It is well-known that Nargis played a vital role in helping Sanjay Dutt fight drug addiction. In a 1991 interview that has surfaced on social media, Sanjay talks about coming to terms with his mother’s death. The legendary actress succumbed to cancer just 3 days before the actor’s debut –Rocky – released.
“When my mother died, I did not cry, had no emotions – nothing. It was after 2 years that I was sitting in this group that all of a sudden this guy started playing the tape,” Sanjay said. The actor was referring to his mother’s last words to him from her deathbed. He admits that after listening to the audio recording, “he burst into tears and cried and cried for hours.”
The voice message said, “More than anything, Sanju, keep your humility. Keep your character. Never show off. Always be humble and always respect the elders. That is the thing that is going to take you far, and that is going to give you strength in your work.”
Watch the video below:
The tape is
also one of the high points of Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju – Sanjay Dutt’s biopic.
It showcases how Sanjay (Ranbir Kapoor) didn’t remember her mother’s (essayed
by Manisha Koirala) last actions as he was under the influence of drugs. Years
later, when his father Sunil Dutt (played by Paresh Rawal) plays the tape that
he decides to fight addiction.
However, as Hirani stated, certain creative liberties have been taken in Sanju and the audio message one hears in the film is completely different.
Nargis was 51 when she passed away.