Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has revealed that Sanjay Gupta had completed a script for ‘Kaabil 2’, which he and Hrithik Roshan had liked. The two were working on the project before Gupta’s sudden death following an accidental fall at his Versova residence on Friday night. He was 59.Speaking to Mid-Day, Rakesh Roshan remembered his association with the filmmaker and described him as a close friend. He also recalled how Gupta had directed ‘Kaabil’ and contributed to projects under his production banner. His comments offered a glimpse into the professional plans and collaborations that were left unfinished.
Rakesh Roshan reveals plans for ‘Kaabil 2’
Rakesh Roshan said Sanjay Gupta had been developing several scripts over the past two years. Although they had not finalized two or three of those subjects, the filmmaker had written a sequel to ‘Kaabil’. Both Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan had heard the script and responded positively.“When I was abroad, Sanjay Gupta used to send recommendations to watch things on YouTube. He was a good friend and a very good soul. I never expected him to go so early in life. I enjoyed making Kaabil with him. When he narrated the script to Hrithik [Roshan] and me, I shook hands with him then and there and said we were going ahead with it. Sanjay was a good technician and a capable director. He never did anything without asking me while filming Kaabil. After the shoot got over, I told him I couldn’t have made this film as well as he had. I never once had to go on the sets.He discussed everything before we shot. I was going to give him my next film whenever I thought of making one. He had been sitting on two or three subjects for two years, but we could not lock any of them. He had written the script for Kaabil 2. Hrithik and I had heard the script and liked it. We were working on it when, all of a sudden, this happened.”
He praised Sanjay Gupta’s work on ‘Kaabil’
Rakesh Roshan credited Gupta’s technical understanding and commercial filmmaking skills for the impact of ‘Kaabil’. He said the director regularly discussed creative decisions with him before filming. Their working arrangement also meant Rakesh Roshan did not need to visit the sets during production.“He was a commercial director with sound technical knowledge, including shot-taking and lighting. When I saw the first copy of Kaabil, I told him, ‘You have far exceeded my imagination’.”
Their association extended to the ‘Krrish’ franchise
Sanjay Gupta also worked with Rakesh Roshan on the third and fourth installments of the ‘Krrish’ franchise. The filmmaker remembered their discussions as calm and collaborative, with both exchanging suggestions without ego or arguments. He also appreciated Sanjay Gupta’s ability to guide actors and communicate the performances he wanted.Rakesh Roshan described Sanjay Gupta as an all-round filmmaker who remained closely connected to his crew. He also remembered him as a caring friend and family man, beyond his professional achievements.
Ashoke Pandit remembers the filmmaker
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit attended the funeral and spoke about the loss. “It is an emotional moment for all of us. He will be dearly missed. He was a fun-loving person and suddenly he has disappeared. His untimely demise is a shock, it will take time to sink in. We’ve lost so many people recently from the industry and everyone’s contribution has been immense,” Ashoke Pandit told PTI.
Film industry attends Sanjay Gupta’s last rites
Sanjay Gupta’s last rites were performed at the Versova crematorium on Saturday evening. His son Shivansh and daughter Dalai lit the funeral pyre. The ceremony concluded at around 8.30 pm.Abhishek Bachchan, Rajpal Yadav, Rajat Bedi and Rakesh Roshan were among those present at the crematorium. Manoj Bajpayee, Fardeen Khan, Sonu Sood, Harshvardhan Rane, Gulshan Grover and Farah Khan visited Gupta’s residence. Milap Zaveri, Ronit Roy, Rohit Roy and Mansi Joshi Roy were also among the grieving industry friends.Mumbai Police said Gupta suffered a head injury after falling inside his home around midnight on Friday. The injury reportedly caused excessive bleeding. His family and a domestic helper were at the residence, but everyone was asleep when the incident occurred. Police said the family had no suspicion or complaint.A post-mortem examination was conducted, and the Versova Police Station is investigating the incident as an accidental death, according to the police statement reported by PTI.
