Who is Manish Gupta? Filmmaker who allegedly stabbed driver with knife over wage dispute

In a shocking turn of events, screenwriter-director Manish Gupta — known for penning Sarkar and directing films like 420 IPC — finds himself embroiled in a serious legal battle. The filmmaker has been accused of assaulting his long-time driver with a kitchen knife following a heated wage dispute.

The incident occurred late Thursday evening at Gupta’s residence in Versova’s Sagar Sanjog complex. The complainant, Rajibul Islam Lashkar, who reportedly worked for Gupta for nearly three years, claimed the filmmaker attacked him after a confrontation about unpaid dues. Lashkar alleged that although he had been working on a monthly salary, payments were often delayed. Matters escalated when he was allegedly dismissed without full compensation.

Instead of walking away, Lashkar returned to the job hoping to recover pending dues. However, when the issue was raised again, a verbal spat ensued. During the argument, Gupta allegedly lashed out with a kitchen knife, leaving Lashkar injured. The driver later sought medical attention at Cooper Hospital before filing a police complaint.

Versova Police confirmed an FIR has been lodged against Gupta under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to grievous hurt, provocation, and assault. As of now, Gupta remains unarrested. Lashkar's lawyer, Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, has urged authorities to take immediate action and ensure the filmmaker is taken into custody.

While the industry may remember Gupta as the man behind crime thrillers like The Stoneman Murders or the more recent One Friday Night featuring Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman, this real-life incident paints a far grimmer picture. Ironically, the man who once created courtroom dramas may now have to face one himself.

The case has stirred discussions in industry circles and legal communities alike — raising questions not just about workplace conduct but also the rights of domestic and support staff employed in high-profile households.

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