Bollywood has seen several superstars throughout its illustrious history, but few have left as indelible a mark as Sunil Dutt. Regarded for his stellar performances and revered for his off-screen persona, Sunil Dutt’s journey from a struggling young man to an iconic figure in Indian cinema and politics remains inspirational. On June 6, Sunil Dutt’s 95th birth anniversary was observed, and today, we take a detailed look at the highs and lows of his life, encompassing his roles as an actor, filmmaker, and politician.
### Sunil Dutt’s Troubled Childhood
Born on June 6, 1929, in a family of landlords in Nakka Khurd, now in modern-day Pakistan, Sunil Dutt’s early life was far from smooth. He lost his father, Diwan Raghunath Dutt, when he was just five years old. The partition of India tore the family apart, prompting young Sunil and his mother, Kulwantidevi Dutt, to relocate first to Lucknow and later to Bombay, now Mumbai, in search of a better future.
### Sunil Dutt’s Struggle as a Bus Conductor
Upon moving to Bombay, now a megalopolis teeming with opportunities and challenges, Sunil Dutt joined Jai Hind College for higher education. To support his family and fund his studies, the young undergraduate sought employment. In a twist of fate, he ended up working as a bus conductor at the Bombay Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) undertaking. Multitasking between his job and academics, Dutt successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History (Hons.) in 1954, laying the foundation for what was to come.
### The Rise from Radio Jockey to Silver Screen Superstar
Following his graduation, Sunil Dutt landed a job as a radio jockey at Radio Ceylon, where he hosted a show named Lipton Ki Mehfil. His career in radio eventually proved to be a serendipitous gateway to the film industry. One day, director Ramesh Saigal happened to listen to his show and was immediately struck by Dutt’s impressive voice and compelling personality. Enchanted, Saigal offered him a break in the film “Railway Platform” (1955).
This marked the commencement of a glorious film career. Sunil Dutt quickly rose to stardom through notable performances in movies like B.R. Chopra’s family drama “Ek Hi Raasta” (1956) and Mehboob Khan’s epic drama “Mother India” (1957). His portrayal of memorable roles continued with hits like “Sadhna” (1958), “Gumrah” (1963), “Waqt” (1965), and the evergreen comedy “Padosan” (1968), cementing his status as a cinematic legend.
### Bankruptcy and the Fall from Grace
By the late 1960s, having established himself as a successful actor, Sunil Dutt ventured into film production.
. His ambitious project, “Reshma Aur Shera”, initially directed by Sukhdev, failed to meet his artistic expectations, prompting him to take over as director and reshoot much of the film. Released on July 23, 1971, “Reshma Aur Shera” turned out to be a commercial failure.
The fallout was severe; Sunil Dutt found himself in financial ruin. In subsequent interviews, he divulged the extent of his losses, revealing that he had to sell his cars and even mortgage his home to repay mounting debts. “I went bankrupt at that time. I had to sell my cars and started travelling by bus. I kept one car to drop my kids to school. Even my house was mortgaged,” he confessed, detailing the struggle to maintain his family’s well-being during this steep downturn.
### Comeback and Continued Success
However, resilience defined Sunil Dutt’s career. Despite the monumental setback, he made a significant comeback in the following years with successful films like “Heera” (1973), “Nagin” (1976), and “Jaani Dushman” (1979). As the 1980s rolled in, Dutt shifted more towards character roles. After taking a sabbatical from the film industry in 1993, he made a remarkable return with “Munna Bhai MBBS” in 2003, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, which became an instant classic.
### Political Journey
Sunil Dutt’s influence wasn’t confined to the silver screen. In 1982, he was appointed Sheriff of Bombay by the Maharashtra government, serving a notable term. His political career saw another zenith in 2004 when he was appointed Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports in the Union Government led by Manmohan Singh. As a Member of Parliament representing North-West Mumbai, he continued to serve the nation until his untimely demise.
### The Final Curtain
On May 25, 2005, Bollywood and India lost one of its most cherished icons. Sunil Dutt succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a rich legacy and an indomitable spirit that inspires many to this day.
### Conclusion
Sunil Dutt’s life mirrors the highs and lows that come with fame, fortune, and personal resolve. From a bus conductor struggling to make ends meet, to a celebrated star and dedicated politician, Dutt’s journey encapsulates a narrative of endless determination and resilience. As the world commemorates his 95th birth anniversary, his story continues to be an inspiration for generations to come.
