Bollywood in Shock: Renowned Director Manish Gupta Booked for Stabbing His Driver Over Salary Dispute

A Night of Horror in Mumbai’s Glittering Heart

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is no stranger to drama. But on the night of May 30, 2025, the city’s film industry was rocked not by a blockbuster release, but by a real-life thriller—one that left blood on the floor of a celebrated director’s home and sent shockwaves through the very soul of Bollywood.

The accused: Manish Gupta, a name synonymous with suspense and psychological thrillers, known for hits like “Rahasya” and “Host.” The victim: his loyal driver of three years, Rajibul Islam Laskar, who had come to ask for his rightful salary. What transpired next was a scene more chilling than any script Gupta had ever penned.

A Plea for Justice Turns Violent

It was a late evening at Sagar Sanjog Building, a posh residential complex in Mumbai where stars and directors rub shoulders. Rajibul, 38, had been waiting for weeks for his salary—₹23,000 a month, a modest sum by Bollywood standards, but his lifeline. For three years, he had served Manish Gupta faithfully, driving him to shoots, premieres, and late-night script meetings. But his patience had worn thin. Gupta, he claimed, never paid on time, and now, after being abruptly fired without notice, he was left penniless.

When Rajibul knocked on Gupta’s door that night, he was not just asking for money—he was pleading for dignity, for the right to feed his family. But instead of empathy, he found rage.

Inside the apartment, tempers flared. The argument escalated quickly, voices echoing down the marble corridors. Neighbors later reported hearing shouts, a crash, and then a chilling silence.

Blood on the Floor: A Director’s Descent

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Rajibul, the confrontation turned violent when Gupta, blinded by anger, stormed into his kitchen, grabbed a knife, and lunged at his former driver. In a matter of seconds, the scene turned from heated argument to horror. The knife slashed through the air, striking Rajibul and leaving him bleeding on the floor.

Eyewitnesses recall the chaos that followed. “There was blood everywhere,” said a security guard on duty. “We rushed up after hearing the screams. Mr. Laskar was lying in a pool of blood, clutching his side. Gupta looked shocked, almost as if he couldn’t believe what he’d done.”

Rajibul was rushed to a nearby hospital, his wounds severe but not life-threatening. Doctors credit his survival to the quick response of neighbors and security staff. “If he had arrived a few minutes later, he might not have made it,” said Dr. Mehta, the attending physician.

The Fallout: Bollywood’s Dark Underbelly Exposed

News of the attack spread like wildfire. Within hours, #ManishGupta trended across social media platforms. Fans and industry insiders alike were left reeling. How could a man who crafted tales of justice and morality commit such a brutal act? Was this the real face of the industry—glamour on the outside, violence and exploitation beneath?

The police wasted no time. An FIR was lodged against Manish Gupta under IPC sections 1182, 1152, and 352—charges relating to assault, grievous injury, and criminal intimidation. Yet, as the hours ticked by, Gupta remained at large. The film fraternity, usually quick to close ranks, was eerily silent. Whispers of favoritism and power games filled the air.

A Family’s Despair: The Human Cost

While the industry debated, Rajibul’s family was plunged into crisis. His wife, Shabana, wept outside the hospital. “He worked day and night for that man. He missed our daughter’s school functions, skipped family festivals, all for this job. And this is how he is repaid?”

Their story is not unique. Across Mumbai, thousands of workers toil behind the scenes, their struggles and sacrifices unseen by the cameras. For them, justice is often elusive, lost in the shadows cast by the city’s glittering lights.

The Director’s Defense: A Web of Excuses

As the news broke, Manish Gupta’s legal team scrambled to contain the fallout. In a brief statement, they claimed the incident was an “unfortunate misunderstanding,” and that Gupta “acted in self-defense.” But the evidence told another story. Multiple witnesses confirmed that Rajibul was unarmed, and that Gupta had initiated the attack.

Rumors began to swirl. Some suggested Gupta had been under immense stress—his latest project delayed, investors pulling out, his reputation under threat. Others whispered about a history of volatile behavior, of assistants and staff quitting after heated outbursts. But no one, it seemed, had dared to speak out—until now.

Industry Reaction: Fear, Outrage, and a Call for Change

The film industry is no stranger to scandal, but this incident struck a nerve. Actors and directors took to social media, some expressing shock, others calling for justice. “No amount of fame gives you the right to harm another human being,” tweeted actress Priya Sharma. “We must stand with the victims, not the powerful.”

Yet, behind closed doors, fear reigned. “If Manish Gupta can get away with this, what hope is there for the rest of us?” confided a junior artist, requesting anonymity. “There are so many untold stories—of abuse, of unpaid wages, of threats. Maybe now people will listen.”

A Pattern of Abuse? The Hidden Scars of Bollywood

As the investigation deepened, more disturbing details emerged. Former staffers began to come forward, describing a toxic work environment. “He was always angry, always shouting,” said one ex-assistant. “If you made a mistake, he’d throw things. We were all scared of him.”

Labor rights activists seized on the moment. “This is not just about one director or one driver,” said advocate Sunil Kumar. “This is about an industry that thrives on exploitation, where the rich and powerful think they are above the law. We demand accountability—not just for Rajibul, but for every worker who has suffered in silence.”

The Investigation: A Test for Mumbai Police

With public pressure mounting, the Mumbai Police launched a full-scale investigation. Forensic teams scoured Gupta’s apartment, collecting fingerprints, blood samples, and CCTV footage. Detectives questioned neighbors, building staff, and industry colleagues.

Yet, as days passed, frustration grew. Gupta remained unarrested, fueling speculation of political interference. “If this were anyone else, they’d be behind bars by now,” fumed a protester outside the police station.

A City on Edge: Protests and Demands for Justice

On June 2, hundreds gathered outside Sagar Sanjog Building, chanting slogans and holding placards: “Justice for Rajibul!” “No One is Above the Law!” The protest was peaceful but determined—a sign that the city’s patience was wearing thin.

Human rights groups called for an independent inquiry. “We will not rest until Manish Gupta is held accountable,” declared activist Reema Desai. “This case must set a precedent. The days of the powerful abusing the powerless are over.”

The Aftermath: A Career in Ruins, A Family in Pain

For Manish Gupta, the consequences are severe. Sponsors have pulled out of his upcoming films. His name, once a mark of quality, is now synonymous with scandal. Friends and colleagues have distanced themselves, unwilling to be tainted by association.

For Rajibul and his family, the road to recovery is long. Medical bills are mounting. The trauma—physical and emotional—will take years to heal. But in their pain, they have found strength. “We will not be silenced,” says Shabana. “We want justice—not just for us, but for every worker who has been wronged.”

Epilogue: The Real Face of Bollywood

As the city reels from the shock, one thing is clear: this is not just a story about a stabbing. It is a story about power and privilege, about the invisible workers who keep the industry running, and about the urgent need for change.

Bollywood, for all its glitz and glamour, must confront its darkest truths. Only then can it hope to tell stories that matter—not just on the screen, but in real life.

Bollywood Pe Charcha will continue to follow this story, bringing you the latest updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis. For justice, for truth, and for every voice that deserves to be heard.