Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt recently embarked on a short yet significant journey to Nepal, blending deep spiritual pursuits with warm fan interactions and a culinary adventure. The actor, accompanied by his close friend and fellow actor Rahul Mittra, finally realized his long-standing desire to pay homage at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
A Long-Awaited Pilgrimage to Pashupatinath
The trip had been on Dutt's mind for several years but faced repeated postponements. It was initially delayed due to political unrest in Nepal that began on September 8, 2025. Addressing safety concerns surrounding the visit, Rahul Mittra provided clarity, stating, "The situation is peaceful and everything is fine now. We are artists and we stay away from politics."
Mittra shed light on the spiritual impetus behind the journey, explaining, "Sanju has a strong connection with Lord Shiva. Baba ka bulawa aaya hai toh jana hi hai ab. It is a well-timed visit." He revealed that concerns over the political climate were precisely why they scheduled the trip for this year, after receiving assurances from local friends that conditions had improved significantly.
Sanjay Dutt's devotion to Lord Shiva is profoundly personal, having often turned to the Shiv Puran for solace during his imprisonment in April 1993 for illegal possession of arms.
Fan Meetings, Casino Visit, and a Foodie's Delight
Beyond the spiritual core of the temple visit, the itinerary was packed with personal engagements. The duo dedicated time to connect with Sanjay Dutt's dedicated fan clubs in Nepal, where admirers were eagerly awaiting a chance to meet the beloved actor. They also planned to visit a friend's newly inaugurated casino during their brief stay.
For both self-proclaimed foodies, exploring local flavors was a non-negotiable part of the experience. "We are both foodies, so wherever we travelled, Arunachal Pradesh, Kyrgyzstan, or Rajasthan, we always made it a point to try out the local cuisine," Mittra shared.
He expressed their excitement to indulge in authentic Himalayan delicacies, listing a mouth-watering array of dishes they intended to sample:
- The national dish, dal bhat
- Various types of dumplings
- Lentil patty known as bara
- Hearty noodle soups
- Flavorful mutton katiya
A Brief Respite Between Work Commitments
This Nepal excursion served as a short pause within the actors' hectic professional schedules. Mittra confirmed it was a compact visit, with plans to return by the following night due to prior work commitments. Despite its brevity, the journey was crafted to be both spiritually fulfilling and personally enjoyable.
The bond between the two travelers is well-established, with Mittra having previously collaborated with Dutt on films like 'Torbaaz' and 'Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster'. This trip underscores a friendship that extends beyond the film sets, rooted in shared spiritual interests and a love for exploration.
Ultimately, Sanjay Dutt's Nepal visit stands as a testament to fulfilling a cherished personal goal, strengthening bonds with fans abroad, and savoring the simple joys of travel and food, all while navigating past uncertainties to find a peaceful and welcoming environment.
