For many decades now, Sanjay Dutt has been charming us with his onscreen presence and stylishly depicted characters in various movies. Be it a lover boy or a lovable don – Sanjay Dutt has treated us to some of the best Bollywood performances.

This month end on 29^th July we celebrate his 64^th birthday, and we pull out a treat for Sanju Baba fans with an opportunity to enjoy some of his 10 most memorable performances.

Rocky

Rocky was the debut film of Sanjay Dutt, who was launched by his father Sunil Dutt in this musical revenge drama. The title was said to be inspired by Rocky (1976), the iconic boxing film made famous by Sylvester Stallone. Reena Roy, one of the top heroines of the time was roped in to play a crucial role, Shammi Kapoor had a cameo and even Sunil Dutt himself had a small but significant role. Sanjay Dutt’s entry riding a bike in the song Rocky mera naam made the audience appreciate his macho appeal. The song Aa dekhe zara is memorable.

Vaastav

Considered as one of Sanjay Dutt’s finest performances, Vaastav feels like a fresh watch even after all these years. Sanjay Dutt who played Rahgu’s character in the movie is still loved by all his fans for the brilliant dialogue delivery and the character’s intensity and aggression which probably only Sanjay Dutt could have brought. Dutt who plays the role of Raghu won his first Filmfare Award win for this film.

Naam

This film has been the milestone in Sanjay Dutt’s life making him a superstar as Dutt as Vicky Kapoorwas widely appreciated for his performance by audiences and critics alike. The plot of the movie follows the story of Vicky (Sanjay Dutt), who gets trapped in a criminal conspiracy making it an intriguing plot.

Munna Bhai M.B.B.S

Only Sanjay Dutt can make you fall in love with a ‘Bhai’ – don like the way he makes us fall in love with Munna in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. The movie that released back in 2013 will always be loved by the Bollywood fans for Sanjay Dutt’s acting and on-screen chemistry with Arshad Warsi and his father, Late. Sunil Dutt ji. The phrase ‘Jaadu Ki Jhappi’ popularised by this movie has become a part of our lives today. Laugh along with Munna Bhai M.B.B.S 

Saajan

This 1991 film which also starred Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit along with Sanjay Dutt is by far the most loved performances of Sanjay Dutt who played Aman. Also considered as one of Bollywood’s most beautiful love stories, the movie has a great starcast, romantic numbers and a lovely story storyline – probably the best way to celebrate Sanjay Dutt’s birthday.

Khalnayak

Subhash Ghai was one of the first directors who cast Sanjay Dutt in a role with negative shades. Later on it was explored by many but the credit must go to the showman. Dutt delivered a breakthrough performance as a terrorist Ballu Balram in this blockbuster.

Sadak

This Mahesh Bhatt classic should never have had a sequel. But the trauma of the same aside, this road-trip action drama, featured Dutt in one of his most iconic 'common man' performances alongside another stellar performance by Pooja Bhatt. 

Kabzaa

This Mahesh Bhatt film had Dutt in the role of a henchman who works for Paresh Rawal, and is assigned the role of evicting a man played by Alok Nath. But trouble comes to paradise when Dutt's character has a change of heart after interacting with and listening to the ideals of Nath. 

Haseena Maan Jaayegi

This David Dhawan classic had Dutt in the role of one of two brothers who are sent to Goa by their father, only for them to fall in love. The film also stars Govinda, Karishma Kapoor and Pooja Batra. 

Lage Raho Munna Bhai

A rare gem of a sequel, this Rajkumar Hirani comedy took the entire nation by storm with its unique modern spin on Gandhigiri. Featuring an equally entertaining Vidya Balan, this film is surely one of the more memorable highlights of the latter half of Dutt's career. 

Collated by Verus Ferreira