Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 15: Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, best known for directing films such as 'Kaante', 'Kaabil' and 'Shootout at Wadala', has passed away at the age of 59.
According to sources, Gupta died on October 30 after reportedly slipping in the bathroom at night and sustaining a head injury.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news of his demise through an Instagram post, expressing shock and grief over the loss.
"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," Pandit wrote.
Describing Gupta as a passionate filmmaker and a wonderful storyteller, Pandit added, "Another talent gone too soon. He was a wonderful narrator, full of life persona and a passionate filmmaker. A great loss to our industry. Will miss you my friend. Condolences to his family and dear ones. Om Shaanti. Details of his last rites will be shared soon."
Gupta made his directorial debut in 1994 with 'Aatish: Feel the Fire', starring Aditya Pancholi and Sanjay Dutt. He subsequently directed, produced and wrote films such as 'Ram Shastra', 'Khauff' and 'Jung'.
During the filming of 'Kaante' in Los Angeles in 2001, the September 11 terror attacks forced the filmmakers to relocate planned shooting schedules from several areas that were considered sensitive at the time.
Over his decades-long career, Gupta collaborated extensively with actor Sanjay Dutt on films including 'Kaante', 'Musafir', 'Zinda' and 'Shootout at Lokhandwala'. His film 'Zinda' was an unofficial remake of the South Korean film 'Oldboy'.
Apart from directing, Gupta also produced films such as 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' and 'Dus Kahaniyaan'. He later directed and co-produced 'Shootout at Wadala', a prequel to 'Shootout at Lokhandwala'.
His last work was 'The Miranda Brothers', released in 2025. The film, directed and produced by Gupta, featured Harshvardhan Rane and Meezaan Jafri.
The story revolved around an orphan rescued from a garbage dump who develops a deep bond with his elder brother. Both grow up to become star footballers, but the mysterious death of their mother threatens to tear their lives apart.
Gupta is survived by his wife, Anu Lekhi.