Sanjay Dutt Calls Bollywood ‘Cut-Throat’, Praises Hollywood’s Unity

• Sanjay Dutt said Bollywood has become “much more cut-throat” compared with the collaborative atmosphere he experienced early in his career.
• The actor contrasted the Hindi film industry with Hollywood, describing the latter as more united and supportive.
• Dutt credited his time in prison with teaching him the importance of forgiveness, a lesson he says came from a prison constable.
• He described Munna Bhai as the role that had the greatest personal impact, saying it reinforced the importance of compassion in healthcare.
• The veteran actor is preparing to reprise Ballu in Khalnayak Returns after announcing the sequel earlier this year.

Veteran actor Sanjay Dutt has reflected on the changing culture of the Hindi film industry, saying Bollywood has become “much more cut-throat” than when he began his career more than four decades ago. Speaking on AIG Hospitals’ YouTube channel, Dutt contrasted today’s competitive environment with what he described as a more supportive and family-like atmosphere in the early years of his journey.

Bollywood has changed, says Dutt

Looking back on his career, Dutt said the industry once operated with a greater sense of unity and mutual support.

“When I started, the industry felt like a family. Everyone was together, everyone was helping one another. Now it’s become much more cut-throat, much more competitive. It’s sad, but I hope it comes back,” he said.

The actor’s remarks offer a candid assessment of how he believes professional relationships within the Hindi film industry have evolved over the years.

Hollywood’s collaborative culture stands out

Dutt also compared Bollywood with Hollywood, acknowledging that competition exists in both industries but arguing that the atmosphere differs significantly.

He said Hollywood benefits from stronger collaboration among actors, writers and industry organisations. Pointing to the Oscars, Dutt said he admires the way artists publicly celebrate each other’s achievements without visible jealousy, calling the sense of togetherness “beautiful.”

Lessons beyond the screen

During the conversation, Dutt reflected on the personal lessons that shaped him outside cinema. He said his time in prison taught him the value of forgiveness after a constable encouraged him to let go of resentment.

The actor also identified Munna Bhai as the role that remains closest to him, despite admitting he generally enjoys portraying gangsters. He said *Munna Bhai MBBS*, combined with his family’s experiences, reinforced the importance of empathy in medical care, noting that even brief moments of compassion can make a meaningful difference to patients.

Dutt also revealed that he takes a straightforward approach to acting, preferring to trust the director’s vision rather than following an elaborate preparation process.

Career milestones and what’s next

Sanjay Dutt made his debut as a leading actor in Rocky (1981), directed by his father Sunil Dutt. Over the decades, he has built a career with films including Naam, Saajan, Khal Nayak, Vaastav, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and Lage Raho Munna Bhai.

On the professional front, Dutt is set to reprise his iconic character Ballu in Khalnayak Returns, the sequel to the 1993 action drama Khal Nayak, which was directed by Subhash Ghai and starred Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff alongside him.