In a delightful peek into the personal lives of Bollywood legends, veteran actor Ranjeet has shared a charming anecdote from his early days in Mumbai, involving the late icons Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt. The story paints a vivid picture of a late-night gathering where the celebrated actress's culinary efforts and patience were tested by her husband and his friends enjoying their drinks a little too long.
A Newcomer's Night with Legends
Ranjeet, in a recent interview, recounted that this incident occurred on just his second day in Mumbai, the city of dreams. He found himself invited to Sunil Dutt's home, which was set in a dim, romantic ambiance. A group of Sunil Dutt's friends were present, and the evening revolved around conversation and drinks. Unbeknownst to them, Nargis Dutt, the legendary star of Mother India, was busy in the kitchen preparing a special meal for the guests.
She had personally cooked her signature dish, Matka Gosht, which involved preparing mutton in an earthen pot using her unique recipe. This was not a task delegated to staff; the actress took it upon herself to cook for her husband's seven or eight friends.
The Long Wait and the Gentle Scolding
As the night progressed, the servant announced that the food was served. However, Sunil Dutt, focusing on ensuring his guest Ronnie had a few more drinks, asked for the food to be heated and served later. This cycle repeated, and the delicious Matka Gosht was reheated three times as the clock ticked past 1:30 AM towards 2:00 in the morning.
It was then that a soft voice emerged from the shadows of the dimly lit room. "Dutt sahab," the voice said, prompting Sunil Dutt and all his guests to immediately stand up. It was Nargis. She then gently but firmly scolded her husband. "How much will you drink? Do it fast, we have heated up the food so many times," Ranjeet recalled her saying.
Her words had an instant effect. The party promptly moved to the dining table, glasses in hand. Ranjeet was deeply impressed that a star of her stature was awake so late, personally ensuring her guests were well-fed. "I was extremely impressed – she is such a big heroine and is awake till 2 am at night to serve the guests," he expressed.
A Gracious Hostess to a Vegetarian Guest
The actor also shared a touching detail that highlighted Nargis's grace as a hostess. Being a vegetarian, Ranjeet politely declined the mutton dish. While Sunil Dutt insisted he try the food made by Mrs. Dutt, Nargis herself intervened. She asked her husband not to force him and instead had dal (lentils) brought from the kitchen specifically for Ranjeet. This thoughtful gesture left a lasting impression on the young actor.
Sunil Dutt and Nargis, who met on the sets of the epic film Mother India, got married in 1958. They were parents to three children: son Sanjay Dutt, and daughters Namrata and Priya Dutt. Nargis passed away in 1981, and Sunil Dutt died in 2005. This story shared by Ranjeet offers a rare, heartwarming glimpse into their private world, showcasing Nargis not just as a cinematic icon but as a devoted homemaker and a gracious host.
