Veteran actor Sunil Dutt, remembered for his legendary career and immense personal strength, once made a deeply emotional decision that spoke volumes about his commitment to love and respect for his late wife, Nargis Dutt. In a heartfelt revelation, their daughter, Priya Dutt, recently opened up about this lesser-known chapter from their family’s history, shedding light on how Sunil Dutt fulfilled Nargis’s last wish — even when it meant going against societal expectations.
Nargis Dutt, one of the most iconic actresses in Indian cinema, had a personal wish that went beyond her stardom and fame. Born as Fatima Rashid and raised in a Muslim household before marrying Sunil Dutt and embracing life as a part of Bollywood’s power couple, she always held on to the spiritual beliefs of her roots. According to Priya, her mother had expressed her desire to be laid to rest as per Muslim traditions when her time came.
When Nargis passed away in 1981, just days before her son Sanjay Dutt’s Bollywood debut with Rocky, her grieving husband Sunil Dutt did not hesitate to fulfill that wish, even though it stirred murmurs and criticism from various quarters. As Priya Dutt revealed, many around the family suggested otherwise, trying to sway Sunil Dutt from going ahead with the Muslim burial. However, deeply grounded in love and respect, he stood firm on his decision, choosing to honour his late wife’s request.
Speaking about the impact of that difficult time, Priya added that the entire family was heartbroken, but it was especially hard on Sanjay Dutt, who was dealing with the loss while preparing for what was meant to be the biggest moment of his life — his debut film’s release. “It was tough on all of us, but it was hardest on Sanjay. He was so young, about to start his journey as an actor, and then to lose his mother, it was like his world crumbled,” Priya shared during the conversation.
She also highlighted the quiet strength her father displayed during the period of grief and public scrutiny. Sunil Dutt was known not just as a celebrated actor and politician but as a man of immense integrity, and his actions during Nargis’s final rites were another testament to that. He refused to let societal pressure dictate how his wife would be laid to rest, making sure that Nargis’s final journey was conducted in line with her wishes, regardless of the differing opinions around him.
Nargis’s passing left an unfillable void in the Dutt household, and her absence has been something both Priya and Sanjay have spoken about candidly in the past. However, this recent revelation has offered fans a glimpse into the emotional resilience of the Dutt family and the unshakeable bond between Sunil and Nargis.
Over the years, the story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt has been celebrated not only as a classic Bollywood love story but as a tale of enduring companionship and mutual respect, transcending societal norms and religious divides. This moment, as shared by Priya Dutt, further solidifies that legacy, reminding fans that behind the glamour and fame, the Dutt family’s journey has always been defined by deep-rooted values and unconditional love.
