Darlingji: The True Love Story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt

The book traces Nargis and Sunil Dutt's lives from their early years to their meeting during Mother India, their relationship and marriage, and the challenges they faced as a family. It also places their story within the wider evolution of Hindi cinema.

Kishwar Desai is an Indian writer and journalist who has worked in print and broadcast media, including as a journalist, scriptwriter, TV anchor and producer. Darlingji was her first book.

The book tells the story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt, beginning with their individual backgrounds and careers. Their lives change after Sunil saves Nargis from a fire during the making of Mother India in 1957. Their relationship eventually leads to marriage in 1958. The book follows their family life, professional struggles, Nargis's illness and the challenges faced by their children, while also presenting the changing landscape of Hindi cinema. It draws on diaries, letters, interviews and conversations with family and friends.