Dawn Images

Singer, guitarist and children’s entertainer Bilal Maqsood expressed his sorrow at the death of Indian filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, who died on Friday at the age of 57 according to reports in Indian media.

In an Instagram post, Maqsood said he was “heartbroken” to hear of Gupta’s passing and that life was so “fragile and unpredictable”.

“Gupts,” he said, referring fondly to the filmmaker, “had such a big heart and an incredible gift for storytelling”. Maqsood said there was mutual belief between his group Strings and Gupta, “He believed in our music and we believed in his work.”

Strings performed for three of the filmmaker’s films, recording songs ‘Yeh Hai Meri Kahani’ and ‘Akhri Alvida’ for his films Zinda (2006) and Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007). The group also worked on composition for Gupta’s Shootout at Wadala (2013).

Maqsood said there was “always so much warmth and mutual respect” between them when they worked together and that he’d remember Gupta with “great love and fondness”.

“My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Wishing them strength and comfort through this incredibly difficult time,” Maqsood said, ending the message with “Rest in peace, Gupts.”

Gupta had a long career as a director, producer and screenwriter, with some of his best-known work being action and crime films. He made his directorial debut in 1994 with Aatish starring Sanjay Dutt.

His directing credits also included Ram Shastra, Hameshaa, Jung, Khauff and Musafir. The films reflected a sustained interest in thrillers, with stories built around crime, revenge and conflicted protagonists.

According to reports from Indian media, he died after sustaining a head injury from a fall. Quoting family sources, reports said the death went unnoticed until Saturday morning.