Sunil Dutt Family Tree

Sunil Dutt - A Lifestory

Sunil Dutt was an Indian actor, film producer, director, and politician. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of India's most iconic actors and influential public figures. His career began as a radio announcer before his breakthrough role in Mother India (1957), which catapulted him to stardom. Known for his roles in films like Sujata and Waqt, Dutt later transitioned into film production and direction, creating socially relevant works. His entry into politics in 1984 was driven by a desire to serve the public, particularly after the 1993 Bombay bombings. Dutt was also a devoted family man, famously rescuing his wife, Nargis, during a fire on the Mother India set, and later standing by her side during her battle with cancer until she died in 1981. Despite personal struggles, including supporting his son Sanjay Dutt through various controversies, Sunil Dutt remained a pillar of strength and integrity. His legacy continues to inspire through his contributions to cinema, politics, and social welfare.

Personality

Known for his compassion, Sunil Dutt was deeply involved in social causes and welfare work for the underprivileged.

He displayed remarkable resilience in overcoming personal tragedies, especially the loss of his wife Nargis, and supporting his son Sanjay Dutt during his struggles.

Dutt was courageous, exemplified by his heroic act of rescuing Nargis during a fire on the Mother India set.

A loving and devoted husband to Nargis and a dedicated father to his children, Dutt was known for his family-oriented nature.

Integrity and honesty were central to his personality, earning him respect in both the film industry and public life.

Versatile in his acting, he effortlessly adapted to different roles, particularly during his later years with Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003).

His entry into politics was driven by a genuine desire to serve the people, focusing on social issues like education, healthcare, and welfare.

Sunil Dutt passed away on May 25, 2005, at the age of 75, due to a heart attack at his residence in Bandra, West Mumbai. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports in the Union Government led by Manmohan Singh and was the Member of Parliament from North-West Mumbai. Dutt was cremated with full state honors at Santacruz Crematorium in Mumbai.

Family and Early Years

Personal Details

🎂 Date of Birth
Sunil Dutt was born on 06 June 1929
🏠 Place of Birth
Khurd, Punjab, British India (now Punjab)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family
Father: Diwan Raghunath Dutt
Mother: Kulwantidevi Dutt
Siblings: Raj Rani Bali, Som Dutt
Spouse: Nargis Dutt
Children: Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, Namrata Dutt
Relatives: Manyata Dutt (Daughter-in-law), Shahraan Dutt (Grandson), Iqra Dutt (Granddaughter)
🎓 Education
He completed his Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in History in 1954 from Jai Hind College, Mumbai, India.

Career Journey

Sunil Dutt's real name was Balraj Dutt.

Dutt got his break in 1955 with the film Railway Platform (1955), thanks to director Ramesh Saigal. He was hosting a radio show at the time and was introduced to Saigal, who changed his name to Sunil Dutt to avoid confusion with the veteran actor Balraj Sahni.

Dutt became a star with his roles in Ek Hi Raasta (1956) and Mother India (1957). The latter, directed by Mehboob Khan, became a massive success, not only in India but also internationally, and is considered one of the greatest films in Indian cinema. His portrayal of the compassionate yet strong-hearted man in Mother India was widely appreciated and cemented his status as a leading actor.

His career soared with films like Sadhna (1958), Sujata (1959), and Gumrah (1963), earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Mujhe Jeene Do (1963).

The 1960s and 1970s were Sunil Dutt's peak years. His roles in films like Waqt (1965), Mera Saaya (1966), and Padosan (1968) made him one of the most popular stars of the era.

In the 1970s, despite facing some setbacks, he made a strong comeback with films like Heera (1973), Zakhmee (1975), and Jaani Dushman (1979).

Apart from his acting career, Sunil Dutt was also deeply involved in social causes. In 1987, he undertook a Mahashanti Padyatra, a 76-day walk from Mumbai to Amritsar, to promote communal harmony during the period of militancy in Punjab.

He served as a Member of Parliament from 1984 to 1999 and was appointed the Sheriff of Bombay in 1982.

His political career was also influenced by personal challenges, including helping his son, Sanjay Dutt, during his legal troubles.

In 2003, Sunil Dutt made his final film appearance in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., a comedy-drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani, where he played the role of the father of the protagonist. The film was a major success and remains one of the classics of Indian cinema.

Sunil Dutt was known for his acting and deep commitment to social causes, charity, and the film industry. He founded the Nargis Dutt Foundation in honor of his late wife, Nargis, who died of cancer in 1981. The foundation continues to work for cancer patients.

He was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 and remains one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema.

Awards and Recognitions

Padma Shri 1968
Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Mujhe Jeene Do 1963
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for Yaadein 1064
Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Khandan 1965
BFJA Award for Best Actor (Hindi) for Milan 1967
Sheriff of Bombay 1982
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award 1995
Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award 1998
Screen Lifetime Achievement Award 1999
Anandalok Awards Lifetime Achievement Award 2000
Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement 2001
Glory of India Award by IIFS, London 2007

Contribution to Society

Sunil Dutt made significant contributions to society through his work in the entertainment industry and his involvement in various social causes. He founded the Nargis Dutt Foundation in honor of his late wife, providing financial assistance to cancer patients and raising awareness about cancer treatment. Sunil Dutt played an active role in promoting communal harmony, particularly during the rise of militancy in Punjab in the 1980s, when he led a peace march across the country.

He also contributed to education, working on initiatives that provided better educational facilities, especially in rural areas. As a Member of Parliament from 1984 to 1999, he focused on addressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and welfare for underprivileged communities in Mumbai. His tenure as the Sheriff of Bombay allowed him to promote civic duties and cultural activities.

Sunil Dutt supported refugees, displaced people, and those affected by crises, particularly during the time of Partition. He was an advocate for a drug-free India and worked toward spreading awareness about the dangers of addiction, supporting de-addiction and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, he used his celebrity status to raise awareness about social issues and promoted unity and peace through his public appearances and cultural initiatives.

He worked tirelessly to fight inequality and injustice, especially for disadvantaged communities, and was deeply involved in disaster relief efforts. Through his social and political work, Sunil Dutt made lasting contributions to improving the lives of many, and his legacy continues to inspire others.

Discover the Legacy Behind the Sunil name

Discover the Legacy Behind the Dutt Surname

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