How The Film Saajan Brought Madhuri Dixit And Sanjay Dutt Closer, Romantically

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Love stories and Bollywood films exist on opposite ends of a bridge, each inspiring the other to create timeless classics that audiences eagerly revisit. A significant factor in this connection is the chemistry between the lead actors, which often makes viewers believe in the protagonist's journey, personal challenges, and unwavering love for the heroine.

There are moments when reality and fiction blur, and what happens on screen sometimes spills into real life. A notable example is the rumoured romance between Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt.

The 1990s were a vibrant era filled with romance, glamour, and intrigue. During this time, Sanjay Dutt starred in several cult classics, including Khalnayak, Thanedaar, Saajan, and Khatron Ke Khiladi. A common thread in these films was Madhuri Dixit.

The speculation surrounding the love affair between Sanjay Dutt and the Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit made headlines throughout the 90s, with many believing they were romantically involved. At that time, Dutt was married to actress and model Richa Sharma, with whom he had a daughter, Trishala, born in 1988. Tragically, two years into their marriage, Richa was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

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As Dutt's career soared, his on-screen chemistry with Madhuri Dixit became a winning formula, leading to multiple collaborations and increased time spent together on set.

Rumours about their relationship began to circulate during the filming of Saajan (1991), with magazines and tabloids extensively covering the story. While shooting Khalnayak in 1992, the press labelled them a couple, despite Dutt still being married to Richa. Their fondness for each other was evident, and their on-screen chemistry often translated off-screen.

In an interview, Madhuri Dixit shared that Sanjay Dutt always made her laugh: “My favourite partner is Sanjay Dutt. He’s a real joker, and his stories make me laugh all the time. But he is also a gentleman,” she said.

Madhuri described Dutt as a wonderful person with a “good sense of humour.” In another interview, she noted, “He has a loving heart and, contrary to popular belief, a great sense of humour. He is the only person who makes me laugh consistently. He is straightforward and genuine.”

Although the pair never publicly addressed the rumours, tabloids fuelled speculation about their relationship. One filmmaker even claimed that Sanjay Dutt was infatuated with Madhuri and would whisper “I love you” to her on set.

In 2023, during the celebration of Khal Nayak's 30th anniversary, director Subhash Ghai expressed his confidence in the film's success, noting that Sanjay Dutt was even more certain. Ghai playfully remarked, “Ye (Sanjay Dutt) bolta tha, yeh picture bohot door tak jaayegi par dekhta tha Madhuri ki taraf.”

Rajkumar Hirani directed Sanjay Dutt’s biopic in 2018, which depicted his struggles with substance abuse, depression, and his personal relationships. [Rh/VS]

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