350 Girlfriends? Really?” — Sanjay Dutt Finally Breaks Silence On The Wild Claim From His Biopic Sanju
When Sanju, the biopic based on Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, hit theatres in 2018, it left audiences stunned — not just because of Ranbir Kapoor’s compelling performance, but also due to some jaw-dropping revelations about the actor’s personal life. One claim, in particular, grabbed headlines and became a meme-worthy moment across the internet: Sanjay Dutt allegedly had 308 girlfriends (rounded up to 350 by the media). But as the buzz refuses to die down even years later, the man himself has now addressed the claim — and his response is as candid as it gets.
The Biopic That Started It All
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Sanju chronicled the turbulent life of Sanjay Dutt — from his drug addiction and jail time to his relationships and rocky career. One standout scene showed the fictionalized Dutt (played by Ranbir Kapoor) confessing to having over 300 girlfriends before settling down. The number became a cultural talking point overnight.
But how much of that was fact? And how much was creative liberty?
What Sanjay Dutt Actually Said About the “350 Girlfriends” Rumor
In a recent interview promoting one of his upcoming films, Sanjay Dutt was asked — yet again — about the infamous girlfriend count. Instead of brushing it off, the actor addressed it with a mix of humour and honesty.
“Look, I didn’t count!” Dutt laughed.
“Yes, I was a little wild in my younger days, but 350? I think that was just for cinematic effect. I won’t say the number was zero, but even I was surprised when I saw that part in the script.”
The actor clarified that while he did enjoy a colourful social life during his youth, the number was clearly exaggerated for dramatic impact.
A Real Life Full Of Highs, Lows, And Heartbreaks
Whether or not the “350 girlfriends” claim is true, Sanjay Dutt’s life has undeniably been dramatic:
- He has openly admitted to struggles with substance abuse during his early 20s.
- He faced multiple heartbreaks, including failed relationships with well-known actresses of the time.
- His marriage to actress Richa Sharma ended in tragedy after she passed away from a brain tumour.
- Dutt later married Rhea Pillai, but the relationship ended in divorce.
- His current and strongest partnership has been with Maanyata Dutt, with whom he shares twins, Iqra and Shahraan.
In the same interview, Dutt said:
“There were phases when I was just looking for comfort or distraction. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind emotionally. I had fame, but I was lonely.”
What Director Rajkumar Hirani Said About The “Girlfriend Count”
Rajkumar Hirani, known for mixing fact with flair in his biopics, once admitted in an earlier interview that certain elements in Sanju were “stylized to fit the narrative” but were “rooted in truth.”
Regarding the number, Hirani stated:
“Sanjay was very open about his relationships, and while we couldn’t document every detail, the idea was to show the extent of his playboy image. The number may have been metaphorical, but the essence was real.”
So… Was It All Just Hype?
The real answer lies somewhere in between. Sanjay Dutt’s life has certainly been filled with romance, rebellion, and redemption. While the “350 girlfriends” claim was likely exaggerated, it’s not entirely baseless either. In the world of biopics — especially Bollywood ones — filmmakers often amplify truth to create impactful storytelling.
What remains undeniable is Sanjay Dutt’s honest attitude toward his past. He never shies away from admitting his mistakes or his wild youth, and perhaps that’s why audiences continue to love and relate to him — flaws and all.
Whether it was 50, 150, or 350 — Sanjay Dutt’s story is less about numbers and more about transformation. From a troubled star kid to a reformed icon, Dutt’s journey is a reminder that no past is beyond redemption — and sometimes, cinema just adds a little spice to make it unforgettable.
So, did Sanjay Dutt really have 350 girlfriends? Probably not. But did he live like a rockstar in his youth? Absolutely.
