Filmmaker Rajiv Rai recently revealed that actor Sanjay Dutt was removed from his 1989 film ‘Yudh’ due to his drug addiction at the time, a decision that led to heartfelt pleas from Sanjay’s legendary father, Sunil Dutt.
A Difficult Call on the Set of ‘Yudh’
Rajiv Rai, who considered Sanjay Dutt his best friend, made the tough decision to remove him from the film ‘Yudh’. Rai believes this drastic step provided the necessary “shock” for Sanjay to seek help and turn his life around.
Despite having shot 14 reels with Sanjay, the filmmaker felt compelled to prioritize the film’s schedule and financial viability. This decision, though painful, was made with Sanjay’s well-being in mind, according to Rai.
Sunil Dutt’s Heartbreaking Pleas
The bond between the Rai and Dutt families ran deep, stretching back generations. Sunil Dutt, deeply concerned for his son, repeatedly pleaded with Rajiv and his father, Gulshan Rai, to reconsider Sanjay’s removal from the film.
Sunil Dutt’s first professional cheque was reportedly cut by Gulshan Rai, highlighting their long-standing relationship. The families also shared a difficult period when Sanjay’s mother, Nargis, received cancer treatment in New York.
Prioritizing the Film’s Future
Rajiv Rai found himself in a difficult position, balancing friendship with professional responsibility. He knew delaying the film was not an option. He shared his concerns with Sanjay daily, urging him to focus on his health and asking for permission to find another actor.
Rai admitted that the word “fire” felt harsh, but the conversation did lead to Sanjay’s exit. He sensed the disappointment from both Sanjay and Sunil Dutt but believed the “electric shock” was necessary for Sanjay’s recovery.
Sanjay Dutt’s Enduring Journey
After being removed from ‘Yudh’, Sanjay Dutt went to the United States for rehabilitation. He eventually returned to Bollywood and resumed his acting career.
However, his life continued to be marked by significant challenges, including his conviction in connection with the Mumbai blasts and a later battle with cancer. His tumultuous life story was eventually immortalized in the 2018 biopic ‘Sanju’, starring Ranbir Kapoor.
- Sanjay Dutt was removed from the film ‘Yudh’ due to his drug addiction.
- Filmmaker Rajiv Rai believes this decision helped Sanjay seek rehabilitation.
- Sanjay’s father, Sunil Dutt, pleaded for his son to be given another chance.
- The decision was painful but deemed necessary for the film’s timely completion and Sanjay’s well-being.
- Sanjay Dutt’s life journey continued to be eventful after his recovery.
This period remains a significant chapter in Sanjay Dutt’s life, underscoring the challenges he faced early in his career and the profound impact of his family and industry peers.
