Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta known for movies like ‘Kaante’, ‘Aatish’, ‘Shootout At Wadala’, ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’ among others passed away on October 30 after sustaining a head injury at his Mumbai residence. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news on X, expressing shock over the sudden loss of his friend.‘It’s really shocking and sad. Just got the news that our dear friend an ace director @_sanjaygupta is no more. He passed due to a head injury at home. Another talent gone too soon. He was a wonderful narrator, full of life persona & a passionate filmmaker. A great loss to our industry. Will miss you my friend. Condolences to your family & dear ones. Om Shaanti.’Sanjay’s close friend Hanif Chunawala also spoke about the circumstances surrounding his death. ‘He fell in the kitchen last night and sustained a head injury. Unfortunately, he passed away. We are in shock,’ he shared.The filmmaker’s last rites were held at the Versova crematorium, where several members of the film fraternity gathered to bid him farewell. Rakesh Roshan, who had also visited Sanjay’s residence earlier in the day, was among the first to arrive. Harshvardhan Rane was also spotted at the crematorium.Abhishek Bachchan and Rajpal Yadav arrived to pay their last respects. Sanjay’s close industry friends Rohit Roy and Ronit Roy were also seen at his residence. Ronit was visibly inconsolable as he mourned the loss of the filmmaker. Filmmaker Milap Zaveri and Ashoke Pandit were among others who visited the family.
The news of his demise also prompted tributes from several members of the film industry. Actor Sanjay Dutt, who shared a long-standing friendship and professional association with the filmmaker, posted a series of throwback photographs on Instagram. Remembering him as family, Dutt expressed disbelief over his passing and recalled their recent conversations about ‘Kaante 2’. He also promised to fulfil Gupta’s dream of making the sequel, writing, “I will make Kaante 2 your dream, in memory of you my brother, I will do everything for this dream of yours to come true, love you forever and always.“Filmmaker Milap Zaveri, who shared a close bond with Sanjay and credited him for giving him his first big break in the industry, also penned an emotional tribute. Calling him his “Godfather”, “God”, “Father”, brother and friend, Milap recalled how Gupta had supported him professionally since he was 21. He revealed that they had met just 10 days before his death, when he told the filmmaker the title of his upcoming film. Sanjay had excitedly shared that the original film with the same title was produced by his father. Milap announced that he would dedicate the project to him, writing, “That title. This film. Will be dedicated to you. I love you Guruji. I will always love you.Sanjay Gupta’s sudden demise has left a void among his friends and collaborators in the film industry. The filmmaker’s contribution to Hindi cinema and the relationships he built over the years were reflected in the heartfelt tributes shared by those who knew and worked with him.
