The world of cinema has always been a magnet for controversy, and Bollywood is no exception. The lives of its stars, their love affairs, and the scandals that surround them often make headlines. One name that has been consistently linked to controversy is Sanjay Dutt. His life, filled with love, turmoil, and scandal, has been a subject of fascination for many. Sanjay made his debut in 1981 with his father Sunil Dutt’s film ‘Rocky’ and became an overnight sensation. His co-star in the film, Tina Munim, caught his eye, and he fell deeply in love with her. However, their relationship was short-lived, as Tina soon found herself drawn to the charismatic Rajesh Khanna.
The abrupt end of their relationship left Sanjay heartbroken, and his struggles with drug addiction only added to his woes. In a shocking turn of events, Sanjay, then just 22 years old, confronted Rajesh Khanna on the sets of Mahboob Studio, where the latter was filming. The atmosphere was tense, and it seemed like a physical altercation was imminent. Sanjay, fueled by anger and a sense of betrayal, sat down in front of Rajesh, glaring at him intensely. The air was thick with tension, but Sanjay eventually managed to compose himself and refrained from attacking Rajesh.
In his biography, ‘Sanjay Dutt: The Untold Story of Bollywood’s Bad Boy,’ Sanjay opens up about his tumultuous relationship with Tina and how her alleged infidelity affected him. He confesses that he was aware of Tina’s simultaneous relationships with other men but chose to ignore it, blinded by his love for her. However, when their relationship finally ended, and her affair with Rajesh Khanna became public, Sanjay felt humiliated, used, and like a laughingstock in the industry.
Sanjay recounts the incident on the sets of Mahboob Studio, saying, “I was consumed by rage, and my emotions were in turmoil. I couldn’t bear the thought of being dumped, and my anger drove me to confront Rajesh. I sat down right in front of him, my eyes fixed intently on his face, and I was ready to pounce. But he just sat there, calm and composed, which only added to my frustration.” Sanjay credits Rajesh’s calm demeanor for preventing a potentially violent confrontation.
Gulshan Grover, a close friend of Sanjay’s, recently shared an anecdote about the time they worked together on the sets of ‘Avtaar.’ He revealed that he was apprehensive about meeting Rajesh Khanna on set, given the tensions between Sanjay and Rajesh over Tina. However, to his surprise, Rajesh greeted him warmly, defusing any potential awkwardness. This unexpected display of cordiality from Rajesh Khanna has stayed with Gulshan to this day.
The complexities of Sanjay Dutt’s life, marked by both triumph and turmoil, continue to fascinate audiences. His relationship with Tina Munim, though short-lived, remains an integral part of his intriguing story. As Sanjay navigates the highs and lows of his life, his experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of love, the dangers of addiction, and the enduring power of redemption.