Madhuri Dixit reportedly distanced herself from Sanjay Dutt, with whom she was allegedly involved with, following his 1993 arrest. Read on to know full story!
Published: October 5, 2025 9:36 AM IST
Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt were once regarded as one of Bollywood’s most iconic on- and off-screen couples. They collaborated in several films, but it was their chemistry in Saajan (1991) and Khalnayak (1993) that fueled rumours of a real-life romance. However, things changed reportedly following Sanjay Dutt’s arrest in 1993 after the Mumbai serial blasts. The actor’s legal trouble garnered headlines nationwide, which marked a major change in his professional and personal life.
Although the actor was later released on bail, film journalist and writer Hanif Zaveri recently recounted an incident when Madhuri intentionally kept her distance from him at a public event.
Madhuri Dixit purposely avoided Sanjay Dutt at post-bail party
In an interaction with Meri Saheli, Zaveri claimed to have witnessed the whole scenario firsthand. He said, “When Sanjay Dutt was in jail, the film industry protested against his arrest. Madhuri refused to participate. When Sanjay was released on bail, Mahaanta director Afzal Khan, organised a party. Madhuri gave her word that she would attend the party. I happened to be present as well. There was a stage on one side, and on the other side, there was a table with some chairs. This is where I was sitting. I saw Madhuri enter with her secretary and a few others, but instead of going up to the stage, they stopped and took seats near me.”
According to Zaveri, Madhuri had clearly seen Sanjay seated on the stage, and was intentionally avoiding him. He recalled, “I noticed that they were anxious, and assumed that they would make their way to the stage soon. But instead of joining the cast on stage, Madhuri and the others got up and left the venue. All the photographers were waiting to capture Madhuri and Sanjay’s first photo together after his arrest. I knew why she left; Madhuri didn’t want to be photographed with Sanjay.”
Offering more context, Zaveri added that Madhuri and Sanjay had shared a close bond before his arrest, and that Madhuri’s mother was quite eager about her getting married and settling down. “When Sanjay was arrested, Madhuri decided it was best to separate. She was worried that she might also come under scrutiny. Her mother even wanted her to get married — first she considered singer Suresh Wadkar, and later, Madhuri eventually met Dr. Sriram Nene, whom she married,” he said.
