Rajkumar Hirani explains what made Sanju possible

Rajkumar Hirani says he chooses biographical subjects based on personal struggle and contradictions rather than polished success stories. He ties that philosophy to his 2018 biopic Sanju, which traces several phases of Sanjay Dutt’s life. In the film, Ranbir Kapoor portrays the actor, and Hirani directed the project.

Hirani’s biopic approach

Hirani explains that authentic drama in biopics comes from vulnerability and flaws. He argues that the most compelling biographies reveal the challenges a person faced, not only their achievements. Sanju embodies that idea by presenting multiple facets of Sanjay Dutt’s life rather than a single, triumphant arc. The film places Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, guiding the audience through a layered portrait.

Access to personal life

Central to Hirani’s process is access to intimate material. The filmmaker says Sanjay Dutt opened up about aspects of his life that were not flattering. “Sanjay Dutt gave me access to the parts of his life that were not flattering.”

This exchange highlights a core element of Hirani’s method: inviting the real, imperfect moments into the storytelling.

This stance signals a commitment to authenticity in biographical storytelling. For more on Hirani’s philosophy and its impact on Sanju, Read more, and to follow DPIFF coverage, visit DPIFF News.