized in 2008. That same year, he married Manyata Dutt (born Dilnawaz Sheikh), a former actress and entrepreneur. Manyata converted to Hinduism before their wedding ceremony in Goa on February 7, 2008. Sanjay and Manyata have twin children, son Shahraan and daughter Iqra, born on October 21, 2010. The family currently resides in a luxurious mansion in Pali Hills, Mumbai. Manyata serves as the CEO of Sanjay Dutt Productions and has been a pillar of support throughout his legal troubles and health challenges.
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
In April 1993, Dutt was arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Prevention Act and the Arms Act for possession of illegal weapons. These weapons were allegedly procured from individuals involved in the 1993 Bombay bombings. While he was cleared of terrorism charges, he was convicted under the Arms Act. He received bail multiple times between 1993 and 2007. In 2007, he was sentenced to six years imprisonment but received bail again. In 2013, the Supreme Court reduced his sentence to five years. After serving time intermittently, including periods on parole, he completed his sentence and was released in February 2016. This period profoundly impacted his life and career. The 2018 biopic “Sanju,” starring Ranbir Kapoor, dramatized his life story and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films. The movie portrayed his struggles with addiction, legal battles, and relationship with his father, bringing widespread public sympathy.
Health Battles and Recovery
In 2020, Sanjay Dutt experienced severe breathlessness and was hospitalized. Initially suspected to be COVID-19 or tuberculosis, medical tests revealed he had Stage 4 small cell lung cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. This diagnosis shocked his family and fans across the country. Dutt has openly discussed his emotional breakdown upon receiving the diagnosis. However, he approached treatment with characteristic determination. He underwent chemotherapy and other treatments in Mumbai and has since recovered from the cancer. His battle with this life-threatening illness demonstrated his resilience. In January 2024, he performed pinda dana, a Hindu ritual paying homage to ancestors, for his deceased parents. In recent years, he has connected more deeply with Hinduism and become a devotee of Lord Shiva. This spiritual journey has provided him comfort and strength through challenging times.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2026, Sanjay Dutt’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹295 crore. His wealth comes from acting, film production, brand endorsements, and business investments. He reportedly earns ₹12 crore per film and charges up to ₹6 crore for brand endorsements. His monthly income exceeds ₹1 crore. Dutt owns two production houses: Sanjay Dutt Productions and Three Dimension Motion Pictures. He has invested in cricket teams including Harare Hurricane and B-Love Kandy. He also holds stakes in companies like DawnTown and Cartel & Bros. His entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate business acumen beyond acting. He launched his own whiskey brand called The Glenwalk, priced at approximately ₹1,550. The brand reflects his personal journey and aims to provide quality whiskey at accessible prices. His diverse investment portfolio has significantly contributed to his substantial net worth.
Luxurious Lifestyle and Assets
Sanjay Dutt’s primary residence is a lavish mansion in Pali Hills, Mumbai, valued at approximately ₹100 crore. The property, called Imperial Heights, features black accent walls, red chandeliers, and personal family touches. It includes an in-house gym, bar, jacuzzi, and portraits of his legendary parents. His car collection is enviable and includes a Ferrari 599 GTB, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Bentley, Range Rover Autobiography (₹2.11 crore), Audi R8 (₹2.47 crore), BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Audi Q7, and Toyota Fortuner. His automobile collection is estimated to be worth ₹1.9 crore. He also owns luxury properties in Dubai. The interiors of his Mumbai home blend modern aesthetics with 1980s Bollywood glamour. The house features creamy white walls with golden, ivory, and dark brown furniture, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. His lifestyle reflects decades of success in one of the world’s most competitive film industries.
Awards and Recognition
Sanjay Dutt has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He won two Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, three Screen Awards, and a Global Indian Film Award. His performance in “Vaastav” earned him multiple Best Actor awards in 2000. The Munna Bhai films brought him awards for comic performances. He topped Box Office India’s “Top Actors” list in 1992 and 1993, appearing on the list three times between 1991 and 1993. In 2022, Outlook India included him in their “75 Best Bollywood Actors” list, recognizing his enduring impact on Indian cinema. Author Yasser Usman published a biographical book titled “Sanjay Dutt: The Crazy Untold Story of Bollywood’s Bad Boy” in 2018. The same year, the biopic “Sanju” became a massive commercial success. These works cemented his status as one of Bollywood’s most fascinating personalities.
Final Thoughts
Sanjay Dutt’s life embodies the extremes of fame, tragedy, resilience, and redemption. From losing his mother at 22 to battling addiction, facing imprisonment, and overcoming cancer, his journey has been extraordinary. Yet he has emerged as a survivor who continues to command respect and affection from audiences. His contribution to Indian cinema is undeniable. He redefined the action hero archetype in the 1990s and proved his versatility with the Munna Bhai series. His willingness to portray flawed, complex characters paved the way for anti-hero protagonists in mainstream cinema. At 66, he remains active and relevant in an industry known for favoring youth. As he continues working in films and managing business ventures, Sanjay Dutt’s legacy as one of Bollywood’s most resilient stars is secure. His story of second chances resonates with millions and serves as a testament to the human capacity for transformation and redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Sanjay Dutt?
Sanjay Dutt is an Indian actor and film producer born on July 29, 1959, in Mumbai. He is the son of legendary actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis. He has appeared in over 135 films and is best known for movies like “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.,” “Vaastav,” and “Khalnayak.”
Q2: What is Sanjay Dutt’s age?
Sanjay Dutt is 66 years old as of 2026. He was born on July 29, 1959, making him one of Bollywood’s senior actors who remains active in films.
Q3: What is Sanjay Dutt’s net worth?
Sanjay Dutt’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹295 crore as of 2026. His wealth comes from acting fees (₹12 crore per film), brand endorsements, production houses, business investments, and his whiskey brand The Glenwalk.
Q4: Who is Sanjay Dutt married to?
Sanjay Dutt is married to Manyata Dutt (born Dilnawaz Sheikh). They married on February 7, 2008, in Goa. Manyata is a former actress and current CEO of Sanjay Dutt Productions.
Q5: How many children does Sanjay Dutt have?
Sanjay Dutt has three children. He has a daughter named Trishala Dutt from his first wife Richa Sharma. With current wife Manyata, he has twins: son Shahraan and daughter Iqra, born on October 21, 2010.
Q6: Why was Sanjay Dutt imprisoned?
Sanjay Dutt was arrested in 1993 and convicted under the Arms Act for illegal possession of weapons, including AK-56 rifles, connected to the 1993 Bombay bombings. He was sentenced to five years and completed his sentence in February 2016.
Q7: What are Sanjay Dutt’s most famous movies?
His most famous movies include “Rocky” (1981), “Naam” (1986), “Khalnayak” (1993), “Vaastav” (1999), “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” (2003), “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” (2006), “Agneepath” (2012), “PK” (2014), and “KGF: Chapter 2” (2022).
