Sunil Dutt Life Story: Age, Wife Nargis, Bollywood Career, and Achievements in 2025

Sunil Dutt, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, was not only a celebrated actor but also a dedicated politician and philanthropist. Known for his versatile acting and humanitarian work, Sunil Dutt left an indelible mark on Bollywood and Indian society. This article delves into his life, career, personal journey, and legacy, presented in a structured format for better readability and SEO optimization.

Full Name	Sunil Dutt (Born Balraj Dutt)
Date of Birth	June 6, 1929
Age at Death	75 years (Passed away on May 25, 2005)
Birthplace	Nakka Khurd, Jhelum District, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan)
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Actor, Producer, Director, Politician
Spouse	Nargis (m. 1958; d. 1981)
Children	Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, Namrata Dutt
Famous Films	Mother India, Mujhe Jeene Do, Padosan, Sadak, Munnabhai MBBS
Political Career	Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Mumbai North-West (1984–2005)
Awards	Padma Shri (1968), Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards
Death	May 25, 2005 (Heart Attack)

Early Life and Background

Sunil Dutt was born as Balraj Dutt on June 6, 1929, in Nakka Khurd, a village in the Jhelum District of Punjab (now in Pakistan). His family migrated to India during the Partition in 1947. Sunil Dutt faced numerous hardships during his early years but remained determined to succeed. He completed his education in Lucknow and later moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in the film industry.

Career in Bollywood

Sunil Dutt’s journey in Bollywood began in the 1950s. He initially worked as a radio jockey and later transitioned to acting. His breakthrough role came in the 1957 classic Mother India, where he starred alongside Nargis, who later became his wife. The film was a massive success and earned him widespread recognition.

Notable Films:

Mother India (1957): Played the role of Birju, which catapulted him to fame.
Mujhe Jeene Do (1963): Won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance.
Padosan (1968): Showcased his comedic timing in this cult classic.
Sadak (1991): Played a pivotal role in this romantic drama.
Munnabhai MBBS (2003): His last film appearance, where he played Sanjay Dutt’s on-screen father.

Sunil Dutt was known for his versatility, effortlessly transitioning between intense dramas, romantic films, and comedies. He also ventured into film production and direction, contributing significantly to Indian cinema.

Personal Life

Marriage to Nargis

Sunil Dutt married Nargis, his Mother India co-star, in 1958. Their love story began on the sets of the film, and their marriage was one of the most celebrated unions in Bollywood. The couple had three children: Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, and Namrata Dutt.

Tragedy and Resilience

Nargis passed away in 1981 due to cancer, leaving Sunil Dutt devastated. He dedicated much of his later life to social causes, including cancer awareness and rehabilitation of drug addicts, inspired by his son Sanjay Dutt’s struggles with addiction.

Political Career

Sunil Dutt entered politics in the 1980s, joining the Indian National Congress. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Mumbai North-West constituency five times, serving from 1984 until his death in 2005. He was known for his integrity and commitment to public service, working tirelessly for the welfare of his constituents.

Philanthropy and Social Work

Sunil Dutt was deeply involved in humanitarian work. He founded the Nargis Dutt Foundation in memory of his wife, focusing on cancer awareness and treatment. He also worked extensively for communal harmony, especially during the aftermath of the 1993 Mumbai riots.

Death and Legacy

Sunil Dutt passed away on May 25, 2005, due to a heart attack. His death was a significant loss to the Indian film industry and the nation. He is remembered as a talented actor, a compassionate politician, and a devoted family man.

Legacy:

His contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations.
His philanthropic work remains impactful, with the Nargis Dutt Foundation still active.
His children, Sanjay Dutt and Priya Dutt, have carried forward his legacy in their respective fields.

Conclusion

Sunil Dutt’s life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and excellence. From his humble beginnings to becoming a Bollywood icon and a respected politician, he touched countless lives through his work and humanitarian efforts. His legacy lives on through his films, family, and the causes he championed.