Sanjay Dutt once revealed he started doing drugs to look cool and impress women; was called ‘charsi’ after rehab

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to drug addiction.

Sanjay Dutt is one of Bollywood’s most talked-about stars, known as much for his powerful screen presence as for his stormy personal journey. His life has seen many ups and downs, yet, what makes the ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.’ actor stand out is his honesty. He has never hidden the most painful chapters of his life, especially his long and difficult battle with drug addiction.

When Sanjay Dutt recalled taking drugs to 'look cool'

Sanjay Dutt has always been open about how his drug use began. Speaking to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia on his podcast, the Khalnayak’ actor recalled that it all started because he wanted to impress women and appear confident.


He said, “I was very shy, especially with women, so I started it to look cool. You do it and you become a cooler guy with the ladies, you talk to them.” At the time, the young star didn’t realise how dangerous this would be. What started as an attempt to fit in soon became a serious adiction that took control of his life.

Sanjay Dutt on losing ten years

Recalling those dark days, the ‘Agneepath’ actor further shared that drugs kept him locked away from the world for nearly a decade.He revealed, “Ten years of my life I was in my room, or in the bathroom, and not interested in shoots. But this is what life is, and that’s how everything changed.”

Sanjay Dutt revealed people called him ‘charsi’

After completing his rehabilitation and returning to normal life, Sanjay faced another harsh reality - social judgement. Instead of support, many labelled him ‘charsi’. He remembered, “When I came back (from the rehab), people used to call me charsi. And I thought, galat hai yeh (this is wrong). People on the road are saying this. Kuch karna padega (I have to do something about it).”

Sanjay Dutt transformed pain into a strong comeback

Determined to change how people saw him, Sanjay began working out and focusing on his fitness. Slowly, the image that once hurt him turned into a source of pride. He proudly shared, “I started working out. I wanted to break though that. And then from charsi, it became a guy with swag and ‘kya body hai’.”

Sanjay Dutt asks youth to avoid drugs

Dutt has often used his story to warn young people against making the same mistakes. Speaking in a 2022 interview with Rahul Mittra, he urged the youth to focus on life rather than drugs. “If I could come out of drugs, so can you,” he said firmly.

He added, “I don’t want people to look at drug abusers as a taboo to society. They need acceptance and a lot of faith to get out of the addiction, which requires a lot of support.”

In his heartfelt words, he reminded everyone that real happiness doesn’t come from substances but from life, family, and purpose, “Jo nasha zindagi ka hai, jo nasha family ka hai, jo kaam mein milta hai, woh drugs se kabhi nahi mil sakta.(The high that comes from life, family, and work can never be found in drugs.)”

Sanjay Dutt's film slate

Sanjay Dut was last seen in ‘Baaghi 4’, co-starring Tiger Shroff, Harnaaz Sandhu and Sonam Bajwa. He will next be seen in ‘Dhurandhar’, a film starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, known for ‘Uri’. The film is set to release in December 2025.

DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please seek help from available helplines or support organizations.