Who Is Maanayata Dutt? The Story Behind Dilnawaz Sheikh

Before becoming Maanayata Dutt, the wife of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, she was known as Dilnawaz Sheikh. Her journey from struggling in the film industry with minor roles and C-grade movies to becoming one of Bollywood’s most recognised celebrity spouses is a remarkable story of determination and transformation.

Born as Dilnawaz Sheikh, she spent her childhood in Mumbai and Dubai and always dreamed of making a name in the entertainment industry. During the early phase of her career, she appeared in several small roles and B-grade and C-grade films. Before entering mainstream Bollywood, she also worked under the screen name Sara Khan.

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Her career took a major turn after filmmaker Prakash Jha cast her in the film Gangaajal. Following the project, she was given the screen name Maanayata, which later became her identity in Bollywood. She gained nationwide recognition with the popular song “Alhad Mast Jawani” from Gangaajal, making her a familiar face among movie audiences.

It was during her time in the film industry that Maanayata met Sanjay Dutt through a mutual friend. Their friendship gradually developed into a relationship, especially during one of the most difficult phases of Sanjay Dutt’s life, when Maanayata stood firmly by his side and supported him emotionally.

The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in Goa on February 7, 2008, followed by a traditional Hindu wedding in Mumbai. In 2010, they welcomed their twin children, Shahraan and Iqra.

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One of the most discussed aspects of their relationship has been their 19-year age difference. Maanayata is also only 10 years older than Sanjay Dutt’s daughter Trishala, a fact that has often attracted public attention.

Sanjay Dutt’s First Marriage

Sanjay Dutt’s first wife was actress Richa Sharma, known for films like Hum Naujawan and Anubhav. The couple married in 1987 and welcomed their daughter Trishala Dutt in 1988. However, Richa was later diagnosed with a brain tumour and moved to the United States for treatment. She passed away on December 10, 1996.

His Second Marriage Ended in Divorce

After Richa’s death, Sanjay Dutt married Rhea Pillai, a former model and air hostess, on February 14, 1998. Their relationship developed during the difficult period of the TADA case, when Rhea supported Sanjay while he faced legal challenges. However, differences emerged after marriage, and the couple eventually divorced in 2008.

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