Sunil Dutt was born as Balraj Dutt on 6 June 1929 in Jhelum, Punjab, British India, now in Pakistan. He later moved to India and studied at Jai Hind College in Mumbai. Before entering films, he worked as a radio presenter and celebrity interviewer. His work in radio brought him into contact with several film personalities, including his future wife Nargis.
He made his film debut as a leading actor in Railway Platform (1955). His early career included films such as Ek Hi Raasta, Sadhna, and Sujata, but his major breakthrough came with Mother India (1957), directed by Mehboob Khan. His portrayal of Birju received widespread acclaim and established him as a major actor.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Sunil Dutt appeared in numerous successful films, including Mujhe Jeene Do, Waqt, Milan, Gumraah, Humraaz, Padosan, Khandaan, Mera Saaya, and Reshma Aur Shera. His performance as Bhola in Padosan (1968) showed his excellent comic timing and remains one of his most memorable roles.
Sunil Dutt also worked as a producer and director. He produced films including Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke and Mujhe Jeene Do, and directed Dard Ka Rishta (1982). The film was associated with cancer awareness following the death of his wife Nargis from cancer.
In addition to cinema, Sunil Dutt became deeply involved in social work and politics. He served as a Member of Parliament and later became Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2004. He was particularly associated with humanitarian work and efforts supporting disadvantaged communities.
His final film appearance was in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003), in which he played the father of his real-life son Sanjay Dutt. Their emotional scenes together became an especially memorable part of the film.
Sunil Dutt died on 25 May 2005 in Mumbai at the age of 75. IMDb records the cause of death as a heart attack.