I have seen a friendly relationship of Sanjay and Sunil Dutt, says Rajkumar Hirani
Mumbai: Director Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ is the one and only one film that saw both father Sunil Dutt and Son –Sanjay Dutt together for the first and last tie together. Sunil Dutt the real father of Sanju Baba indeed played the reel father as well. It has been very evident that father Sunil Dutt stood as strong like a pillar to bring his son Sanjay Dutt out of all his not so pleasant time. Recently during the promotional activities of film ‘Sanju’ we were keen to know more about father-son relationship on the sets of 'Munna Bhai MBBS'.
Director Raju Hirani revealed some great anecdotes as he talks about the real happening on the sets of film ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ then.
“Sunil Dutt was an utterly disciplined actor. For the shift of 9am, he would reach by 8am. Sitting on the sets waiting for the hero [Sanjay Dutt] he would laughingly inquire, “Has the hero of the film reached the sets?”, “When will he reach?” Sanju’s shift timings would be that of 11am. However, Sanju too would try to reach early. Sanju would always discuss about the timings and would tell me it feels bad if dad reaches early…I will also try to come before my given time. Sanju also is also a very hard working actor.”
Sunil Dutt wanted his script in Urdu:
“Actually, Sunil Dutt was very comfortable with Urdu language and thus requested us to translate the Hindi script for him in Urdu. His part was translated in Urdu for his convenience. When he was called for the dubbing almost after 6 months, usually we have to keep the dialogues on the table for the actor while he dubs…. To our surprise, Sunil Dutt Saheb brought his own Urdu script that was written for him then on the sets. We were all in awe with the working style of his old School working charm.”
On seeing Vanity Van for the first time on the sets of ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’
“We were busy shooting outdoors. I took him to the Vanity Van and told him this Vanity Van is for you. He then asked us for what have you given this Vanity Van to me. I then told him - this is for you to change your attire for the reel character and for make up as well. He smiled and said, "During our time we would tie up a towel and change our dress in the open. Also we put sit under the shelter of a tree and wear makeup. He did not stop here and further inquired- So the hero also has a vanity Van for himself?? I informed Sunil Dutt ji that Sanjay has much bigger van than him!! He had a child like shine on hearing that.”
When Sunil Dutt tried and finished the hugging shot:
Raju Hirani says, “I have seen a friendly relationship of the duo father [Sunil Dutt] and son [Sanjay Dutt]. They both enjoyed the making journey while this film was being completed. I remember we wanted a proper hug from a father to a son in one of the scenes. Infact we canned about three shots one after the other but Sunil Dutt Sahab could not give a proper hug to Sanjay. He would embrace him somewhere closer to his belt. It is then Sanju came up to me and told me that owing to the recent helicopter crash he was having a frozen shoulder. I then told Dutt Sahab - its fine you need not give a shoulder hug we will manage it. But Dutt Sahab said, "Just give me one more take I shall give him a proper shoulder hug. Sunil Dutt was not only disciplined but dedicated and passionate about his work.”
'Sanju' is set to hit theaters on June 29.
