Exactly two years ago today, Sanjay Dutt’s biopic, Sanju, released in theatres (yes, the good old times when films used to hit the silver screens. Sigh). Ranbir Kapoor played the titular role in the film and his performance hogged the limelight. While RK’s acting chops got the much-deserved attention, other actors too delivered fine performances.

In today’s Monday Masala, let’s shift the spotlight and take a look (or re-look) at some splendid performances in Sanju, other than that of the lead actor.

Piyush Mishra as Tripathi

Piyush Mishra appears in the very first scene of the film and holds his ground. With grey hair, spectacles and flawless dialogue delivery, he plays the role of a veteran writer named Tripathi, who attempts to write Dutt’s biopic. The camera focuses on Ranbir Kapoor for most of the scene but whenever Mishra is in the frame, he makes his presence felt and makes us laugh out loud.

Mishra’s character sets the plot of the film, that is Sanju and his wife (played by Dia Mirza) are looking for a good writer so that they can present their side of the story to the world.

Dia Mirza as Maanayata Dutt

Dia Mirza plays the role of Sanju’s doting wife, Maanayata. With her simplicity and expressive eyes, the actress won hearts in theatres. Right from the first scene when she anxiously awaits the decision if her husband will be sent to jail, till the last when she is surrounded by her kids and her husband, Dia convinces us that she is the best fit for the role. Her character can be seen as the much-awaited ‘Happy Ending’ in Sanju baba’s life.

Vicky Kaushal as Kamlesh Kanhaiyalal Kapasi

One of the most endearing performances in Sanju was that of Vicky. He plays the role of Dutt’s best friend, Kamlesh Kanhaiyalal Kapasi aka Kamli and piques our interest right from his first scene when he enters Nargis Dutt’s hospital room to place an idol of Lord Ganesha next to her. With his innocent eyes, well-combed hair and oversized sweater, Kamli establishes himself as an important character right from the first scene. He brings laughter, excitement, innocence and brotherhood in the film. Be it trying to make Sanju quit drugs or going to his ex-girlfriend Ruby to convince her to reconsider her decision of leaving Sanju, Kamli is that friend all of us need in our lives when things go wrong. The most memorable scene between Sanju and Kamli is when the former is in the hospital and the latter says, “Tiger hai tu, tiger, roar.”

Jim Sarbh as Zubin Mistry

In sharp contrast to Kaushal’s character, we have Jim Sarbh. The friend (later turned foe) who is shown responsible for Dutt’s drug addiction. Sarbh gave an impressive performance in the film with his thick pseudo-English accent, expressive eyes and apt body language. He first appears when he introduces himself to Anushka Sharma as Zubin Mistry, and attempts to discourage her from writing Sanju’s autobiography. As the story moves forward, Sarbh makes us hate him more and more, thereby highlighting his brilliance as an actor.

Manisha Koirala as Nargis Dutt

Right from the first scene in which she appears, Manisha Koirala as late actress Nargis Dutt, infuses emotion in the film. Her first scene is at the dining table with her son, Sanjay Dutt and husband, Sunil Dutt (Paresh Rawal), wherein she is lying to her son that she is going abroad for a film. In reality, she is going there to seek treatment for cancer. Koirala, with her captivating smile and calm demeanour, perfectly portrayed Nargis Dutt. In the song Kar Har Maidaan Fateh, she appears as the guardian angel, guiding him towards the path of light.

Paresh Rawal as Sunil Dutt

Paresh Rawal plays the role of celebrated actor Sunil Dutt, who breathed his last in 2005. Rawal’s poise, heart-warming smile, dialogue delivery and camaraderie with Ranbir Kapoor aka Sanjay Dutt, was a treat for the audience. “Puttar, relax kiya kar,” he says to Sanju and till his very last scene, lights up the screen with his presence. One of his most memorable scenes is the one in which he goes to the editor of a publication and stands up to him, defending his son Sanjay Dutt.

Karishma Tanna as Pinky

Popular television actress Karishma Tanna has just one scene in the film, but makes us notice her performance, nevertheless. Dressed in a salwar-kameez with a plait, she is the ideal Gujarati girlfriend for Kamli. The actress speaks Gujarati like a pro and plays the innocent Pinky.

Anushka Sharma as Winnie Dias

With her pseudo-British accent, curly hair, blue eyes and classy look, Anushka Sharma was one of the highlights of Sanju. Her first look from the film had created quite a stir back in 2018 and the actress justified the hype in the film. She has limited scenes, but her character is the one that joins all the dots and puts Sanju’s life in the book titled, ‘Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’.

Sonam Kapoor as Ruby

The one thing that we still remember about Sonam is her screaming “Where is my mangalsutra” at the top of her voice when she finds out that Sanju has been doing drugs in the washroom instead of showing up for their wedding. Not only did the scene serve as the perfect material for memes, there was a lot of curiosity when it was first shown in the film’s trailer.

Boman Irani as Ruby’s father and Dr Asthana of Munna Bhai MBBS

Boman Irani played Sonam Kapoor’s father in the film and infused a whole lot of entertainment in the narrative. He also appears as Dr Asthana from Munna Bhai MBBS and takes us on a trip down memory lane. Irani’s character adds to the fun element of the film.

Feel like re-watching the Rajkumar Hirani-directed film? It is available on Netflix.

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