Sanjay Dutt's Sister On His Coming Out Of Drugs

Sanjay Dutt’s life took a drastic turn following the death of his mother, Nargis Dutt, just days before the release of his debut film Rocky. At only 21, the young actor was devastated by the loss, especially since Nargis, battling cancer, had vowed to attend the premiere even if it meant coming on a stretcher. Her passing on May 3, 1981—three days before the film’s release—deeply affected him, leading him down a dark path of drug addiction.

During Nargis’s prolonged treatment in New York, Sanjay was mostly alone in India. With his father, Sunil Dutt, and sisters Priya and Namrata focused on Nargis’s health, Sanjay spiraled into drug use. According to Priya Dutt, the absence of family oversight and the emotional strain of their mother’s illness worsened his condition. After Nargis’s death, Sanjay withdrew emotionally, sinking deeper into addiction.

Despite the commercial success of Rocky, Sanjay found no solace. His regret over not fulfilling his mother’s last wish only fueled his addiction. Multiple stints in rehabilitation centers across India and Germany proved ineffective. Eventually, he was sent to a U.S. rehab center where, for nine months, he remained emotionally shut off. The breakthrough came when a counsellor played a voice note recorded by Nargis. Hearing her words broke Sanjay’s emotional wall, becoming a turning point in his recovery.

Years later, Sanjay would reflect on his struggle, admitting he lost nine years of his life to drugs. He credits the moment he refused drugs upon returning to India as the moment he knew he had overcome his addiction—a quiet yet powerful victory over a haunting past.