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Sunil Dutt

Sunil Dutt

Actor, also producer · Died May 25, 2005, aged 74 · Jhelum, Punjab, British India

In the history of Indian Cinema, a method actor, social activist and politician, Sunil Dutt, who wore many hats and excelled in a plethora of roles that came his way - both on and off screen. Born on June 6th, 1929, Sunil Dutt was born as Balraj Dutt in a Punjabi Brahmin family that had survived the Partition of India. A student of Mumbai's Jai Hind college, he first started off as radio show host and celebrity interviewer, which led to his first encounter with the glamour world. Interestingly, wife-to-be Nargis was one of the celebrities he met in the course of his work. Soon, Dutt got a chance to enter the film-world, when director Ramesh Saigal offered him the hero's role in his Nalini Jaywant starer 'Railway Platform' (1955). 'Ek Hi Raasta' (1956), marked the start of a seven-film long association with B R Chopra. Dutt's true breakthrough came with Mehboob Khan's magnum opus 'Mother India' (1957). His portrayal of Birju, Nargis's rebellious younger son, portrayed a raw, urgent energy. Dutt's association with Nargis in the movie resulted in a more serious one, when he married her after the release of the film. Dutt's role in women-oriented films like 'Sadhna' (1958), 'Sujata' (1959) , 'Main Chup Rahungi' (1962) and 'Darpan' (1970) were well-appreciated. Noted filmmakers like Bimal Roy, Hrishikesh Mukherji and B R Chopra dared to defy Sunil Dutt's established rebellious Birju image and cast him as a sensitive lover. In 60s, Dutt become one of the established actors. He was the only actor of that time who dare to take different roles. He always believed that an actor should play variety of roles instead of sticking to particular genre. Dutt turned producer in the early sixties with a couple of offbeat movies - 'Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke' (1963), where a heroine has an adulterous relationship and 'Mujhe Jeene Do' (1963) where he played a dacoit. Both of the films were "Superhit" at the box-office. Dutt also turned director in the mid 60s with an experimental solo actor movie 'Yaadein' (1964) which was selected in Guinness Book of World Record and a love war 'Reshma Aur Shera' (1971) which was nominated in Berlin International Film Festival. In his cinematic association, with B R Chopra become legendary as Dutt gave several big hits in the 50s & 60s - 'Ek Hi Raasta' (1956), 'Sadhna' (1958), 'Gumraah' (1963), 'Waqt' (1965) and 'Humraaz' (1967). He also worked with South Indian filmmakers, which resulted in emotion-heavy, rural-based hits with Nutan like 'Khandaan' and 'Milan'. In 1967, he had a hat-trick of big hits with 'Milan', 'Meherban' and 'Humraaz'. His role of a buffoon in Jyoti Swaroop's 'Padosan' (1968) was highly appreciated and proved to be a classic comedy. In 1970s, he gave several big hits like 'Heera' (1973), 'Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye' (1974), 'Zakhmee' (1975), 'Nagin' (1976), 'Daku Aur Jawan' (1978) and 'Jaani Dushman' (1979). In 1981, Dutt's world was rocked when his wife Nargis died after a protracted battle with her cancer. He later joined politics. One year after her death, he directed 'Dard Ka Rishta' in honor of her and to spread awareness towards cancer. He also built hospital named Nargis Dutt Foundation for cancer treatment. He also worked tirelessly for poor people. But Dutt continued as an actor until early 90s with few movies. He worked with select filmmakers like J P Dutta 'Kshatriya' and Yash Chopra 'Parampara'. In early 90s, he took retirement from films and worked as a politician till his death. He worked for refugees, slum dwellers and displaced people. His fanbase in his time was soft-spoken and kind-hearted handsome star which made him a heartthrob for all of a different kind. His last screen appearance was in Rajkumar Hirani's immensely popular laugh riot 'Munnabhai MBBS', where he played on-screen father to his son Sanjay. Their hugging scene become a memorable scene in the film. During his lifetime, he was known as a bigger hero in real life than reel life. He won two Filmfare awards, one BFJA award, a National Film award. In 1995, he was honoured with Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution in Indian Cinema. In 2001, he was honoured with Zee Cine award where he thanked all his co-directors, co-actors, technicians, makeup artists. Like his film career, his political career was also successful. He was the only actor who worked tirelessly for the nation without any personal motive. He won Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna award for his padyatra and social work along with Maulana Abdul Azad award, Man of the year award, etc. In 2004, he was selected as Cabinet Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs. Untill his death, he did his work dedicatedly. Dutt died in his sleep due to heart attack in 2005. His sudden death was shocking for all. Some politicians believed that he died early and expressed their grief that they lost a valuable politician. His children always gave tribute to him on special occasions in their social media. This legend left this world early but completed all his duties and made a unique legacy. He not only entertained the audience but also inspired them with his work and contribution.

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Biography from IMDb.

Born
June 6, 1930
Died
May 25, 2005 (aged 74)
From
Jhelum, Punjab, British India
Works as
Actor, also producer
Titles
15 on MovieCove · 86 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 39 days to Oct 28Up 11% in 30 days

What are Sunil Dutt's films like?

Across their 15 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Morality.

Genres

Drama8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 62nd percentile
: browse their Drama movies
Action3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 56th percentile
: browse their Action movies
Comedy3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 97th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
36%
Morality
31%
Power
14%
Self
7%
Survival
6%
Society
4%
Ideas
3%
Romantic love5 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds7 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption5 titles, browse their movies with this themeClass3 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception3 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity2 titles, browse their movies with this themeFreedom2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 15 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 4 · Stylized 9 · Heightened 2

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 1 · Charged 10 · Intense 4

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 6 · Shifting 7 · Whiplash 2

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 7 · Some laughs 4 · Funny 4

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 7 · Even-paced 7 · Relentless 1

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 6 · Engaged 8 · Full focus 1

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 12 · Open-ended 2 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

14 analyzed roles

Usually the Hero: 7 of 14 analyzed roles.

Hero
7 of 14
Mentor
3 of 14
Shapeshifter
2 of 14
Trickster
1 of 14
Shadow
1 of 14
Show the 14 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
8
Melancholic
10
Romantic
8
Joyful
4
Hopeful
3
Other
9

How their films linger

Bittersweet7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 5 with a twist

  • Happy8
  • Bittersweet5
  • Ambiguous2

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Sunil Dutt's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 12 of their 15 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Sunil Dutt's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

86 credits, 15 with a MovieCove page; 5 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.(2003)

    as Shri Hari Prasad Sharma

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Phool (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Balram Choudhary

  • Parampara (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Thakur Bhavani Singh

  • Rang (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Actor

  • Kshatriya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Maharaja Bhawani Singh (Mirtagarh)

  • Virodhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Actor

  • Pratigyabadh (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    as Pascal

  • Nargis (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Actor

  • Kurbaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    as Prithvi Singh

  • Dharamyudh (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Thakur Vikram Singh

  • Watan Ke Rakhwale (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Jailor Suraj Prakash

  • Kala Dhanda Goray Log (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Gaurishankar/Michael

  • Faasle(1985)

    as Vikram

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Laila (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Dharamraj Singh / Thakur Prithviraj Singh

  • Raaj Tilak (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Jai Singh

  • Yaadon Ki Zanjeer (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Ravi

  • Badle Ki Aag (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Lakhan

  • Dard Ka Rishta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Director · Producer · as Dr. Ravi Kand Sharma

  • Rocky (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Director

  • Shaan(1980)

    as DSP Shiv Kumar

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • Ek Gunah Aur Sahi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Ganga Aur Suraj (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Ahinsa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Birju

  • Jaani Dushman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Lakhan

  • Muqabla (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Vikram 'Vicky'

  • Daku Aur Jawan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Director · Screenplay · Actor

  • Kaala Aadmi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Charandas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Advocate Tondon

  • Paapi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Raj Kumar

  • Nagin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Professor Vijay

  • Nehle Pe Dehla (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Producer · Actor

  • Zakhmee (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Actor

  • Himalay Se Ooncha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Vijay

  • 36 Ghante (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Himmat Singh

  • Geetaa Mera Naam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Suraj / Johnny

  • Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Sadhu

  • Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Raja Thakur

  • Man Jeete Jag Jeet (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Sardar Bakhel 'Bakhya' Singh

  • Heera (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Heera

  • Zameen Aasmaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Ravi

  • Zindagi Zindagi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Dr. Sunil

  • Reshma Aur Shera (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Director · Producer · as Shera

  • Jwala (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    as Veera

  • Where the River Padma Flows (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Actor

  • Bhai-Bhai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Actor

  • Pyasi Shaam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Raja

  • Chirag (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Ajay Singh

  • Meri Bhabhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Rajoo

  • Bhai Bahen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Surendra Pratap

  • Darpan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Man Ka Meet(1969)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Padosan(1968)

    as Bhola

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Gauri (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Actor

  • Hamraaz (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Kumar / S.N. Sinha

  • Mehrban (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Kanhaiya

  • Milan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Gopikishan 'Gopi'

  • Maitighar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Actor

  • Amrapali(1966)

    as Magadh Samrat Ajaatha Shatru

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films

  • Gaban (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Actor

  • Mera Saaya(1966)

    as Thakur Rakesh Singh

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Khandan(1965)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Waqt(1965)

    as Ravi

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Beti Bete (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    as Ramu/Krishna

  • Gazal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    as Ejaz

  • Yaadein (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Director · Producer · as Anil

  • Mujhe Jeene Do (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Actor

  • Aaj Aur Kal(1963)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Gumrah (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Rajendra

  • Nartakee(1963)

    as Prof. Nirmal Kumar

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Yeh Rastey Hain Pyar Ke (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Anilkumar G. Sahni

  • Jhoola(1962)

    as Dr. Arun

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Main Chup Rahungi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    as Kamal Kumar

  • Chhaya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Arun/Rahee

  • Usne Kaha Tha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Hum Hindustani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Ek Phool Char Kante(1960)

    as Sanjeev

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Sujata (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    as Adhir

  • Didi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    as Gopal

  • Insaan Jaag Utha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    Actor

  • Sadhna (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    as Mohan

  • Mother India (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    as Birju

  • Payal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Actor

  • Ek-Hi-Rasta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    Actor

  • Kismet Ka Khel(1956)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Kundan(1955)

    as Amrit

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Railway Platform (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    as Ram

Career shape

Star power in the 87th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 85 titles from 1955 to 2003; peak year 1968.

Biggest box office

Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)

$3.1M worldwide

Highest rated

Padosan (1968)

Midcredits 97th

Most popular right now

Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)

Film career

19552003

Peak 1968 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 1957Screen debut· Mother India
  • 1968First top-billed film· Padosan

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting84 of 85: 79 only acting, 5 with another role · typical Midcredits score62ndDirecting5 of 85: 1 only directing, 4 with another roleWriting1 of 85: 0 only writing, 1 with another roleProducing4 of 85: 0 only producing, 4 with another role

85 titles, 5 with more than one role — acting and directing overlap on 4 of them.

By decade

1950s10 · acting1960s30 · 30 acting · 1 crew1970s23 · 23 acting · 3 crew1980s13 · 12 acting · 2 crew1990s8 · acting2000s1 · acting

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do Sunil Dutt's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 61st percentile, the median of all 15; across their 15 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 54th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

54thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Approval · how many liked their films

71stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Reach · how many have seen their films

14thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Midcredits score across 15 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up5
  • 50th to 74th6
  • 25th to 49th4

Shape of the crowd

5 of their 15 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved4
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic4
  • Crowd Pleaser1
  • Mixed5

Most divisive · actor

Faasle (1985)

90th percentile spread · 34% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Padosan (1968)

Midcredits 97th · 92% liked

Reviewers score the acting 81/100 in their films, across 8 reviewed titles; fans 85, detractors 41. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Sunil Dutt work with?

People who share at least 2 of Sunil Dutt's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Om Prakash shares the most, 5.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers