Sanjay Dutt, known as Sanju Baba in Bollywood, has lived a life full of challenges and controversies. While his connection to the underworld is no secret, there is one lesser-known story where Sanjay Dutt’s interaction with a gangster led to a surprising change of heart. This true incident even inspired a scene in his biopic, Sanju. Let’s dive into the story of how a gangster’s life changed after a simple conversation with Sanju Baba.
A Life Filled with Struggles and Controversies
Sanjay Dutt has faced many ups and downs throughout his life. From personal battles with drug addiction to getting entangled with the law due to his association with the underworld, his life has always been in the spotlight. His 2018 biopic Sanju, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, gave the audience a glimpse into these difficult times, showcasing both the real and dramatized aspects of his journey.
One scene from the film stood out, showing a gangster demanding money from Sanjay Dutt over a phone call. Sanjay’s honesty and fearless attitude during that interaction won the gangster’s respect and changed his mindset. This particular scene wasn’t just a piece of cinema—it was based on a real incident that Sanjay Dutt himself shared in front of the media.
The Real Story Behind the Movie Scene
During a media interaction, Sanjay Dutt opened up about this unique encounter. He recalled a time when he received a threatening phone call from a gangster named “Bhandiya Mama.” The actor explained that his servant had informed him about repeated calls from someone using abusive language. Initially, Sanjay dismissed the calls, telling his servant to inform the caller that he wasn’t home.
However, when the gangster kept calling, Sanjay decided to pick up the phone himself. The caller, using a threatening tone, demanded Rs 50 lakh from Sanjay. At that moment, Sanjay, already dealing with legal troubles, was in no position to meet such a demand. Fearful and frustrated, he responded honestly, saying that he didn’t have the money and if the gangster wanted, he could shoot him. In a surprising twist, Sanjay also asked the gangster to pray for him instead of demanding money.
The Gangster’s Unexpected Reaction
Sanjay’s bold yet vulnerable response touched the gangster. Although Bhandiya Mama initially threatened Sanjay, something shifted during that conversation. Days later, Sanjay received another call from the same gangster, but this time, the tone was entirely different. The man who once intimidated him now spoke kindly, addressing Sanjay as “Sanju Baba.” He explained that he had been moved by Sanjay’s request for prayers and had even visited Vaishno Devi to pray for him. The gangster then told Sanjay that he had brought Prasad (holy offering) for him from the temple.
This unexpected turn of events left Sanjay both relieved and amazed. The man who once threatened him now expressed goodwill, offering Prasad as a gesture of peace and care. To maintain the newfound connection, Sanjay reciprocated the kindness by sending a box of pedas (Indian sweets) to Bhandiya Mama.
The Power of a Heartfelt Conversation
This incident sheds light on the transformative power of a simple, heartfelt conversation. Sanjay Dutt’s honesty and openness struck a chord with the gangster, who had previously been driven by fear and power. By appealing to the gangster’s human side, Sanjay inadvertently changed the course of their interaction, turning a potentially dangerous situation into one of mutual respect and goodwill.
This real-life episode from Sanjay Dutt’s life is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, a moment of honesty and vulnerability can lead to surprising, positive outcomes. While Sanjay Dutt’s life may have been filled with struggles, this story serves as a testament to his ability to face even the most challenging situations with courage and integrity.
