When Madhuri Dixit Called Sanjay Dutt Her “Favourite Partner” And He Said “I Love You” To Her Ignoring Others Around

One of the most talked-about legendary pairings in Bollywood history, Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt, was more than just on-screen magic—it was a real-life saga filled with romance, controversy, and undeniable chemistry. Their relationship unfolded against the backdrop of the 1990s, a golden era of Indian cinema, yet it was tangled in personal turmoil, professional triumphs, and media speculation.

The Beginning of a Fateful Connection

Born into film royalty, Sanjay Dutt was the son of veteran actor Sunil Dutt and the legendary Nargis. His childhood was marked by hardships, including his mother’s battle with cancer and his own struggles with addiction and personal demons. Yet, by the late ’80s, his career was finally taking off. Around the same time, Madhuri Dixit was rising to stardom, captivating audiences with her grace, beauty, and impeccable dancing skills.

Their first on-screen collaboration was in the 1990 film *Thanedaar*, a crime drama that featured the iconic song *Tamma Tamma*, where Sanjay, not known for his dancing, tried matching steps with Madhuri—a moment that became unforgettable for fans.

But it was their next film, *Saajan* (1991), that catapulted them into Bollywood’s most beloved pair. The movie was a massive hit, largely due to their scorching chemistry. Their emotional depth in the film made audiences believe in their romance—so much so that rumors of an off-screen affair started circulating in the gossip columns of film magazines.

A Love Story Amidst Scandals

Sanjay Dutt was already married to actress Richa Sharma, who had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Despite her illness, the couple had a daughter, Trishala. However, as Richa underwent multiple treatments abroad, Sanjay and Madhuri’s bond began growing stronger.

During the filming of *Khalnayak* (1993), their closeness became impossible to ignore. Director Subhash Ghai later revealed, *”Sanjay used to say this film will go very far, but his eyes were always on Madhuri.”* The movie, especially the sizzling song *Choli Ke Peeche*, became a cultural phenomenon, further fueling the rumors.

Madhuri Dixit, known for her composed demeanor, broke her silence in interviews, declaring, *”My favorite partner is Sanjay Dutt. He makes me laugh all the time.”* Another time, she said, *”Sanju has a heart of gold. He is the only man who can make me laugh uncontrollably.”*

Sanjay, too, didn’t hide his affection. During the shooting of *Sahibaan* in Mysore, crew members recall him whispering *“I love you”* to Madhuri, completely disregarding those around them. Director Ramesh Talwar later recounted, *”He would follow her around, lost in her presence.”*

The Media Circus and the Marriage Rumor That Never Was

The gossip mills went into overdrive, with tabloids speculating about an impending wedding. *Filmfare* magazine even ran a cover story titled *”Madhuri to Marry?”*, hinting that she might leave films post-marriage in 1994. Though the groom’s name wasn’t mentioned, all signs pointed toward Sanjay Dutt.

Meanwhile, Sanjay’s divorce from Richa in 1993 only strengthened the whispers. Some insiders claimed Madhuri’s family disapproved of the match, while others believed Sanjay’s personal struggles—including his narcotics case—played a role in their eventual separation.

The Tragic End of Their Off-Screen Romance

By the mid-90s, their relationship had fizzled out. Madhuri went on to marry Dr. Shriram Nene in 1999, while Sanjay’s life continued its tumultuous trajectory—arrested in connection with the 1993 Bombay blasts, multiple failed relationships, and a dramatic personal evolution marked by both controversy and redemption.

They reunited on screen after 22 years in *Kalank* (2019), a bittersweet moment for fans who had once rooted for them as Bollywood’s golden couple. Though their personal romance faded, their films remain immortal, reminding audiences of a love story that never truly got its happy ending.

Legacy of an Iconic Pair

While they only starred in a handful of films together, Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt left an indelible mark. Their connection—both romantic and cinematic—was a rare blend of passion, drama, and stardom.

Sanjay once admitted in an interview, *”Madhuri is special. She has a purity that’s rare in this industry.”* Madhuri, ever graceful, simply smiled when asked about him in later years, saying, *”Some relationships are best left in the past.”*

Their story remains one of the most captivating chapters of Bollywood—a tale of love that burned bright, flickered in the face of reality, and then became a nostalgic whisper in the pages of film history.

Final Thoughts

Love, fame, and heartbreak—Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt’s relationship encapsulated it all. What started as a professional partnership turned into a whirlwind of emotions, one that still fascinates fans decades later.

Their movies continue to define a generation, but it is their off-screen dynamics—those stolen glances, whispered confessions, and the love that almost was—that make them legendary beyond the silver screen.

Would their story have been different in another time, under different circumstances? Perhaps. But for now, it remains a bittersweet memory of Bollywood’s golden era—one that still lingers in the hearts of those who believed in their love story.