Online Desk: Renowned filmmaker in India Sanjay Gadhvi, director of the blockbuster films ‘Dhoom’ (2004) and its sequel ‘Dhoom 2’ (2006), passed away at the age of 56 at his Mumbai residence on Sunday (November 19).

Elder daughter of the director Sanjina confirmed the news and said her father would have turned 57 in three days. He reportedly had no prior health issues.

The director allegedly felt chest discomfort during his morning stroll in Lokhandwala. Showing signs of heavy sweating, he was urgently taken to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Sources indicate he had a heart attack during his walk.

Sanjina shared, “He passed away around 9.30 am today at home. Though we’re uncertain, it seems like a heart attack. He was not unwell, perfectly healthy,” reported PTI.

Sanjay made his directorial debut with “Tere Liye” in 2000. Gadhvi expanded his career, directing “Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai” in 2002 and collaborated with Yash Raj Films.

The filmmaker rose to fame with his third directorial venture, Dhoom, a stylish action thriller that sparked a trend for motorbiking among Indian youngsters in the early 2000s.

Released in 2002, the film depicted a gripping chase between a gang of motorcycle thieves, led by Kabir (John Abraham), and Mumbai cop Jai Dixit (Abhishek Bachchan), who teams up with Ali (Uday Chopra), a motorcycle dealer, to thwart their plans. The cast included Esha Deol and Rimi Sen.

The success of Dhoom led to the creation of a film series. Gadhvi helmed the blockbuster sequel, Dhoom 2, in 2006, featuring Bachchan, Chopra, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Bipasha Basu.

However, the third installment was directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya in 2013, starring Bachchan, Chopra, Aamir Khan, and Katrina Kaif.

Gadhvi’s directorial portfolio includes films like Kidnap (2008), Ajab Gazabb Love (2012), and Operation Parindey, his final directorial released in 2020.

Survived by his wife, another daughter, and Sanjina, his sudden demise shocked many. Sanjay’s funeral will take place in the evening on November 19, 2023.