Gupte has scripted Kundan Shah's Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na, worked as an associate director and designed the costumes for Ketan Mehta's Mirch Masala and acted in Holi. He has also acted in and scripted over 100 short films for the FTII and created five stunning graphics for the title sequence of Govind Nihalani's Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Ma.

But of all the varied roles he's slipped into so easily, the one that's closest to his heart is that of an artist. "This is the medium that affords me complete peace," says the artist who has never seen the inside of an art school.

His latest series of 32 pen and ink drawings on paper and wood, titled `Black Night' opens in the city this weekend. "They are kind of nightmarish," says Gupte, "drawn fromslightly subconscious levels -- dreams and nightmares, more of the latter actually."

The title for his exhibition comes from a poem called Black Night which Gupte has penned. This along with other poems and essays that he has written, will be published soon in a book called Chor Bazaar -- after he finishes with the illustrations for the book. "I like to draw, paint and write for myself," he says.

Also on display at the exhibition, are the Hazaar Chaurasi... graphics. "They are my tribute to Mahashweta Devi who wrote the original novel. And the proceeds from the sale of these graphics will go to her," he says.

At the Prithvi Gallery, from September 27 to October 11, 1998. Time: 12.00 pm to 8.00 pm (Tuesday to Friday) and 12.00 pm to 6.00 pm (Saturday and Sunday).