Tributes haven’t stopped coming from the Hindi film industry ever since the news of demise of filmmaker Sanjay Gupta came in. The Kaante filmmaker, who was 57 years old, passed away on Friday night after suffering a head injury at his residence. Many of Sanjay’s collaborators among other industry members took to social media to share their memories with the filmmaker, penning heartfelt words for him.
Suniel Shetty, who first worked with Sanjay in the pathbreaking 2002 film Kaante, wrote, “Still trying to come to terms with this news. We've spent so many days together, made films, shared laughs, arguments, ideas and memories that will stay with me forever. Never imagined I'd be writing something like this for you.”
‘A magician behind camera with childlike enthusiasm’
Koena Mitra, who delivered the iconic ‘Saki Saki’ performance for his 2004 film Musafir, penned about Sanjay, “Still struggling to process the news that my mentor, the man who launched me in Bollywood with Musafir, is no longer with us. My Gups! A magician behind the camera, a maverick with a vision, and a man who lived every moment with an almost childlike enthusiasm. That infectious childlike smile, those adorable tantrums, his pro-max passion for absolutely everything he did, his ultra-fashionable sensibilities and that uncompromising eye for perfection. Demanding, yes, sometimes impossibly so, but every demand had a purpose.”
Further recalling her working experience, Koena added, “We shared a film, laughter, madness and some wonderful moments that I will cherish forever. I wish I could hear that voice, see that smile and witness one more of those passionate outbursts. Some goodbyes are simply too difficult to accept. And this is one I am not ready for. Fly high, Sanjay. Thank you for believing in me, for giving me my Bollywood beginning, and for being unapologetically YOU.”
‘One of the most deeply knowledgeable filmmakers…’
Dia Mirza, who worked with Sanjay on 4 films — Dus Kahaniyaan, Shootout at Lokhandwala, Acid Factory, and another film inspired by the book Tuesdays with Morrie, which never released — wrote, “He is so alive in my memories today. It's difficult to comprehend that he is no longer with us. One of the most well-read, effortlessly stylish and deeply knowledgeable filmmakers I have known. I remember his extraordinary knowledge of cinema, his passion for storytelling and the sheer joy with which he spoke about films.“
Dia also acknowledged Sanjay’s enthusiasm in encouraging new filmmakers, adding, “Many of those he encouraged and empowered have gone on to become celebrated filmmakers themselves. What a beautiful legacy to leave behind. To not just tell stories, but to make it possible for so many others to tell theirs. The news of his passing has left us all shaken.”
‘One of the sanest voices from mainstream Hindi cinema’
Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty, wrote remembering Sanjay, “What a terrible and shocking news for me personally and our friends and family... This is not a way to go.... 25 Years of working together...I'm still not able to process this... Your love for cinema was unparallel...we will miss you, one of the sanest voices from mainstream Hindi cinema... May your soul rest in eternal peace”
‘Far ahead of his time’
Shekhar Rajivani who, alongwith Vishal Dadlani, did some of his early work with Sanjay, penned, “Heart is heavy. This was not his time to go. I will always cherish the memories of making music with him. Kaante, Musafir, Zinda. he was truly far ahead of his time. A passionate filmmaker, a visionary storyteller, and above all, a wonderful human being. You will be missed. God bless his soul.”
Aditya Pancholi, who was part of Sanjay’s debut film Aatish, and later worked with him on four other films, wrote, “I am still in disbelief and utter shock. I met Sanjay Gupta in 1992 when he was a 23-year-old aspiring director. This black-and-white photo is from the very first day of Aatish shoot. Went on to do five films with him. Missed a few along the way, but the bond always remained. Heartbroken and in disbelief. RIP, Sanjay. You'll never be forgotten, brother.”
Among others who paid their last respects to the filmmaker included Shilpa Shetty, Kumar Sanu, Soni Razdan, Isha Koppikar, and Anupam Kher.