People often make elaborate plans for the future, harboring grand aspirations and dreams. Producer-director Sanjay Gupta was weaving such dreams, hoping that everything would go according to plan—dreams that looked toward the year 2047. But fate had other ideas, and life took an unexpected, tragic turn. The news of Sanjay Gupta’s passing has left the film industry in mourning. While his heart truly belonged to cinema, he also had a deep passion—one might even say a profound love—for motorcycles and cars. Whenever the opportunity arose, he would head out on excursions with his friends. Last night, however, he embarked on a final journey from which there is no return. Here are a few stories and anecdotes related to Sanjay Gupta.
Born in Mumbai
Filmmaker and Chief Advisor to FWICE, Ashoke Pandit, confirmed the sad news of Sanjay Gupta’s passing on social media. Born in Mumbai on October 23, 1969, Sanjay Gupta directed several notable films. His popular works include *Kaante*, *Shootout at Wadala*, *Kaabil*, *Aatish*, *Ram Shastra*, *Jung*, *Jazbaa*, *Zinda*, *Hameshaa*, *Musafir*, *Dus Kahaniyaan*, *Mumbai Saga*, and *Khauff*. He also produced films such as *Shootout at Lokhandwala*, *Plan*, *Woodstock Villa*, *Acid Factory*, and *Pankh*.
Why did he consider his life a "bonus"?
At the time of the release of his film *Kaante* (2002), Sanjay Gupta met with a horrific accident. He sustained severe injuries and spent several days in the ICU. This past June, he revisited the memory of that accident; in a post on X (formerly Twitter), he shared a quote by Marcus Aurelius: "Consider yourself dead. Now, live the rest of your life properly." He added, "I had an accident when my film *Kaante* was released." Doctors at Lilavati Hospital stated that the first 72 hours were critical. I survived. One life had effectively come to an end, and everything that followed has been a bonus. I view this as a whole new life."
"A prayer to the Almighty: Just keep us alive"
Sanjay Gupta once shared a post on social media regarding his plans for the year 2047. He wrote, "Many promises are being made for the year 2047. I only pray to the Almighty to keep us all alive until then—especially those who are painting such a beautiful dream."
Collaborations with Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay Gupta directed several notable films featuring actor Sanjay Dutt. Their first collaboration was the 1994 film *Aatish: Feel the Fire*, which also marked Gupta’s directorial debut. Subsequently, they worked together on films such as *Khauff* (2000), *Jung* (2000), *Kaante* (2002), *Musafir* (2004), and *Zinda* (2006).
Threats from the underworld and seeking help from Sanjay Dutt
At one point, Sanjay Gupta received threats from the underworld. The director revealed this during an interview with Hussain Zaidi, explaining that the threats occurred between 1992 and 1993—a time when he was making *Aatish*, which starred Sanjay Dutt, Karisma Kapoor, and Raveena Tandon. He recounted that one morning, he received a phone call at home from an individual who identified himself as "Nana." Initially, Gupta was confused as to who "Nana" might be, but he later discovered that the call was from Chhota Rajan. He was subjected to verbal abuse during the conversation. The director immediately called Sanjay Dutt and sought his help. Sanjay Dutt asked the actor to assist in getting him out of the house. Consequently, the actor sent his father Sunil Dutt’s official vehicle to the house. Sanjay Gupta then left the premises by slipping into that vehicle through a back exit.
A Passion for Bikes: Riding with Friends
Beyond films and cinema, Sanjay Gupta had a keen interest in motorcycles—a passion evident on his Instagram account. He would frequently head out on bike rides with a group of friends. In October of last year, he even acquired a new motorcycle. Sharing photos on Instagram, he wrote, "For a true biker, bringing a new bike home is like the arrival of a new child—immense joy, excitement in the heart, a sparkle in the eyes, and a racing pulse. I’m eagerly waiting to hit the road; I can already feel the wind on my face and the rush of adrenaline in my heart."
Why Did He Marry Anu Lekhi Twice?
Regarding his personal life, Sanjay Gupta married Anu Lekhi. The producer-director tied the knot with her twice. After their first marriage, the couple stayed together for about six years before eventually divorcing. However, their enduring love for one another brought them back together, leading them to marry a second time. In a 2024 interview with Siddharth Kannan, Anu Lekhi remarked that their separation was not the fault of any one individual. Sanjay Gupta is a father to two children—a son named Shivansh Gupta (born in 2011) and a daughter named Dalai Gupta (born in 2013).
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