Anuradha Lekhi Gupta speaks out over viral funeral clip; urges privacy for children

In a heartfelt statement released by filmmaker Sanjay Gupta’s wife, Anuradha Lekhi Gupta, the family has called for privacy for their children after a viral clip from the director’s funeral sparked controversy. The video, which circulated widely on social media, shows Gupta’s daughter, Dalai, seated in a car with her face obscured by a hoodie while photographers swarm the vehicle. The clip also allegedly captures the girl making a middle‑finger gesture toward the press, a reaction that has drawn criticism from the public and the media.

Gupta, who died on October 30, 2026, after suffering a fatal head injury from an accidental fall at his Versova residence in Mumbai, was buried the following day. In her statement, Anuradha expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of condolences from relatives, friends, fans and media outlets, and clarified the circumstances of her husband’s death. She added that Sanjay “loved his family and children immensely,” and that their adolescent children had never been accustomed to the glare of the limelight.

Addressing the incident, Anuradha explained that the children were “deeply distressed by the sudden intrusion into their privacy at such a difficult time.” She urged the public to view their reactions as expressions of grief rather than deliberate defiance, and apologized for any hurt caused. “I sincerely regret any hurt this may have caused,” she wrote, asking people to understand the children’s behaviour within the context of their loss.

In a plea for compassion, the wife requested that the media and the public refrain from circulating the footage and delete any content that could leave lasting emotional scars on the young minds. She emphasized the need for the children to have “the privacy, compassion and space they need to grieve the loss of their father.”

The statement, shared by filmmaker Milap Zaveri, highlights the family’s desire to shield their children from the intrusive paparazzi culture that has become commonplace in the entertainment industry. Anuradha Lekhi Gupta’s appeal underscores the importance of respecting the privacy of grieving families, especially when children are involved.