Born Balraj Dutt in 1929, Sunil Dutt came from a modest background
Dutt was admired not only as an actor but also as a humanitarian and politician.
During Partition, Sunil Dutt was separated from his family but was joyfully reunited in Ambala
Sunil Dutt, originally named Balraj Dutt, was born on 6 June 1929 in Nakka Khurd, Punjab Province (present-day Pakistan). Coming from a modest background with no industry connections, he rose to become one of Indian cinema’s most respected and beloved actors. With his charisma, unique style, and powerful performances, Dutt captivated audiences and delivered films that carried strong messages. Beyond his cinematic achievements, he was admired as a humanitarian and politician, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Dutt’s early life was not easy. While studying at Jai Hind College, he struggled financially and worked alongside his education to support himself. His first break came as a radio jockey, which eventually opened the doors to the film industry. In 1955, he made his acting debut with Railway Platform. Just a year later, he tasted major success with Ek Hi Raasta (1956), then Mother India (1957) turned him into one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema. It was during the making of this iconic film that he met actress Nargis, whom he married in 1958. The couple had three children: their son Sanjay Dutt, and daughters Namrata and Priya Dutt.
His contributions extended well beyond films. Sunil Dutt was deeply committed to public service, actively participating in social causes and politics. For his work, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1968 and received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. His enduring screen presence and inspiring life continue to be celebrated to this day.
However, behind his success lay a deeply painful chapter from his youth—the trauma of Partition. In an interview with journalist Vishwanath Sachdev on Doordarshan Sahyadri’s Hello DD, Sunil Dutt shared his emotional story of survival and reunion with his family.
During Partition, he had been separated from his mother, younger brother, and sister. Moving from place to place in different tempos, he searched desperately for them, fearing the worst—that they had fallen victim to the same tragedy that claimed countless lives at the time.
He recalled that one day, while in Ambala, a tonga cart passed by. Suddenly, he heard someone call out, “Balraj!” Shocked that anyone would know him there, he discovered it was a relative riding in the tonga. The relative took him along. Nervously, he asked about his mother, but the relative remained silent.
Soon, they arrived at the bungalow of the relative’s uncle, who had become the SP of Ambala. As Sunil Dutt stepped down from the tonga, he froze. Standing before him was his mother, dressed in unwashed, worn clothes, with his little brother in shorts and his sister beside her.
In that moment, when all hope had seemed lost, he was reunited with his family. For him, it was as if the entire world had been returned. He described it as the happiest day of his life—finding his mother, brother, and sister after believing he had lost them forever.
That memory of reunion, emerging from the darkness of Partition, stayed etched in his heart forever. Sunil Dutt’s life reminds us that success is often built upon unseen struggles, resilience, and determination. His journey is a testament to how hardship can shape greatness and how dedication can leave an unforgettable legacy. [Rh/VP]
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