Film writer and director Milap Zaveri was visibly overcome with emotion during the memorial service held in honor of his mentor and veteran filmmaker Sanjay Gupta. Remembering the director who shaped his early career, Zaveri broke down while recalling how Gupta placed immense faith in his writing capabilities when he was barely 21 years old, offering him his first major breakthrough in the entertainment industry.
Film Industry Gathers to Honor the Filmmaker
The memorial brought together prominent figures from the film fraternity to celebrate the life, cinematic legacy, and personal generosity of the late director. Actor Rohit Roy hosted the solemn proceedings and appeared deeply moved while addressing the gathering from the stage. In the front row, Sanjay Gupta's wife Anuradha Lekhi Gupta sat alongside their children, fighting back tears as colleagues and friends recounted personal memories and tributes.
A Father Figure and the Kaante Opportunity
Addressing the attendees, Zaveri reflected on his personal bond with Gupta, describing him as a guiding father figure throughout his life. He specifically recalled the turning point of his creative journey, when the director placed his trust in a 21-year-old newcomer by assigning him the writing responsibilities for the multi-starrer feature film Kaante. That single decision laid the foundation for his professional journey in Hindi cinema.
Tribute Note and Gratitude to Family
Sharing a video clip from the memorial service on his Instagram account, Zaveri penned an affectionate tribute for his mentor. He wrote that Gupta was someone who never bowed before anyone and never stopped giving love. He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the filmmaker's wife, Anuradha Lekhi Gupta, acknowledging her longstanding presence in his creative life. He mentioned that for 25 years she had playfully teased him about writing cliché lines for Gupta, concluding that while this tribute marked the final time, Gupta would remain an eternal king in their hearts.
Tragic Fall at Mumbai Residence
Sanjay Gupta passed away at the age of 59 on October 30, 2026. According to preliminary details shared by the police, the director suffered a fatal mishap inside the kitchen of his residence, where he lost his balance and sustained severe head trauma. Because the incident occurred during the night while other family members were asleep, it was only discovered the following morning. He was immediately rushed to Cooper Hospital, where attending medical personnel declared him dead on arrival.
