Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 25: On the 20th death anniversary of iconic actor and politician Sunil Dutt, his children Sanjay Dutt and Priya Dutt took to social media to share moving tributes, celebrating his legacy as a father, humanitarian, and stalwart of Indian cinema and politics.
Sunil Dutt, who passed away on May 25, 2005, at the age of 75 due to a heart attack, is fondly remembered not only for his legendary film career but also for his humility, resilience, and public service. Marking the solemn occasion, Sanjay Dutt posted a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside a series of nostalgic photographs.
The first image showed a young Sanjay with his father, smiling during a childhood moment, while another featured a powerful still from their much-loved film Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., capturing the essence of their on-screen and real-life bond.
“You didn’t just raise me, you showed me how to stand tall when life gets tough. Love you dad and miss you every day…” Sanjay wrote in an emotional caption, thanking his father for being his guiding light through life’s many challenges.
👉 Sanjay Dutt’s Post
Sanjay’s sister, Priya Dutt, also paid tribute with a deeply personal Instagram post, remembering her father as a man of values who led with compassion and never sought fame or recognition for his good deeds.
“Dad, when you smiled, we knew everything was okay. You were our pillar—the one person who stood by us, behind us, and guided us to move forward with the right values of humility, gratitude, compassion, and love,” she wrote.
👉 Priya Dutt’s Post
“You never wanted anything named after you or statues built. You didn’t need that, as you are etched in the hearts of the people whose lives you touched. I feel so proud to be your daughter,” she added.
Sunil Dutt remains an enduring figure in Indian cinema, remembered for his powerful performances in classics like Mother India, Waqt, Padosan, and Sadhna. His real-life romance with actress Nargis began during the filming of Mother India, where he famously rescued her from a fire. The couple married in 1958 and had three children—Sanjay, Priya, and Namrata Dutt.
Despite personal tragedies, including Nargis’s death from pancreatic cancer in 1981, Sunil Dutt continued to serve both his family and the nation with strength and integrity. He entered politics in 1984, joining the Indian National Congress and winning five consecutive terms as Member of Parliament from Mumbai North West.
His final film appearance alongside Sanjay in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S is remembered as a fitting tribute to the deep bond they shared, leaving fans with timeless memories of their father-son duo.
As tributes continue to pour in, Sunil Dutt’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he inspired—both on screen and off.