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Entertainment • Film

Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt is an Indian actor and film producer who works primarily in Hindi cinema and has also appeared in several other Indian-language films.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sanjay Dutt is an Indian actor and film producer who works primarily in Hindi cinema and has also appeared in several other Indian-language films. Born in 1959, he has had a long career spanning more than four decades and is known for roles in action, drama, and comedy films. He has a large international South Asian audience, including viewers in Canada’s Hindi- and Punjabi-language film communities.

Early life and family

Sanjay Dutt was born on 29 July 1959 in Bombay, State of Bombay, India. He is the son of Sunil Dutt and Nargis, two prominent figures in Indian cinema and public life.

Film career

Dutt built a long career in Hindi films, acting in more than 135 titles across genres including action, romance, and comedy. He gained wide recognition for roles in films such as Saajan, Khalnayak, Vaastav, and the Munna Bhai series. He has also appeared in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi, and Punjabi films.

Recognition and awards

He has won several awards, including two Filmfare Awards, three Screen Awards, and a Global Indian Film Award. Sources also describe him as one of the most popular Hindi film actors since the 1980s.

Public image

Dutt is often described as known for intensity, style, and portrayals of flawed heroes. His career and personal life have both attracted substantial media attention.

Key facts

  • He has acted in over 135 films.
  • He works mainly in Hindi cinema but has also appeared in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi, and Punjabi films.
  • He is the son of actors and public figures Sunil Dutt and Nargis.
  • His early breakthrough is commonly associated with the film Khalnayak (1993).
  • He is widely associated with the Munna Bhai film series and films such as Vaastav and Agneepath.
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Canadian context

Sanjay Dutt has a large international South Asian audience, including viewers in Canada’s Hindi- and Punjabi-language film communities.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sanjay Dutt?
Sanjay Dutt is an Indian actor and film producer best known for his work in Hindi cinema.
When was Sanjay Dutt born?
He was born on 29 July 1959.
What is Sanjay Dutt known for?
He is known for a long Hindi-film career, including roles in Khalnayak, Vaastav, and the Munna Bhai series.
How many films has he appeared in?
Available sources say he has acted in over 135 films.
Has he worked outside Hindi cinema?
Yes. He has also appeared in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi, and Punjabi films.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjay_Dutt
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, career field, film count, industry, and awards
  2. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjay_Dutt
    Supports: Birth date, career span, film count, and language industries
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004569/
    Supports: Birth date, notable films, and career overview
  4. Maps of Indiahttps://www.mapsofindia.com/who-is-who/entertainment/sanjay-dutt.html
    Supports: Family background and early breakthrough
  5. BookMyShowhttps://in.bookmyshow.com/person/sanjay-dutt/2035
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupations, and family details
  6. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/hi/name/nm0004569/
    Supports: Birth date, birth name, and notable films