Sanjay Gupta Passes Away: How Sanjay Dutt Saved Kaante Director 'Escape' When He Was Threatened By Chhota Rajan

Sanjay Gupta, a renowned filmmaker celebrated for his work on Kaante, Shootout At Lokhandwala, Kaabil and Mumbai Saga, passed away on October 30 at the age of 57. His death came weeks after he shared the harrowing experience of a dangerous encounter with underworld gangster Chhota Rajan. In an interview, Gupta revealed that actor Sanjay Dutt saved his life on that fateful day.

Gupta recounted how he received a threatening phone call from Nana, who turned out to be Chhota Rajan, in 1992-93 when he was working on his directorial debut, Aatish. Alarmed by the call, Gupta reached out to Sanjay Dutt for help and Dutt dispatched his father Sunil Dutt's car along with a security jeep to Gupta's residence. Gupta fled through the back entrance before meeting Dutt's house where Aditya Pancholi joined them.

Pancholi explained that Gupta had innocently discussed his role in Ram Shastra with a friend, which led to the threatening call from Rajan. Rajan later apologized, assuring Gupta that he would not face any trouble. Gupta's career spanned crime dramas, gangster films and action thrillers, leaving an indelible mark on Hindi cinema.