Sanjay Dutt's debut film Rocky was released on May 8, 1981, five days after the actor’s mother, Nargis, died of cancer. The death left an indelible mark on Dutt’s life and career. Rocky, directed by father Sunil Dutt, was a carefully planned launch vehicle, giving Sanjay Dutt’s character an elaborate back story, an introductory song and a larger than life personality.