Priya Dutt's emotional tribute to Sunil Dutt on his 97th birth anniversary
Synopsis
On what would have been Sunil Dutt’s 97th birthday, daughter Priya Dutt shared a video montage and an emotional tribute calling him an ever-present guide in her life — while Sanjay Dutt separately said he misses his father every day. Together, the siblings’ words captured why the legendary actor-politician’s legacy endures two decades after his passing.
Key Takeaways
Priya Dutt paid an emotional tribute to her late father Sunil Dutt on his 97th birth anniversary on 6 June .
She shared a video montage and a heartfelt note saying his values and kindness ‘continue to guide her every day.’ Actor Sanjay Dutt also remembered his father the same day, saying he misses him each day.
Sunil Dutt debuted with Railway Platform and starred in classics including Mother India and Padosan .
He passed away on 25 May 2005 following a heart attack, at the age of 75 .
Actress-politician Priya Dutt paid a heartfelt tribute to her late father, legendary actor and politician Sunil Dutt, on his 97th birth anniversary on 6 June, sharing a video montage and a deeply personal note that captured the enduring influence he holds over her life.
Priya's Tribute in Her Own Words
Sharing a montage of cherished photographs, Priya reflected on the values and lessons she carries from her father. “Happy Birthday, Papa! There are some people whose presence never truly leaves us, no matter how much time passes. You are that presence in my life. Every lesson you taught me, every value you lived by, and every act of kindness I witnessed continues to guide me every day,” she wrote.
She added, “Today, on your birth anniversary, I celebrate not just the remarkable life you lived, but the love, compassion, and humanity you shared so generously with the world. I miss you deeply, but I also feel grateful for every moment, every conversation, and every memory I was fortunate enough to share with you. Forever your daughter. Forever proud. Forever grateful. Love you always, Papa.” She signed off with the words: “Now and Forever.”
Sanjay Dutt Also Remembers His Father
Earlier the same day, actor Sanjay Dutt also honoured his father with a touching post, sharing cherished memories and noting that he misses Sunil Dutt every single day. The siblings’ tributes together underscored the lasting emotional legacy the senior Dutt left behind.
The Legacy of Sunil Dutt
Sunil Dutt remains one of Indian cinema’s most revered personalities. He made his Bollywood debut with Railway Platform and went on to deliver iconic performances in films including Mother India, Sadhna, Mujhe Jeene Do, Waqt, Padosan, Hamraaz, and Reshma Aur Shera. Beyond cinema, he distinguished himself in public service and politics, earning respect that transcended the film industry.
Remembering a Life Well Lived
Sunil Dutt passed away on 25 May 2005 following a heart attack, at the age of 75. His birth anniversary each year draws tributes from across the film fraternity and political circles, a testament to the breadth of his impact. This year’s anniversary, marking what would have been his 97th birthday, was no different — with his children’s words reminding the world why he continues to be celebrated decades after his passing.
Point of View
Politics, and civil society simultaneously. Priya and Sanjay Dutt’s tributes are personal, but they also serve a cultural function — keeping alive a model of humane public life that is increasingly scarce. What is notable is that the emotional weight of these posts resonates well beyond the family, suggesting that Sunil Dutt’s brand of quiet dignity still speaks to something audiences and citizens find missing today.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sunil Dutt’s 97th birth anniversary significant?
6 June 2025 marks what would have been Sunil Dutt’s 97th birthday, prompting tributes from his children Priya Dutt and Sanjay Dutt. The anniversary is observed annually as a moment to celebrate his contributions to Indian cinema and public life.
What did Priya Dutt write in her tribute to Sunil Dutt?
Priya Dutt wrote that her father’s presence ‘never truly leaves’ her and that every lesson and act of kindness she witnessed from him continues to guide her daily. She described herself as ‘forever proud, forever grateful’ and signed off with ‘Now and Forever.’
Did Sanjay Dutt also pay tribute to Sunil Dutt?
Yes, actor Sanjay Dutt shared a touching post on the same day, recalling cherished memories and saying he misses his father every single day.
When did Sunil Dutt pass away and what was the cause?
Sunil Dutt passed away on 25 May 2005 following a heart attack. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.
What are Sunil Dutt’s most celebrated films?
Sunil Dutt is best remembered for his roles in Mother India, Sadhna, Mujhe Jeene Do, Waqt, Padosan, Hamraaz, and Reshma Aur Shera. He made his Bollywood debut with Railway Platform and built one of Indian cinema’s most enduring legacies.
