Born July 29, 1959 to Indian actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis, actor and producer Sanjay Dutt has had moments of drama in his life - so when you mention his name you might get some mixed responses.
As an actor, Dutt often plays the role of a gangster or don. But he can bring real depth to characters beyond the tough guy roles. He has given Bollywood several hit films and his performances have earned him several film awards and nominations.
If you are new to Bollywood, here are 5 Sanjay Dutt films you should watch.
1. Mission Kashmir
Release Date: 27 October 2000
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Music by: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Description: In the strife-torn valley of Kashmir, Muslim policeman Inayat Khan (Sanjay Dutt) and his Hindu wife lose their son because terrorists have threatened to kill any doctor (and their family) who treats them. During a firefight with the terrorists, a family is killed save for the young son Altaaf - who is adopted by Khan and his wife. However, when Altaaf discovers that Khan is responsible for the death of his family, he runs away and plans his revenge.
Why I Love This Film: Each of the characters in this film is a kind and loving person until they encounter anger and hatred which leads them to make decisions that come back to haunt them. The film highlights the fragility of relationships in the shadow of prejudice and fear and offers scenes of hope in an otherwise frustrating situation.
Notes: The film opens with: "Dedicated to Kashmiriyat, the centuries-old tradition of religious tolerance and harmony." It ends with: "For my children, Ishaa and Agni, and for all the children of conflict -- may they dream without fear. May they someday rediscover that valley of love I grew up in, that haven of harmony, that paradise called Kashmir."
Recognition: Nominated, Filmfare Best Actor Award.
2. Kaante
English Title: "Thorns"
Release Date: 20 December 2002
Director: Sanjay Gupta
Music by: Anand Raj Anand, Vishal-Shekhar, Lucky Ali
Description: Action film. Six NRIs are rounded up by the LAPD and questioned about a stolen truck. While in detention, they hatch a scheme to rob the bank with the LAPD payroll. When the policy ambush them at the scene, they barely manage to escape. They soon learn that one of them is an undercover cop - but who?
Why I Love This Film: What begins as a heist film turns into a psychological drama. Featuring an all-star ensemble cast - including Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty, Mahesh Manjrekar, Lucky Ali, Kumar Gaurav, and Malaika Arora - the dancing is more bump-and-grind than bhangra, but the music is good and the performances outstanding. This is also a somewhat violent and bloody film, so if you don't care for that style, this might not be for you. Those familiar with Quentin Tarantino's 1992 film Reservoir Dogs, will recognize the plot. However, according to the Times of India, Quentin Tarantino was flattered by this version of his film:
In fact, Tarantino actually felt that Kaante had more flexibility in its narration, than Reservoir Dogs. He says, "Here I am, watching a film that I've directed and then it goes into each character's background. And I'm like, 'Whoa'. For, I always write backgrounds and stuff and it always gets chopped off during the edit. And so I was amazed on seeing this. I felt, this isn't Reservoir Dogs. But then it goes into the warehouse scene and I am like, 'Wow, it's back to Reservoir Dogs '. Isn't it amazing!"
Recognition: Nominated, Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.
3. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.
Release Date: 19 December 2003
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Music by: Anu Malik
Description: The parents of Mumbai don Murli Prasad Sharma (a.k.a. "Munna Bhai" or "Brother Munna") think he is a doctor. When his true profession is revealed, their disappointment is too much for him to bear. With the help of his sidekick Circuit (Arshad Warsi), he gains admission to medical school where he turns the establishment upside down.
Why I Love This Film: Sanjay Dutt's Munna is a don with a heart. He believes in the healing power of hugs and friendship which challenges the medical methods and angers the teachers. His interactions with the other students and patients - as well as the dean Dr. JC Asthana (Boman Irani) - are particularly entertaining.
Recognition: Won, Filmfare Best Comedian Award.
4. Parineeta
English Title: "The Married Woman"
Release Date: 10 June 2005
Director: Pradeep Sarkar
Music by: Shantanu Moitra
Description: Neighbors Lolita (Vidya Balan) and Shekhar Rai (Saif Ali Khan) have been friends since childhood. Their bond is challenged when Girish (Sanjay Dutt) arrives. Hearts are broken, communication breaks down, and misunderstandings run rampant. Based on the novella Parineeta by Sarat Chandra Chatterjee.
Why I Love This Film: While Lolita and Shekhar can seem to be jealous and petty, Girish is a warm, simple, and straightforward person who is easy to love. He provides Lolita with friendship and moral support when Shekhar turns away. While Sanjay Dutt is a supporting player in this drama, his performance stands out as one of his most memorable.
Recognition: Nominated, Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.
5. Lage Raho Munna Bhai
English Title: "Carry On, Brother Munna"
Release Date: 1 September 2006
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Music by: Shantanu Moitra
Description: Mumbai Don Murli Prasad Sharma (a.k.a. "Munna Bhai") is in love with the voice of radio talk show host Janvi (Vidya Balan). In order to meet her in person, he must win a call-in contest about the life and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi. He kidnaps professors to help him win the contest. Impressed by his knowledge of Gandhi, Janvi invites Munna to deliver a presentation. Not wanting to let her down, he spends three solid days in the library reading about the life and ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi (Dilip Prabhavalkar), who manifests physically to offer Munna guidance and advice. Munna tries to cultivate a new lifestyle based on Gandhism - which inspires those around him - but experiences several obstacles along the way.
Why I Love This Film: This is Munna Bhai remixed. Each of the Munna Bhai films exists in its own universe. The main characters are the same, but some of the supporting actors return in completely new roles. This second Munna Bhai film asks each of us to think about our lives in light of the path walked by Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi. Wrapped in an entertaining film, the story highights some of the key precepts that made Gandhi's life such an important legacy for the world.
Recognition: Nominated, Filmfare Best Actor Award.
Don't know which film to watch first? The following playlist features the trailers for each of these films.
If you liked this, check out our other Friday Five posts.