Sanjay Dutt has shared several memorable stories with people from the film industry over the years. From fitness and films to friendships that have lasted for decades, his equation with fellow actors has often made for interesting anecdotes. In an exclusive interview with Lehren, Rohit Bose Roy recalled how his bond with the superstar Sanjay Dutt, whom he fondly calls “Sanju Sir,” led to his first-ever alcoholic drink.
When asked about his memories with Sanjay, including their fitness sessions and evenings together, Rohit began by acknowledging the difference in their ages and stature.
“Main toh bahut chhota hoon unki umar se aur stature mein bhi,” he said.
Sanjay Dutt Inspired Rohit Roy To Take Fitness Seriously
Rohit revealed that Sanjay was the person who introduced him to bodybuilding. Before that, his fitness routine was relatively simple. Although he looked fit during his television show Swabhimaan (1995), he had not seriously started working out.
“Mujhe bodybuilding mein ghusaane waale woh the. Usse pehle Swabhimaan mein fit lagta hoon, par workout kabhi nahi kiya,” he recalled.
Their regular workout sessions eventually became part of a daily routine when they began spending time together ahead of the film Plan (2004), produced by Sanjay Gupta.
The Evening Routine That Changed Everything
Rohit explained that, for two to three months, he would visit Sanjay’s place almost every evening. Their routine was straightforward: work out, freshen up, get dressed and then sit together for the evening.
“Hamari ek film start hui thi, Plan, jo Sanjay Gupta ji produce kar rahe the. Toh usse pehle do-teen mahine tak hum log roz shaam ko unke yahan jaate the. Roz shaam ko baithe rehte the, toh yeh routine ban gaya tha ki paanch baje se lekar 6:30 tak workout karenge, nahaayenge-dhoyenge, kapde pehenkar aayenge aur phir bottles khulengi,” he shared.
There was just one difference: Rohit did not drink alcohol. While everyone else enjoyed their drinks, he would sit with them and chat.
“That Was My First Bacardi Ever!”
Rohit revealed that Sanjay would ask him every evening whether he wanted a drink, but his answer remained the same.
“Roz shaam ko 6:30–6:45 baje poochte the, ‘Ro, you will have a drink?’ And I used to say, ‘No, sir, I don’t drink.’”
That continued for nearly two months. Then, one evening, Rohit decided to try something different.
“After two months, maine bola, ‘Sir, I’ll have what you’ll be having.’ That was my first Bacardi ever!”
Rohit recalled that the incident took place around 2004 and marked the beginning of his drinking experience. He also spoke about how their bond grew stronger over time.
A Friendship That Extended Beyond The Evenings
Rohit credited Sanjay with helping him get an opportunity in LOC: Kargil (2003), adding that their relationship had developed into a strong bond of brotherhood.
“Toh wahin se rishta shuru hua aur LOC: Kargil unhone mujhe dilayi. Aur bhaichaara hai,” he said.
From encouraging him to take up bodybuilding to sharing everyday conversations, Sanjay became an important figure in Rohit’s journey. And sometimes, as this story shows, a friendship’s most memorable moments begin with a simple question: “Ro, you will have a drink?”
