Bollywood veteran Sanjay Dutt has opened up about one of the darkest chapters of his life — his decade-long struggle with substance addiction. In a deeply personal conversation with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, the Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. actor revealed how insecurity and the desire to “look cool” led him down a destructive path.

“I was very shy, especially with women,” Dutt admitted. “So I started it to look cool. You do it, and suddenly you’re the cooler guy with the ladies, you talk to them.”

What began as a confidence booster soon turned into a serious addiction that consumed years of his life.

“Ten years of my life were lost”

Reflecting on the devastating consequences of his substance abuse, Dutt said, “Ten years of my life I was in my room or in the bathroom, not interested in shoots. But this is what life is — and that’s how everything changed.”

The actor revealed that during this period, he became completely disconnected from his work and relationships. His addiction, he said, isolated him both physically and emotionally, leaving him trapped in a cycle of dependence and self-destruction.

Dutt’s confession offers a rare glimpse into the emotional struggles that fueled his addiction — far removed from the glamorous image often associated with Bollywood stardom.

A comeback marked by strength and recovery

Sanjay Dutt has long since turned his life around, emerging as one of Bollywood’s most resilient figures. After battling addiction, he underwent rehabilitation and rebuilt both his career and reputation through discipline and introspection.

The Khalnayak actor’s journey from addiction to recovery remains one of the most powerful comeback stories in Indian cinema. Dutt has often credited his family, especially his late father Sunil Dutt, for helping him through his lowest phases.

Despite past controversies, he continues to enjoy a successful career. Dutt was recently seen in Baaghi 4, alongside Tiger Shroff, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sonam Bajwa, and is gearing up for his upcoming film Dhurandar.

By openly discussing his past, Dutt hopes his story can serve as a warning and inspiration — showing that even from the darkest struggles, recovery and reinvention are possible.