Over the years, 'Sanju Baba' has lent his voice to more than a dozen songs.
Sanjay Dutt as an actor is so good that another aspect of his career has gotten criminally overlooked. It’s his singing career. While not as great as his acting skills, his singing brings a certain charm, which is raw and full of personality. Over the years, Sanju Baba has surprised fans by lending his voice to a handful of songs, and each time, he has brought his signature swag to the mic. You won’t find pitch-perfect notes or classical finesse here, but you will find a certain honesty and fun that make these tracks worth remembering. So, on his birthday, let’s look back at those unexpected moments when Sanjay Dutt decided to sing and left us both amused and impressed.
The 1999 romantic comedy, starring Dutt and Urmila Matondkar, was a commercial hit, thanks to their sparkling chemistry and lighthearted plot. But what truly caught everyone off guard was Dutt’s debut as a playback singer.
In the catchy number “Aye Shivani”, Sanjay Dutt shared vocals with Shraddha Pandit. The track, composed by the melodious duo Jatin-Lalit and penned by Sanjay Chhel, became a massive hit, arguably even more popular than the film itself. Dutt played a street-smart conman with a golden heart, and the song captured that playful energy perfectly. The rough edges in his voice gave the track a quirky charm, and audiences simply couldn’t get enough.
(Credit: Indian Music HD)
By the early 2000s, Dutt’s career was going through a slump. Then came 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.', which turned out to be a game-changer that revived not just his career but his public image. Rajkumar Hirani’s directorial debut introduced us to Munna, the lovable gangster with a conscience, and the nation was hooked.
Amidst all the heart and humor, Dutt once again lent his voice, this time for the song “M Bole To”. Sung along with Vinod Rathod, Prachi, and Priya Mayekar, the track was pure Mumbaiya magic. The laid-back delivery, the tapori slang, and Dutt’s effortless swagger made it an instant chartbuster.
(Credit: Universal Music India)
And that wasn’t all; he also sang “Apun Jaise Tapori”, teaming up with Arshad Warsi and Vinod Rathod. These songs became cultural moments that captured the essence of the film and Munna’s endearing personality.
When 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' hit the screens in 2006, expectations were sky-high, and it delivered. Packed with emotion, humor, and obviously Gandhigiri, the sequel was another big win for Dutt and Hirani. And once again, Dutt picked up the mic.
“Samjho Ho Hi Gaya”, sung by Dutt along with Arshad Warsi and Vinod Rathod, was a fun, upbeat track that captured Munna and Circuit’s unbeatable bromance. Composed by Shantanu Moitra and written by Swanand Kirkire, the song was a hit and proved that Dutt's occasional musical stints were more than just gimmicks; they had soul.
(Credit: T-Series)
In fact, Lage Raho's entire soundtrack was a fan favorite, with songs like “Pal Pal... Har Pal”, “Aane Chaar Aane”, and “Bande Mein Tha Dum... Vande Mataram” still remembered fondly.
While the above three are his most iconic singing moments, Dutt hasn’t shied away from experimenting with his voice in other films too. He’s credited on songs like:
“Chal Mere Bhai” from Chal Mere Bhai, a lively title track with Salman Khan
“Chaha Tha Tumhe” from Hathyar, which showcased a more emotional tone
“Tez Dhaar” from Musafir, a gritty, stylized number
“Chhod Na Re” from Kaante, adding his husky voice to the stylish crime drama’s vibe
Each of these songs reflects a different mood, and though none turned him into a full-time playback singer, they showed that Dutt has always been up for trying something offbeat.
Happy Birthday, Sanju Baba!
