(Photo: AI/IANS)
Mumbai, June 6 (IANS) In an old interview of legendary actor, politician and humanitarian Sunil Dutt, the legendary actor was see urging Indians to not divided the country for mere selfish reasons.
June 6 marks Sunil Dutt’s 97th birth anniversary. In the archival interaction with Prasar Bharati, the late actor was seen talking passionately about national unity, harmony and the importance of preserving the emotional bonds that hold India together.
In the video, Sunil Dutt was seen reflecting on how the country remains connected through shared emotions despite its diversity. “Even today, if our country is tied to each other, then it is through the thread of our emotions. In that thread, we have fought many battles. Sometimes there are people who try to provoke those emotions. I would say such people take our emotions in the wrong direction for their own selfish interests. My only request to them is that they stay away from doing so. Our innocent brothers and sisters die, and at least keeping them and the country in mind, people should not be misled,” said Sunil Dutt.
The veteran actor further highlights India's unique cultural fabric, noting that the nation is home to numerous religions, languages, customs, traditions and folk cultures. He called this diversity as the country's greatest treasure.
“The world says that our country has different religions, different languages, different clothes, different customs and different folk traditions. I believe this diversity is the greatest treasure of our country,” Sunil Dutt said in the archival Prasar Bharati interview.
The legendary star was also seen cautioning against those who, for selfish interests, attempt to mislead people and exploit their sentiments.
Known not only as a celebrated actor and politician but also as a committed humanitarian, Sunil Dutt consistently highlighted the cause of humanity above religious.
Born on June 6, 1929, Sunil Dutt began his journey as a radio announcer before entering the world of cinema. He made his acting debut with the 1955 film 'Railway Platform' and rose to prominence with the iconic 'Mother India' in 1957.
Over the decades, he delivered memorable performances in films such as 'Sujata', 'Mujhe Jeene Do', 'Waqt', 'Khandan', 'Padosan', 'Hamraaz', 'Reshma Aur Shera', 'Heera', 'Jaani Dushman', 'Rocky' and 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.'.
Sunil Dutt's love story with actress Nargis remains one of Bollywood's most cherished romances. The two reportedly grew close during the making of 'Mother India', where Dutt played the role of Nargis' son. The couple married in 1958 and remained devoted to each other until Nargis' death in 1981.
Together, they had three children, actor Sanjay Dutt, former Member of Parliament Priya Dutt and Namrata Dutt.
The veteran actor later entered politics and served as a Member of Parliament and Union Minister.
Sunil Dutt passed away on May 25, 2005, following a heart attack, at the age of 75.
Sanjay Dutt shares unseen pic of father Sunil Dutt on 97th birth anniversary: I Love You and Miss You Every Day
Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, on June 6, seems to have turned emotional as he remembered his late father, legendary actor and politician Sunil Dutt, on his 97th birth anniversary.
Taking to his social media account, Sanjay shared a series of rare black-and-white throwback pictures featuring cherished moments with his father.
He also penned a heartfelt note expressing how deeply he continues to miss him.
Sharing the picture, Sanjay wrote, “Happy birthday dad, I love you and miss you everyday. You are and always be my pillar of strength and my inspiration.”
The first picture captures a young Sanjay Dutt sitting beside his father. The other candid images beautifully reflect the warmth and bond shared between the father-son duo.
Sunil Dutt remains one of Indian cinema’s most admired personalities. He began his acting career in the 1950s and went on to deliver superhit movies like ‘Mother India’, ‘Sujata’, ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’, ‘Waqt’, ‘Padosan’, ‘Gumraah’, and ‘Hamraaz.”
Beyond cinema, he was widely respected for his humanitarian work and later entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and Union Minister.
Talking about Sanjay Dutt, the actor has always spoken about his bond with Sunil Dutt and how close they were.
On Sunil Dutt’s birth anniversary a few weeks ago, Sanjay Dutt on Sunil Dutt’s 21st death anniversary, had remembered his iconic father and said that he has always been a “rock” in his life.
Sanjay had shared three old pictures featuring his father, him, and his two sisters.
“I miss you always dad and I love you, you are and have always been a rock in my life, I am honoured and grateful to have a dad like you,” Sanjay wrote in the caption section for his father, who passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack at the age of 75.
The late star’s last movie was the 2003 blockbuster “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.”
