Sanjay Dutt biography chronicles the legendary, tumultuous, and deeply resilient life of one of Hindi cinema's most iconic actors. Affectionately known as 'Sanju Baba,' he has captivated audiences for over four decades with his commanding screen presence, distinctive style, and versatile performances. From romantic leads to menacing villains, his career has survived immense personal tragedy, health scares, and highly publicized legal challenges, making his story one of the most compelling in the Indian entertainment industry.

His on-screen persona has evolved drastically over the years. Initially breaking out as a conventional action hero in the 1980s, he later delivered critically acclaimed, nuanced performances in crime dramas and unforgettable comedic turns in the beloved Munna Bhai series. In his recent career phase, he has seamlessly reinvented himself as a formidable, larger-than-life antagonist in major pan-Indian blockbusters, proving his enduring box-office appeal.

As of 2026, he enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, dividing his time between his prestigious Pali Hill residence in Mumbai and extensive business ventures in Dubai. With a massive slate of upcoming films across multiple Indian languages, his legendary career shows no signs of slowing down. He remains a deeply beloved figure among fans, who admire his survival instincts and enduring charisma.

👤 Profile at a Glance

Full Name Sanjay Balraj Dutt
Nickname Sanju Baba
Date of Birth July 29, 1959
Age 66 years old
Birthplace Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality Indian
Profession Actor and Film Producer
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Education The Lawrence School, Sanawar
Marital Status Married
Spouse / Partner Manyata Dutt
Children 3
Net Worth ₹295 Crore ($35 Million) (2026)

🎓 Education

Sanjay Dutt completed his schooling at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, a prestigious boarding school in Himachal Pradesh.

Despite his privileged upbringing, his early life was marred by severe personal struggles and addiction, which severely disrupted any plans for traditional higher education. He instead focused entirely on his rehabilitation and subsequent acting career.

💼 Career

Sanjay Dutt made his Bollywood debut in 1981 with the box-office hit 'Rocky', directed by his father. However, the film's release was shadowed by the tragic death of his mother, Nargis, just days prior. He established himself as a leading action star in the 1980s with films like 'Naam' (1986), which proved to be a major turning point in his career. The 1990s saw him deliver some of his most iconic performances in movies like 'Saajan' (1991), 'Sadak' (1991), and his unforgettable portrayal of the anti-hero Ballu in 'Khalnayak' (1993).

His career experienced a massive resurgence in 1999 with his award-winning role as a Mumbai underworld don in 'Vaastav: The Reality'. He then showcased his impeccable comedic timing in Rajkumar Hirani's 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.' (2003) and its sequel 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' (2006), creating one of the most beloved characters in Indian cinematic history. These films earned him immense critical acclaim and a massive, loyal fan base.

In recent years, Dutt has successfully transitioned into powerful supporting roles and menacing villains in big-budget pan-Indian films. His terrifying portrayal of Adheera in 'KGF: Chapter 2' (2022) and his role in the Tamil blockbuster 'Leo' (2023) introduced him to a massive new audience across southern India.

As of 2026, he remains one of the busiest actors in the industry. His upcoming slate includes highly anticipated films like 'Dhurandhar', 'KD - The Devil', and 'The Raja Saab'. Beyond acting, he runs successful business ventures in Dubai, including a production house, a whisky label, and investments in various startups, contributing to his reported ₹295 crore net worth.

🏠 Personal Life

Sanjay Dutt was born to legendary Indian cinema actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis. His early life was heavily publicized due to a severe battle with drug addiction, which he successfully overcame after seeking rehabilitation in the United States. His life took another dramatic turn in 1993 when he was arrested under TADA and the Arms Act for illegal possession of weapons linked to the Bombay bombings. After years of legal battles and multiple prison stints, he completed his sentence and was released in 2016.

He has been married three times. His first wife, Richa Sharma, tragically passed away from a brain tumor in 1996; they share a daughter, Trishala, who resides in the US. His second marriage to Rhea Pillai ended in divorce in 2008. Later that same year, he married Manyata Dutt, and the couple welcomed twins, Shahraan and Iqra, in 2010. In 2020, Dutt successfully battled and overcame stage 4 lung cancer.

Today, he lives a lavish lifestyle, anchored by his ₹40 crore ancestral Pali Hill residence in Mumbai, which is filled with memories of his parents. His family frequently spends time in Dubai, where he manages an extensive luxury car collection including a Rolls-Royce Ghost and a Ferrari 599 GTB.

🏆 Achievements & Awards

  • Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Vaastav: The Reality (2000)
  • Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2004)
  • Successfully overcame stage 4 lung cancer (2020)
  • Starred in massive pan-Indian blockbusters like KGF: Chapter 2 and Leo

💬 Notable Quotes

I have been to hell and back. It's the love of my family and my fans that kept me alive.

— Sanjay Balraj Dutt

My father was my biggest strength. He stood by me when the whole world turned against me.

— Sanjay Balraj Dutt

Dubai is a second home to us. My family loves it there, and it gives me a great space for my business ventures.

— Sanjay Balraj Dutt

❓ People Also Ask

As of 2026, Sanjay Dutt's estimated net worth is approximately ₹295 Crore ($35 Million), fueled by his acting career and significant business ventures in Dubai.
He has been married three times: to Richa Sharma, Rhea Pillai, and currently to Manyata Dutt.
His 2026 releases include 'Dhurandhar', 'KD - The Devil', and 'The Raja Saab'.
He was convicted under the Arms Act for the illegal possession of weapons linked to the 1993 Bombay bombings. He completed his sentence in 2016.
Yes, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August 2020 and announced his successful recovery later that same year.