Sanjay Dutt wanted to play Sunil Dutt’s character in his biopic but didn’t. Here’s why!

We earlier reported how Ranbir Kapoor has been prepping hard to get into the skin of Sanjay Dutt for latter’s biopic. The film shows Dutt’s life in three phases; for which Ranbir will have to don three different looks. But did you know? The man himself was also keen to be a part of the project.

The character of Sanjay’s father Sunil Dutt will be a crucial part in the film. He himself wanted to play it, since he shared a very affectionate bond with his father. However, taking one primary point into consideration, he backed out.

The film is presently being promoted as a Ranbir Kapoor-starrer. Had it been a Sanjay Dutt-starrer as well, the attention would be divided between the reel dutt (Kapoor) and the real Dutt. That’s not something he desired. (Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor finds his onscreen mother in Manisha Koirala in Sanjay Dutt biopic?)

That makes sense. Adding to division of attention, a large portion of audience would probably start comparing Dutt’s performance with that of Ranbir’s. Not the best situation to be in!

Hence, veteran actor Paresh Rawal was brought on board to play senior Dutt’s role.

The film also has Sonam Kapoor as Dutt’s love interest once upon a time, Manisha Koirala as his mother Nargis and Vicky Kaushal as a close friend. It is slated for a release in December this year.

On the professional front, Dutt will next be seen in Omung Kumar’s ‘Bhoomi’.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.