Who leaves over Rs 70 crore to a star they've never met? Sanjay Dutt's fan story that left him heartbroken

In a time when fan frenzy is reaching new levels, from teenagers driving six hours to meet cricketers to stampede scares at film events, one story from 2018 still stands out for its sheer shock value and emotional weight.

Back in 2018, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was reportedly left stunned when police informed him that Nisha Patil, a 62-year-old homemaker from Mumbai, had passed away, and left behind property worth Rs 72 crore in his name.

Even more surprising? Dutt had never met her.


Patil had reportedly been battling a terminal illness and decided to transfer all her assets to the actor. She even wrote to several banks, requesting them to move her money and property into Dutt’s name. It was a gesture no one saw coming.

Sanjay Dutt, son of film legends Sunil Dutt and Nargis, has seen fame like few others. Since his debut in Rocky (1981), he has acted in over 135 films and built a loyal fan base. But this particular fan’s final wish left him overwhelmed.

When he came to know about the situation, Dutt reportedly said he had no intention of claiming the assets. His legal team confirmed his stance.

“I will not be claiming anything. I did not know Nisha, and I am very overwhelmed by the entire incident to speak about it,” Dutt said at the time.

He ensured that proper procedures were followed so the property would go back to Nisha Patil’s family.

While the massive amount, Rs 72 crore, grabbed headlines, what made the story truly unforgettable was Dutt’s decision to decline it. Despite his fame and stardom, he chose to stay respectful and grounded, winning even more hearts.

In 2025, Dutt’s schedule is packed. His recent films Bhootnii and Housefull 5 have hit cinemas, while Akhanda 2, Dhurandhar, and The RajaSaab are lined up for release later this year. He’s also working on the Kannada film KD: The Devil, expected to release in 2026.

In 2022, Dutt launched Three Dimension Motion Pictures, and The Bhootnii was one of the first films under his banner. Beyond the film industry, he entered the business world in 2023 by investing in alco-bev startup Cartel & Bros and launching his own whisky brand, The Glenwalk.

Inputs from TOI