Imagine a Bollywood superstar who’s equal parts charming and unpredictable, a man whose interactions with the paparazzi can swing from hilarious camaraderie to fiery outbursts in the blink of an eye. That’s Sanjay Dutt for you, and his relationship with photographers is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. But here’s where it gets fascinating: while his temper tantrums and unfiltered moments often steal the spotlight, there’s a side to him that’s rarely discussed—a side that’s earned him the title of ‘messiah’ among some in the paparazzi world. And this is the part most people miss: the man behind the headlines, as revealed by paparazzo Varinder Chawla in a recent conversation with Siddharth Kannan.
Over the years, Sanjay Dutt’s encounters with photographers have become the stuff of legend. From his signature swag and quick-witted humor to his sudden mood swings, he’s kept the media on their toes. Who could forget the viral Diwali party video where he lost his cool and lashed out at photographers? Or the 2017 clip where he playfully offered drinks to the media crew? Then there’s the 2018 incident where he didn’t hold back on the expletives while addressing the bosses of photographers. But beneath these headline-grabbing moments lies a more nuanced story—one of warmth, unpredictability, and a unique bond with those who chase him for the perfect shot.
Varinder Chawla’s recount of his experiences with Dutt sheds light on this duality. He recalls Dutt’s larger-than-life presence on set, sharing a hilarious anecdote that perfectly captures the actor’s personality. ‘Baba would call us over during shoots and ask, “Oye, idhar aa… do you drink?”’ Varinder reminisced. But here’s the twist: whether you drank or not, Dutt would insist, often backed by his entourage, until you had no choice but to join him. ‘Even non-drinkers would end up sitting and drinking with him,’ Varinder laughed, adding, ‘We’d sit outside his house and drink with him.’ These moments, echoed in viral videos of Dutt casually engaging with photographers during private celebrations, paint a picture of a man who blurs the line between celebrity and friend.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Dutt’s public confrontations with the paparazzi are well-documented, Varinder paints a different picture—one of kindness and protection. He recounts a defining moment in his career when he accidentally hit Dutt’s vanity van while reversing his second-hand Maruti Zen. ‘His people surrounded me, demanding money for damages far beyond what my car was worth,’ Varinder said. ‘I thought I was going to get beaten up.’ But then Dutt intervened. ‘He came down, asked what happened, and simply said, “Let him go.” At that moment, he felt like my messiah.’ This act of grace, Varinder insists, is a testament to Dutt’s true nature—a ‘chill guy’ who looks out for those around him.
So, here’s the question: Is Sanjay Dutt the volatile star we see in viral clips, or is he the protective ‘messiah’ Varinder describes? Perhaps he’s both—a complex figure whose contradictions make him all the more fascinating. What’s your take? Do you see Dutt as a hero, a villain, or somewhere in between? Let’s discuss in the comments—because one thing’s for sure, this story is far from black and white.
