Sanjay Dutt just got new ink. On the back of his hand, in thick, bold black lines, are the names of his twins, Shahraan and Iqra. It’s a New Year 2026 statement that says a lot about where the "Munna Bhai" star is mentally right now. While everyone is busy tracking his box office numbers—and they are massive—Baba is clearly leaning into the "family man" era.
Honestly, if you look at the news about Sanjay Dutt lately, it’s a weird, fascinating mix of high-octane villainy on screen and a very quiet, almost spiritual resilience off it.
The guy just turned 66. Most actors are eyeing retirement or "special appearances" at that age. Not Sanju. He’s currently riding the wave of Dhurandhar, which has basically shattered the Indian box office, crossing the ₹1300 crore mark globally. It’s wild to think that a man who was once written off is now competing with the Khans and Prabhas for the top spot in the ₹1000 crore club.
But it’s not all sunshine and blockbuster checks. There’s a lot of noise under the surface.
The Villain Era and the South Connection
You’ve probably noticed he’s barely playing the "hero" anymore. And he’s totally fine with it. Ever since KGF: Chapter 2, Dutt has become the go-to guy for the "Mega Villain."
He’s currently the big bad in Prabhas' The Raja Saab. If you caught the 2.0 trailer that dropped recently, his screen presence is genuinely unsettling. Even Prabhas admitted in a pre-release event that Sanju’s energy made him forget his own lines. That’s the "Dutt Aura" people talk about.
Here is what his 2026 calendar looks like (roughly, because Bollywood schedules are a mess):
- The Raja Saab: Released early January 2026. He plays the supernatural threat/antagonist.
- Dhurandhar Sequel: Slated for March 2026. Expect a massive clash with Yash’s Toxic.
- Raja Shivaji: Coming in May 2026.
- Welcome To The Jungle: A massive ensemble comedy that’s been delayed more times than we can count, but supposedly landing this year.
Interestingly, he’s been pretty blunt about his past roles. He recently commented that he felt "wasted" in the Thalapathy Vijay starrer Leo. It’s a rare bit of honesty in an industry where everyone usually just praises each other.
The Health Question: Is He Really Okay?
People still search for "Sanjay Dutt health" almost every single day. It makes sense. The 2020 lung cancer scare was stage 4, which is terrifying for anyone.
The good news? He’s officially in remission.
He recently spoke about this on The Himanshu Mehta Show, reflecting on how he used the time in the hospital and earlier in prison to rebuild his mindset. He’s back to working out, though he’s lean now rather than the "bulky" Sanju of the 90s. He’s eating clean and, according to family members, responding incredibly well to the maintenance therapy that follows such a serious diagnosis.
🔗 Read more: Laura Mulvey and the Male Gaze: Why That 1975 Essay Still Hits Different
There’s a scar on his head he often shows off—he calls it a badge of honor from his "war" with the big C.
The Trishala Factor: Family Drama or Just Boundaries?
If you follow his daughter Trishala Dutt on Instagram, you’ve seen the cryptic notes. She’s a psychotherapist in the US, and she doesn't hold back.
Just this month, she posted about "silent treatment" and "emotional manipulation" in relationships. Naturally, the tabloids went nuts, assuming she was taking shots at her dad. Trishala hasn't confirmed it, but she’s been very vocal about how "blood doesn't always mean access."
It’s a complicated dynamic. While Maanayata posts videos of quiet family dinners and mountain vacations, Trishala is halfway across the world talking about "healing through communication."
It reminds us that even for a guy who has survived prison and cancer, the most complex battle is often just being a father.
Why the "Sanju" Brand Still Works
It’s the redemption arc. Pure and simple.
We love a comeback story. Dutt is the ultimate survivor of the Indian film industry. He’s gone from being the "poster boy of bad behavior" to a respected veteran who has read the Bhagavad Gita, the Ganesh Puran, and the Ramayana cover to cover.
He’s not trying to be the 30-year-old romantic lead anymore. He’s leaning into his age. He’s wearing his grey hair, showing off his tattoos, and playing characters that have some actual weight to them.
What to Expect Next
If you’re looking for "actionable" ways to keep up with him, don't just follow the film trailers.
💡 You might also like: Why the Stone Roses Second Coming CD Still Divides Fans Decades Later
- Watch the South Indian Dubs: Most of his best work right now is coming from the South (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil). If you’re only watching his Hindi films, you’re missing the "Big Bull" energy he brings to movies like Double iSmart.
- Check the Podcast Circuit: He’s doing fewer "glossy" magazine interviews and more long-form podcasts. That’s where the real stories about his time in jail and his perspective on the industry are coming out.
- The Munna Bhai 3 Rumors: Boman Irani recently said he’s "hopeful" it will happen. Don't hold your breath, but there is movement behind the scenes for a final goodbye to that character.
Sanjay Dutt in 2026 isn't just an actor; he’s a survivor who has figured out that the only way to stay relevant is to stop pretending to be someone else. Whether he’s getting a new tattoo or playing a demon in a Prabhas movie, he’s doing it on his own terms now.