On International Friendship Day 2024, we take a closer look at the enduring friendship between Bollywood stalwarts Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty, underpinned by an unexpected and tragic historical event—the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Over the years, these two actors have not only shared the silver screen but have also built a rapport that extends far beyond the confines of a movie set. Their bond is a testament to how adversity can forge lasting connections.
Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty have been iconic figures in Bollywood, appearing together in numerous films. However, it is the behind-the-scenes camaraderie between these two that truly stands out. On International Friendship Day, as we celebrate the essence of friendship, it is worth revisiting one of the pivotal moments that solidified their relationship—facing the uncertainties of the 9/11 attacks while shooting for Sanjay Gupta’s film ‘Kaante’ in the USA in 2001.
Recalling those days, Suniel Shetty mentioned in an interview with mid-day.com how admiration and mutual respect laid the foundation of their strong bond. “When you admire someone and appreciate something about each other, it works like magic,” said Shetty. “We’re not into each other’s skin. If there’s any trouble, he’ll call me, and I will ask if there is anything I can do. Likewise, he’ll call and say, ‘you know what, I feel like eating kohri roti yaar, send me khaana.’ We’ve taken each other for granted, and I think we see each other’s good side. That’s the way he is. That’s the way I am. It works very well for us; otherwise, there can be a lot of negativity.”
The filming of ‘Kaante’ happened to coincide with one of the most traumatic events in modern history—the 9/11 attacks. The actors were in the United States, trying to focus on their work while alarms blared every second hour, heightening a sense of unrest and uncertainty. “We’d gone to shoot for ‘Kaante,’ and every second hour, the alarm used to go off. There was unrest there, but we had to shoot.
. We saw tough times, and when you do all that together, you always huddle together, whether it was during the shoot or after. We couldn’t go out of the hotel. So we were spending time with each other, and it just worked,” Suniel Shetty recalled.
This shared adversity fostered a deep bond between the two, carving out a friendship that has stood the test of time. Their alliance was evident yet again when they appeared together on the show ‘Star Vs Food Survival,’ streamed on Discovery+. In this episode, along with host chef Ranveer Brar, Shetty and Dutt cooked a meal amidst the serene forests of Coorg, facing nature’s challenges head-on. Commenting on their dynamic during the show, Shetty noted, “We share an unbelievable relationship which shows on the screen. Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) is on another level when it comes to his wisecracks and one-liners. We just get along like a house on fire.”
When asked about which was more challenging—cooking in the wild or dealing with Sanjay Dutt—Shetty humorously remarked, “Dealing with Sanjay Dutt, his language, and his stories. He doesn’t know what he says; his one-liners, his gaaliyas (abuses).”
Despite the playful banter and light-hearted moments, the underlying strength of their friendship is clear. Shetty and Dutt have navigated the highs and lows of life together, from the unpredictable moments on film sets to the turbulence of personal trials. They have seen each other through the good times and the bad, making their friendship a beacon for others.
The gravity of 9/11 was an unforeseen test of both personal resolve and mutual support. Surviving those tumultuous days and reflecting on them with a sense of gratitude and respect has only intensified their bond. As we celebrate International Friendship Day, it’s friendships like that of Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty’s that exemplify the essence of standing by someone through thick and thin.
Their story serves as a reminder that true friendship often blossoms in the face of adversity. The resilience they displayed during a global crisis has left an indelible mark on their relationship and serves as an inspiring narrative for others to cherish and emulate.
