Bringing a legendary figure like Sanjay Dutt to life on screen is no small feat, and actor Navneet Malik knows that all too well. In a recent candid interview, the rising star opened up about the pressure, preparation, and process that went into portraying the iconic Bollywood personality. According to Navneet, taking on such a complex and larger-than-life role was both an honor and a significant acting challenge — but one he was able to tackle more confidently thanks to the unwavering support of his director.
“Playing Sanjay Dutt wasn’t just about imitating his voice or mimicking his walk,” Navneet explained. “It was about understanding the emotional weight he carries — the ups and downs, the controversies, the reinventions, and the raw, rugged charisma that defines him.”
From his debut in Rocky to his transformation into a beloved action star, from personal struggles to eventual redemption, Sanjay Dutt’s life is filled with dramatic highs and lows. For any actor stepping into his shoes, that kind of legacy can be overwhelming. Navneet admitted he initially felt daunted by the responsibility. “I kept thinking — how do you even begin to embody someone so iconic, someone the audience already knows and feels so strongly about?” he said.
However, what made the journey manageable — even rewarding — was the steady guidance and vision of his director. “My director played a huge role in keeping me grounded and focused,” Navneet shared. “He didn’t want a carbon copy of Sanjay Dutt. He wanted an honest portrayal — something that reflected the spirit of the man, not just his outer appearance.”
Navneet spent weeks preparing for the role. He immersed himself in old interviews, studied Dutt’s filmography extensively, and even worked with voice and movement coaches to adapt some of Dutt’s mannerisms in a subtle and respectful way. But more than the physical transformation, it was the emotional depth that challenged him most.
“There’s a certain vulnerability in Sanjay Dutt that people don’t always see. Beneath the tough exterior, there’s pain, redemption, and immense strength,” Navneet explained. “My director helped me channel that. He would often remind me — ‘Don’t act Sanjay, feel him.’ That one line changed everything for me.”
Navneet also shared that filming emotionally intense scenes — those that depicted Dutt’s darker phases — required him to dig deep into his own emotional reservoir. “There were moments where I’d feel completely drained after a scene,” he admitted. “But I knew that if I wasn’t giving it my all, I wouldn’t be doing justice to the role.”
Despite the challenges, Navneet says that portraying Sanjay Dutt has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his career so far. “I grew as an actor, and more importantly, as a person. Understanding what Sanjay sir has endured, how he rose from it — it gave me a whole new perspective on strength and resilience,” he said.
While the audience’s verdict will ultimately determine how Navneet’s portrayal is received, there’s no denying the dedication and sincerity he brought to the role. The actor concluded by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity and for the creative team that backed him every step of the way. “It was tough, yes. But with the right support, it became a journey I’ll cherish forever.”
With such powerful reflections and a role as demanding as this, Navneet Malik’s career appears to be entering an exciting new chapter — one that’s built not just on performance, but on passion, preparation, and a deep respect for storytelling.
