When Nargis Dutt scolded Sunil Dutt for late-night drinks cooked 'Matka Gosht'; Ranjeet recalls first Mumbai visit - THROWBACK

With a career that spanned some of the most memorable eras of Bollywood, Nargis Dutt captivated audiences with her powerful performances. Actor Ranjeet, known for his memorable roles in Hindi cinema, earlier shared a heartwarming and humorous memory from his early days in Mumbai. On only his second day in the city, he found himself invited to Sunil and Nargis’s home for a late-night gathering. What struck him most was not the glamour of the star couple, but their warmth and simplicity.In a conversation during Timeout with Ankit, Ranjeet recalled how Sunil Dutt was hosting friends when Nargis, despite being one of the most celebrated stars of her era, took it upon herself to cook and serve matka gosht until the early hours of the morning.As the clock ticked past 2 a.m., the food kept being reheated while the men enjoyed their drinks. Suddenly, Nargis’s firm but affectionate voice cut through the chatter. “Chalo kitna piyoge? The food won’t be heated again and again,” she scolded, leaving everyone sheepishly standing up to eat. The moment, though simple, left a lasting impression on Ranjeet who had never expected the iconic Mother India actress to be awake, cooking and personally serving her guests at that hour.Ranjeet also fondly remembered how Sunil Dutt playfully convinced him to try the dish even though he was vegetarian. Sunil Dutt joked, “So what if you are a vegetarian? Even the goat would eat only grass.”For Ranjeet, the memory was more than just about a meal, it was a glimpse into the humility and grace of a woman revered across India. Seeing Nargis, the same actress who embodied strength and sacrifice on screen, standing at 2 a.m. serving food, calling for tadka to be added to the daal, and handing out parathas, felt surreal. “I couldn’t believe ki Nargis ne parantha diya hai,” he said with awe.Nargis married Sunil Dutt in 1958 after their legendary collaboration in 'Mother India'. Their partnership, filled with love and mutual respect, continues to inspire. Nargis passed away in 1981 after battling cancer.