Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta passes away at 57

Sanjay Gupta, the filmmaker known for his crime dramas, urban thrillers and stylised action films, has reportedly passed away. Working as a director, screenwriter and producer, he left a lasting imprint on mainstream Hindi cinema.

No cause of death has been shared yet, and the industry is waiting for further word from his family and close associates.

How Sanjay Gupta began his directorial career with ‘Aatish’

Gupta’s journey as a director began with 'Aatish: Feel the Fire' in 1994, an action drama headlined by Sanjay Dutt and Aditya Pancholi. The film gave audiences their first look at his taste for hard-hitting action, punchy dialogues and stylised storytelling. In the years that followed, he developed a visual style all his own, especially in films set in the world of crime and the Mumbai underworld.

Kamaal Khan pays tribute to Sanjay Gupta

Taking to X handle, Kamaal Khan confirm the sad news and wrote, "RIP Sanjay Bhai. I can’t believe that you have left. We were talking almost every 2nd day about films and Bollywood. You were aware about everything so much. I love you Sanjay and I will miss you everyday bro."

‘Kaante’ remains Sanjay Gupta’s cult heist thriller

'Kaante' (2002), which Gupta both directed and produced, is still among his best-known works. This heist thriller brought together Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Mahesh Manjrekar, Lucky Ali and Kumar Gaurav.

Filmed largely in the United States, it won a cult following over the years for its gritty tone and ensemble storytelling.

Sanjay Gupta’s films on the Mumbai underworld and beyond

Gupta’s career kept circling back to the underworld. He made 'Musafir' (2004), produced 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' (2007) and later directed 'Shootout at Wadala' (2013), a trio of films that built his name in stories of crime and gang conflict. Outside that space, he directed 'Kaabil' (2017), an action revenge thriller headlined by Hrithik Roshan, and 'Mumbai Saga' (2021), an action drama with a sprawling ensemble cast.