Sanjay Dutt, affectionately known as “Sanju Baba” by his fans, is one of Bollywood’s most enduring and versatile actors. Born on July 29, 1959, to legendary actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis, Sanjay’s life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, both personally and professionally. Despite numerous challenges, he has managed to carve out a niche for himself in the Indian film industry, delivering memorable performances across various genres. This article delves into his journey and highlights his highest-grossing films to date.
The Turning Point: Naam and Saajan
The mid-1980s marked a turning point in Sanjay’s career with the release of Naam (1986), directed by Mahesh Bhatt. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Sanjay’s performance was widely acclaimed.
This was followed by another blockbuster, Saajan (1991), where he starred alongside Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit. The film’s success cemented his status as a leading actor in Bollywood, establishing him as a versatile performer capable of taking on diverse roles.
Sanjay Dutt Munna Bhai Series
One of the most significant milestones in Sanjay Dutt’s career came with the release of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003), directed by Rajkumar Hirani. The film was a massive hit and introduced audiences to the lovable gangster, Munna Bhai. The sequel, Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), was equally successful and further solidified Sanjay’s place in Bollywood. Both films were not only commercial successes but also received critical acclaim for their heartwarming narratives and social messages.
Sanjay Dutt Highest-Grossing Films
Sanjay Dutt’s filmography is filled with numerous hits, but some stand out for their exceptional box office performance. Notable among these is K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022), where Sanjay played the antagonist Adheera. The film grossed over ₹434.70 crore in India alone. Another significant hit was Agneepath (2012), where he portrayed the iconic villain Kancha Cheena, grossing over ₹115 crore. The Munna Bhai series also saw tremendous success, with Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. grossing approximately ₹850 million worldwide and Lage Raho Munna Bhai earning over ₹1.2 billion globally. Additionally, the romantic drama Saajan (1991) was one of the highest-grossing films of its time.