Once celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen couples, Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt starred in over 10 films together during the late '80s and early '90s. Their chemistry in films like Saajan (1991) and Khalnayak not only drew audiences to the theatres but also fueled rumours of a blossoming off-screen romance. However, the close bond between the two appeared to dissolve almost overnight, and for reasons that were never publicly acknowledged.
Why Madhuri Dixit distanced herself from Sanjay Dutt?
While fans loved their pairing on screen, things reportedly changed after Sanjay Dutt's arrest in 1993 following the Mumbai serial blasts. The actor’s legal troubles made headlines nationwide, and his arrest marked a major turning point in his personal and professional life. According to film journalist Hanif Zaveri, this was also the moment Madhuri began to distance herself, both personally and publicly.
Zaveri, in an interview with Meri Saheli, recalled how Madhuri "noticeably avoided" being linked to Sanjay after the incident. He claimed that during Sanjay's time in jail, the film industry had come together to protest his arrest, but Madhuri chose not to participate. Her absence from the show of support reportedly raised eyebrows at the time.
One particular incident stands out. After Sanjay was granted bail, director Afzal Khan hosted a celebration party for the cast of Mahaanta, which featured both stars. Madhuri had confirmed her attendance and arrived at the venue with her team. However, upon seeing Sanjay seated on the stage, she reportedly grew visibly uncomfortable. Instead of joining the cast on stage, she sat briefly nearby and then quietly exited the venue, avoiding any chance of a joint photograph.
Photographers at the event were eager to capture the two actors together, it would have been their first public appearance since the controversy. But Madhuri’s quick departure made it clear that she didn’t want to be associated with Sanjay in that moment. Zaveri believed her decision was a deliberate attempt to avoid speculation and controversy, especially when the legal proceedings were still ongoing.
At the time, there were also reports of pressure from Madhuri’s family. Zaveri claimed her mother was eager for her to settle down and even considered a match with singer Suresh Wadkar. Eventually, Madhuri married Dr. Shriram Nene in 1999 and stepped away from the limelight for several years.
More about Madhuri and Sanjay Dutt's professional fronts
Despite their history, Madhuri and Sanjay eventually reunited on screen in the 2019 film Kalank, more than two decades after their last collaboration. Though their scenes together were limited, it marked a professional comeback that fans had long waited for.
To this day, neither Madhuri nor Sanjay has spoken publicly about the nature of their past relationship. Meanwhile, on the work front, Sanjay Dutt was recently seen in Baaghi 4 (2025) and Housefull 5. His next upcoming film is Dhurandhar, a Ranveer Singh starrer set for a December 2025 release. Stay tuned!
Why Madhuri Dixit distanced herself from Sanjay Dutt?
While fans loved their pairing on screen, things reportedly changed after Sanjay Dutt's arrest in 1993 following the Mumbai serial blasts. The actor’s legal troubles made headlines nationwide, and his arrest marked a major turning point in his personal and professional life. According to film journalist Hanif Zaveri, this was also the moment Madhuri began to distance herself, both personally and publicly.
Zaveri, in an interview with Meri Saheli, recalled how Madhuri "noticeably avoided" being linked to Sanjay after the incident. He claimed that during Sanjay's time in jail, the film industry had come together to protest his arrest, but Madhuri chose not to participate. Her absence from the show of support reportedly raised eyebrows at the time.
One particular incident stands out. After Sanjay was granted bail, director Afzal Khan hosted a celebration party for the cast of Mahaanta, which featured both stars. Madhuri had confirmed her attendance and arrived at the venue with her team. However, upon seeing Sanjay seated on the stage, she reportedly grew visibly uncomfortable. Instead of joining the cast on stage, she sat briefly nearby and then quietly exited the venue, avoiding any chance of a joint photograph.
Photographers at the event were eager to capture the two actors together, it would have been their first public appearance since the controversy. But Madhuri’s quick departure made it clear that she didn’t want to be associated with Sanjay in that moment. Zaveri believed her decision was a deliberate attempt to avoid speculation and controversy, especially when the legal proceedings were still ongoing.
At the time, there were also reports of pressure from Madhuri’s family. Zaveri claimed her mother was eager for her to settle down and even considered a match with singer Suresh Wadkar. Eventually, Madhuri married Dr. Shriram Nene in 1999 and stepped away from the limelight for several years.
More about Madhuri and Sanjay Dutt's professional fronts
Despite their history, Madhuri and Sanjay eventually reunited on screen in the 2019 film Kalank, more than two decades after their last collaboration. Though their scenes together were limited, it marked a professional comeback that fans had long waited for.
To this day, neither Madhuri nor Sanjay has spoken publicly about the nature of their past relationship. Meanwhile, on the work front, Sanjay Dutt was recently seen in Baaghi 4 (2025) and Housefull 5. His next upcoming film is Dhurandhar, a Ranveer Singh starrer set for a December 2025 release. Stay tuned!
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