Actor Suniel Shetty has paid an emotional tribute to late filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, whose sudden passing on 31 October 2026 sent shockwaves through the Mumbai film industry. Shetty, who collaborated with Gupta across five films spanning over a decade, called the loss deeply personal in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).

Suniel Shetty's Tribute

Writing on his official X handle, Shetty said: '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. Rest easy Sanj. You'll be missed more than words can say.'

The actor's words captured the texture of a long creative partnership — one marked not just by professional collaboration but by a genuine personal bond forged over years of storytelling.

A Five-Film Creative Partnership

Shetty and Gupta's association began with the 2000 drama 'Jung', in which Shetty played the role of Balli. The duo reunited for the critically acclaimed 'Kaante' in 2002, where Shetty essayed the character Marc Issak — a film widely regarded as one of Gupta's finest works. In 2004, Shetty appeared as Lucky in 'Musafir', completing a hat-trick of lead-role collaborations.

Shetty further appeared in 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' (2007) as ATS Chief Kavin Kumar and made a special appearance as Inspector Bhargav Surve in 'Shootout at Wadala' (2013) — both produced under Gupta's banner. Notably, the two filmmakers effectively built a shared cinematic universe around crime dramas set in Mumbai.

Sanjay Dutt Vows to Complete 'Kaante 2'

Among the most striking tributes came from Sanjay Dutt, Shetty's co-star in 'Kaante', who publicly pledged to honour Gupta's long-cherished dream of making 'Kaante 2'. In a post on his official handle, Dutt wrote: 'Gupts, my brother. I still cannot believe that you are gone. We have shared so much together, so many memories and so many years of friendship. You have always been family to me, and that will never change. I will miss you, our conversations and all the times we spent together.'

Dutt added: 'We were just discussing Kante 2 recently, I will make Kaante 2 your dream, in memory of you my brother, I will do everything for this dream of yours to come true, love you forever and always. Life will not be the same without you, brother. May God bless your soul.'

The pledge carries weight — Gupta had reportedly been in active discussions about a sequel, making the loss especially poignant for those close to the project.

Industry in Mourning

Several prominent names from the Hindi film industry took to social media to mourn Gupta's passing. His body of work — which consistently explored the darker edges of Mumbai's underworld — earned him a distinct place in mainstream Indian cinema. 'Kaante', in particular, was a landmark production that brought a heist-film sensibility rarely seen in Bollywood at the time.

With Sanjay Dutt's promise to carry forward 'Kaante 2', the project now stands as a tribute in the making — a testament to the bonds Gupta forged both on and off screen.