Wife of late filmmaker Sanjay Gupta defends daughter over viral funeral video

Family Statement

Anuradha Lekhi Gupta has spoken out after a video from her husband's funeral went viral on social media. The footage showed their 13-year-old daughter, Dalai Gupta, showing the middle finger to photographers who surrounded the vehicle as the family left the crematorium. Filmmaker Milap Zaveri shared the statement on his Instagram account on Monday morning. Anuradha explained that the children grew up away from media attention and felt deeply distressed by the sudden intrusion during their mourning.

The Tragic Incident

Director Sanjay Gupta passed away following an accidental fall at his Versova home in Mumbai. According to police, he suffered a severe head injury from the fall around midnight on Friday and was found by his family the next morning. He was 59 years old, and known for directing movies such as Kaante and Kaabil. The forensics team investigated the residence, and authorities confirmed that the family does not suspect any foul play in his death.

Appeal For Privacy

In her public message, Anuradha asked the media platforms to delete any digital content that could harm her children's young minds. She described the gesture as a natural reaction from grieving adolescents struggling to accept a massive personal loss. She also thanked fans, family members, and media workers for sending condolences and support following the sudden tragedy.

Context

Dealing with the loss of a parent is an immense challenge for teenagers, and the presence of crowds and cameras at a funeral can heighten tension. Families in the public eye often struggle to balance media coverage with personal mourning during times of sudden bereavement.