Anurag Kashyap is renowned for his candid opinions on storytelling and cinema. Known for supporting independent cinema and artistry, he recently criticized the hypocrisy within the Hindi film industry. In an interview with Zoom TV, Anurag Kashyap explained why he defended director Sandeep Reddy Vanga while criticizing the ‘toxicity’ in Bollywood.
Kashyap expressed his support for the Animal director, stating, “I like Sandeep. I have no problem with him. Unlike many in the industry who pretend to be someone they are not, he is honest. The former kind, I think, is even more toxic. But Vanga is an honest man. I don’t value anything more than honesty, regardless of others’ issues with it. I enjoy talking to him.”
Recently, Kashyap was interviewed by his daughter Aaliyah Kashyap for her podcast, Young, Dumb & Anxious. During the podcast, Aaliyah questioned why he defended Sandeep despite the criticism, as she found Animal to be ‘horrible’ and ‘misogynistic.’ Anurag responded, “I met Sandeep and liked him. I’ve had my own questions and wanted to discuss his film (Animal) with him. We had a long five-hour conversation, and I found him to be likable… I believe in talking to people. After Dev D (2009), many people canceled me for making a ‘misogynistic’ film. I have often seen people isolating and attacking someone, which is not the right approach.”
Kashyap’s directorial debut, Paanch, never got released, but his second film, Black Friday, eventually premiered after a prolonged delay due to censorship issues because of its politically controversial content. The film, based on the 1993 Mumbai blasts, received critical acclaim. Kashyap rose to fame with movies such as Dev D, Gulaal, Gangs of Wasseypur – 1 and 2, Mukkabaaz, and Dobaara.
Kashyap’s latest film, Kennedy, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. Known for his bold storytelling and willingness to engage in difficult conversations, Anurag continues to be a significant and influential figure in the Indian film industry.
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