Sanjay Dutt and Maanayata: The story of their rock solid marriage

Sanjay Dutt’s life has been packed with several controversies. The actor has been through a lot, be it his brush with the law or his widely-reported addiction to drugs and the time he spent in jail. One other thing that has always been a part of the news is his relationships. The biopic on Dutt, Sanju, that came out in 2018, is an account of almost all aspects of his life, but it did not address his relationship with his wife Maanayata.

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In Sanju, Ranbir Kapoor played the role of Sanjay Dutt while Maanayata was played by Dia Mirza 

Maanayata is Sanjay Dutt's third wife. He was first married to Richa Sharma in 1987. Sharma died of a brain tumour in 1996. They have a daughter Trishala, who currently lives in the US with her maternal grandparents. He then married again in 1998, to model Rhea Pillai.

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Sanjay and Maanayata's relationship:

After his divorce with Rhea, Sanjay was dating Nadia Durrani. Around the same time, Maanayata starred in Prakash Jha’s Gangajal. Maanayata’s name was Dilnawaz Shaikh and was allegedly changed to Maanayata by Prakash Jha. Dutt’s friendship with Maanayata became stronger by the day, and they fell in love. The couple tied the knot in February 2008.

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Her support for Sanjay:

Maanayata stood by Sanjay since they started dating. Even after the number of problems that came Dutt’s way, Maanayata has supported him throughout. In an interview with a media portal, Maanayata said that there will always be conspiracies where there is power. She said that her husband is a powerful person and many try to use him for their own benefit. She called herself a barricade in his life and she will always stand to protect Sanjay from such ‘fair-weather friends’. She also added that these people resent her.

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Sanjay Dutt and Maanayata are now leading a happy married life. The pair have two children. Their twins were born on October 21, 2010. Maanayata Dutt also produced Sanjay Dutt’s recent movie, Prassthanam.

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