Esha Deol remembers Dhoom director Sanjay Gadhvi: So full of energy you were

Sanjay Gadhvi

Filmmaker Sanjay Gadhvi passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 56. He was about to turn 57 in a few days. The director is best known for his films Dhoom and Dhoom 2. Actress Esha Deol who played the lead in Dhoom took to her social media handle to share a post for the filmmaker.

Sharing an old picture of Sanjay, Esha wrote, "Shocked! Can't believe you are gone . You were one of the most fun vibrant & absolutely super cool directors I have ever worked with… the times we all spent together filming DHOOM as one big family. So full of energy you were .. thank you for whatever you have done for me. Always have love in my heart for you my brother my friend.. can't believe I'm saying this …. rest in peace".

Abhishek Bachchan, who was also part of Dhoom and Dhoom 2 wrote, "I took this photo of Sanjay whilst we were filming the climax of Dhoom 2 in South Africa. We made 2 films together - Dhoom and Dhoom 2. Sanju, when I spoke to you last week and we were reminiscing about our shoots and memories I would never have imagined even in my craziest dreams that I would have to write a post like this. I'm shocked beyond belief. You had faith in me, even when I didn't. You gave me my first ever hit!!! I can never ever forget that or be able express what it meant to me. I will cherish your friendship always. Rest in peace my brother."

Kunal Kohli, director of 'Hum Tum' and 'Fanaa', was one of the first film personalities to condole Gadhvi's demise on social media. "This is beyond shocking. #SanjayGadhvi RIP never thought I'd have to write your obituary. Shared an office for many years at YRF, lunch dubbas, discussions. Will miss you my friend. This is too hard to accept," Kohli wrote in an X post.

Gadhvi made his directorial debut in 2000 with 'Tere Liye', which he followed up with 2002's 'Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai', his first project with Yash Raj Films.

The director gained attention with his third directorial, the stylish action thriller 'Dhoom'. which made motorbiking a rage among Indian youth in the early 2000s. The 2002 film followed the story of a cat and mouse game between a gang of motorbike robbers, led by Kabir (John Abraham), and Jai Dixit (Abhishek Bachchan), a Mumbai cop who teams up with Ali (Uday Chopra), a motorbike dealer to stop them. It also starred Esha Deol and Rimi Sen. The success of "Dhoom" spawned a film franchise.