Anurag Kashyap, a renowned filmmaker known for his bold and candid views on cinema and society, recently found himself in the midst of controversy when actor Pankaj Jha accused him of being ‘spineless’ for giving the role of Sultan in Gangs of Wasseypur to Pankaj Tripathi instead of him. In response to Jha’s claims, Anurag recounted the incident, stating that during the shooting of The Girl in Yellow Boots, Jha had moved to Osho in Pune for painting, making him unavailable for the role in Gangs of Wasseypur. Anurag explained that due to budget constraints and time limitations, they had to make the film under different conditions, which led to the casting decision being made in favor of Pankaj Tripathi.
Despite the controversy, Anurag expressed his admiration for Jha’s talent, mentioning their past collaborations on projects like Gulaal and Black Friday. However, he also highlighted the difficulty in reaching Jha for future projects, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in the film industry.
Anurag’s journey in the world of filmmaking has been filled with ups and downs, from the unreleased debut film Paanch to the critical acclaim received by films like Gulaal, Dev D, and the Gangs of Wasseypur series. His foray into the world of web series with Sacred Games further solidified his position as a prominent figure in Indian cinema.
Looking ahead, Anurag has exciting projects lined up, including his role as an antagonist in the upcoming web show, Bad Cop, alongside Gulshan Deviah. He is also set to play a negative role in Vijay Sethupathi’s Maharaja. Additionally, his directorial venture, Kennedy, was showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
Anurag Kashyap’s unique storytelling and bold vision have set him apart in the world of cinema, making him a trailblazer in the Indian film industry. Despite the challenges he has faced, his passion for storytelling and pushing boundaries continues to drive him forward on his creative journey.
