In a surprising revelation, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has expressed a desire to return to romantic roles, marking a potential shift from his well-established reputation as an action star. The actor, who turned 65, shared these sentiments at the launch event for the song “Big Bull” from his upcoming film Double iSmart, held in Mumbai.
Sanjay Dutt rose to fame in the early 90s with a string of successful films that showcased his versatility as an actor. Among these, the 1991 blockbuster Saajan stands out not just for its box office success but for its compelling narrative and soulful music. In Saajan, Dutt played Sagar, a character plagued by physical disability who sacrifices his love for his foster brother, portrayed by Salman Khan. Madhuri Dixit’s character, Pooja, forms the love interest, completing the romantic triangle. Directed by Lawrence D’Souza, the film remains a significant milestone in the careers of its cast.
Reflecting on this notable film, Sanjay Dutt expressed an interest in doing “one more Saajan.” He said, “Will do romance if any good film comes. My generation worked for mass so we are massy heroes. I did Saajan one time. It was a good film with good songs. I can do one more Saajan.”
Dutt’s career predominantly features action-packed movies and intense roles. Recently, he has been lauded for his portrayals of antagonists in films like KGF Chapter 2 and Agneepath. These roles emphasized his ability to dive deep into characters that possess complex layers, often bringing out chillingly villainous traits. In the highly anticipated Double iSmart, directed by Puri Jagannadh and starring Ram Pothineni, Dutt steps into another antagonistic role. He plays the character Big Bull, who promises to be a formidable opponent to the film’s protagonist, Shankar, played by Pothineni.
Discussing his recent penchant for negative roles, Sanjay revealed, “Negative is a good space to be in. One can do a lot. I get to do a lot of action.
. It’s good that there is something to do for actors after so many films.”
The recently unveiled trailer for Double iSmart has already piqued interest, showcasing a tantalizing clash between Dutt’s Big Bull and Pothineni’s Shankar. Clocking in at 2 minutes and 42 seconds, the trailer teases a mixture of high-octane action sequences, romantic interludes, and vibrant musical numbers. It also highlights the palpable chemistry between Pothineni and the film’s female lead, Kavya Thapar.
Taking to social media platform X, Ram Pothineni excitedly shared an update about the trailer with fans. He posted, “Mamaaaaaa! #DoubleiSmartTrailer aaagayyaaaa!..-Ustaad #DoubleiSmart Shankar.” The enthusiasm is palpable among fans eagerly awaiting the film’s release.
Double iSmart, which serves as a sequel to the 2019 hit iSmart Shankar, is produced by Charmme Kaur and Puri Jagannadh. The film brings back the adept cinematography duo of Sam K Naidu and Gianni Gianneli. Renowned music composer Mani Sharma, who has a longstanding history with impactful film scores, is also returning to helm the musical aspect of the movie. With such a robust team, the film promises to be a cinematic spectacle, set to release in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.
As for Sanjay Dutt, his candid admission about a potential return to romance has generated excitement and curiosity. While his body of work in the action genre is substantial, a return to the romantic genre could provide a refreshing contrast for his fans. Saajan remains a beloved film partly because it showcased the softer, more vulnerable side of Dutt, a departure from his usual tough-guy roles.
The film industry is ever-evolving, and so are its stars. Sanjay Dutt’s willingness to explore different facets of his acting capabilities keeps him relevant and eagerly watched by both audiences and filmmakers. His statement has sparked discussions and speculations about which directors and storytellers might take up the challenge to create a romantic narrative befitting the versatile actor.
As Dutt continues to enthral audiences with his villainous roles, the thought of seeing him in another romantic saga akin to Saajan provides a delightful prospect for long-time fans and new viewers alike. Whether or not he finds a suitable project, his openness to diversify his roles underscores his enduring passion for cinema and storytelling.
