Industry Pays Tribute to the ‘Kaante’ Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, known for directing films such as “Kaante,” “Shootout at Lokhandwala” and “Kaabil,” has died. Known for his stylized crime thrillers and high-octane action films, Gupta carved a distinct niche in Hindi cinema. Following news of his demise, tributes poured in from members of the film fraternity.

Tusshar Kapoor remembers filmmaker Sanjay Gupta as a passionate director. The actor, who worked with Gupta on two films, “Shootout in Lokhandwala” and “Shootout in Wadala,” shares, “I’ve worked with Sanjay Gupta on the two films of the Shootout franchise. He was a delight to work with as he treated all his actors like his personal friends. He was a taskmaster and a passionate filmmaker who strove for quality in his work, but he was also a lesson in living life to the fullest. Sanjay sir made sure his actors became part of the fun and crazy side of his personality, and he was an excellent host as well!

Kapoor also highlights Gupta’s distinctive approach to filmmaking. “His films had his trademark stylish charm with chartbuster music and, undoubtedly, the promotions were always top-notch! Whether you liked his films or not, you could never ignore them, and that goes for him as a person too. This is a huge loss to the world of movies.”

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Mahesh Manjrekar said, “I’ve lost two friends this month — Nana Patekar and now Sanjay Gupta. When I got into direction, I thought I would never act. But the first person who got me in front of the camera was Gupta in "Kaante." We did “Kaante,” “Dus Kahaniyaan,” and “Musafir.” Earlier this month, Gupta came to my office. He wanted to do “Kaante 2,” so he narrated it. He was always full of ideas. He had a vision, which was different. I did so many films with him. In fact, I was in most of his films, I think. The last film I did with him was “Mumbai Saga.” My role had to be cut as I didn’t have dates. “Kaante,” I would say, is the most significant work I did with him. Even today, the film has not aged. In fact, I was after him to re-release “Kaante.” That day, when we met for the last time, I told him there were some small problems. He had some legal problems. That is why, after 25 years, I went to him and said, release it again. In fact, when I met him the other day, he said all the problems were solved and we would release it. He was technically very far ahead of his contemporaries. I can’t believe he’s gone at 57! I always tell people, every day is a blessing.”

Hansal Mehta, who worked very closely with Sanjay Gupta for some years, said, “I am shell-shocked. Sanjay was perhaps the only boss I had in this industry. Now the boss is gone. I still can’t come to terms with it. Besides our work relationship, he was more of a friend and somebody who came into my life at a time when I was totally down in the dumps. So many memories and so much to say. But I’m just too shocked to react.”

Apoorva Lakhia, who directed “Shootout at Lokhandwala” for Gupta, said, “I am truly shocked to hear about Gupts. He was a wonderful producer to me during ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala.’ He never once hesitated to spend on what the film needed, never cut corners when it came to supporting the filmmaking process. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Producer Dharam Oberoi, who worked closely with Gupta, said, “He is a brilliant director. Technique-wise, music-wise, he was fantastic. My wife was very close to him. You know, today's pictures, if you come out, you can't say one song after hearing it. But his songs are still playing around. When I fell in love with my wife, she was very close to Sanjay Gupta and his family. I don't want to talk about our fallout. I don't know what happened there. We suddenly stopped talking. The greatest thing was that he launched my daughter Neha in “Woodstock Villa.” He kept his word.”

Sikander Kher, who was launched by Sanjay Gupta in “Woodstock Villa,” recalled, “He was a great producer and director and gave me my first film. For that, I will forever be grateful. It’s devastating news. He will always be in my heart.”