How Sanjay Dutt's arrest in 90s led to Anil Kapoor's gain

IANS May 18, 2025 386 views

Bollywood's unpredictable journey took an unexpected turn when Sanjay Dutt's legal troubles disrupted his film career in the mid-90s. Subhash Ghai's ambitious project "Trimurti" became a turning point for both actors, with Anil Kapoor stepping in after Dutt's arrest. The film, featuring an ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan and Jackie Shroff, went on to create box office history. Despite the challenges, the movie became a landmark moment in 90s Indian cinema, showcasing the resilience of the film industry.

"HOW FATE TURNS IN THIS SHOWBOZ" - Subhash Ghai
How Sanjay Dutt's arrest in 90s led to Anil Kapoor's gain
Mumbai, May 18: Director Subhash Ghai revealed that Sanjay Dutt was supposed to be a part of his 1995 film, "Trimurti". However, later he had to opt out of the drama as he got into trouble with the law.

Key Points

1

Sanjay Dutt arrested during Trimurti's first schedule

2

Anil Kapoor replaced Dutt in the film

3

Movie became first ₹1 crore opening day blockbuster

4

Directed by Mukul Anand's last completed film

Dutt's arrest led to Anil Kapoor’s gain as he replaced him in the movie. Ghai revealed that they had even shot the first schedule with Dutt before he got arrested.

The 'Taal' maker dropped a throwback picture of himself posing with Dutt, Shah Rukh Khan, and Jackie Shroff.

"HOW FATE TURNS IN THIS SHOWBOZ ...The most expensive film From MUKTA ARTS was TRIMURTI (1993) directed by Mukul Anand started with SANJAY DUTT n shot its first schedule with him but film was ended with ANIL KAPOOR as sanjay dutt got into a worst grip of law immediately after KHALNAYAK release - a craze all over world," Ghai wrote.

For the unversed, Dutt was arrested for illegal possession of arms and ammunition like 9mm pistol and an AK-56 assault rifle used in the 1993 Bombay Terror Attacks. After years of being in and out of the jail, Dutt was finally released from Pune’s Yerawada Jail on August 26, 2015 after completing his prison term for his conviction in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. Now sanjoo is back into stardom on big screen unstoppable...Our blessings are always with him with love."

Helmed by Mukul Anand and written by Karan Razdan, the project saw Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Anjali Jathar, and Priya Tendulkar in pivotal roles.

It was Anand's last completed film as he passed away while shooting "Dus" in 1997.

"Trimurti" was released in the cinema halls on 22 December 1995, and took the box office by storm, becoming the first film to record a ₹1 crore opening day."

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
What an interesting twist of fate! Anil Kapoor did a fantastic job in Trimurti, but I often wonder how different the film would've been with Sanjay Dutt's intensity. Both are legends in their own right. Bollywood's history is full of such 'what if' stories! 🤔
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Priya M.
Trimurti was one of my childhood favorites! The star cast was amazing. But honestly, the film's success shows that no single actor is bigger than the movie itself. The script and direction matter most. Subhash Ghai and Mukul Anand were true visionaries.
A
Amit S.
While it's great that Sanju baba made a comeback, we shouldn't forget the serious nature of his crimes. The 1993 blasts were a dark chapter for Mumbai. Our justice system showed both firmness and compassion in handling his case over the years.
S
Sunita R.
The 90s were such a golden era for Bollywood! Trimurti, Khalnayak... these films had such powerful music and dialogues that are still remembered today. Makes me nostalgic for those simple times when movies were about pure entertainment 🎬
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how one man's loss became another's opportunity. This happens in every profession, but in Bollywood it's more visible. Anil Kapoor grabbed the chance and made the role his own - that's the mark of a true professional.
N
Neha T.
The real tragedy here is Mukul Anand's untimely death. He was such a talented director. Dus could have been another masterpiece. Sometimes I feel we lost one of our best filmmakers too soon. Trimurti remains a testament to his brilliance.

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