Rediscovering Sunil Dutt: Five Underrated Performances Worth Watching

Celebrating Sunil Dutt's Lesser-Known Works

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, it's essential to shift our focus from Sunil Dutt's iconic roles to his remarkable yet overlooked performances. While he gained immense popularity with the film 'Mother India' in 1957, his career is adorned with several underrated films showcasing his exceptional talent. Here are five hidden treasures that deserve a second look.

Sujata (1959)

Released in 1959, 'Sujata' is a film directed by Bimal Roy, featuring Nutan alongside Sunil Dutt. The cast also includes Shashikala, Lalita Pawar, Sulochana Latkar, and Tarun Bose. Adapted from a Bengali short story by Subodh Ghosh, the film delves into the complexities of caste in India and was showcased at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival.

Sadhana (1958)

'Sadhana' is a black-and-white Hindi film from 1958, produced and directed by B. R. Chopra. Starring Vyjayanthimala and Sunil Dutt, with notable performances from Leela Chitnis, Radhakrishan, and others, the film tells the story of Champa, a prostitute, and her romantic involvement with Mohan, a college teacher portrayed by Dutt.

Nartaki (1963)

The 1963 film 'Nartaki', directed by Nitin Bose, features Sunil Dutt and Nanda in pivotal roles, supported by Om Prakash, Agha, and others. The screenplay was crafted by Dhruv Chatterji, and the film was produced by Mukund Trivedi for Film Bharti.

Chirag (1969)

Directed by Raj Khosla, 'Chirag' was released in 1969 and stars Sunil Dutt alongside Asha Parekh. The film is notable for the song 'Teri Aankhon Ke Siwa', performed by Mohd. Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. Asha Parekh once remarked on Dutt's kindness during filming, highlighting his supportive nature while they worked together.

Darpan (1970)

In 'Darpan', directed by Adurthi Subba Rao, Sunil Dutt plays Balraj Dutt, a respected teacher from an affluent background. He marries Madhvi, portrayed by Waheeda Rehman, a former prostitute, despite facing familial opposition. The plot thickens when his elder brother and a family friend recognize Madhvi from her past.