Anurag Kashyap Risked His Fees to Bring 'Gangs Of Wasseypur' to Life

In a fascinating conversation with film critic Komal Nahta, acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap has shed light on the dramatic backstory behind the making of his cult classic 'Gangs Of Wasseypur'. Kashyap revealed that the film's original studio partner, UTV Motion Pictures, had decided to leave the project just 3 days before filming was set to begin.

Recounting the tense situation, Kashyap said that UTV had questioned whether actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui was the right fit for a key role. They had asked Kashyap to get a "bigger" actor instead. With his entire cast and crew already on location, Kashyap was faced with a major crisis.

However, the determined filmmaker refused to give up. He met with producer Sunil Bohra, who loved the script and the film's music. Bohra assured Kashyap, "Don't worry, I'll talk to someone." Within just 2 days, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, which was about to launch under Vikram Malhotra, came on board to produce the film.

Kashyap revealed that he was so convinced of the project's potential that he was willing to forgo his own fees. "I'll leave my fees, but I am sure this film would work," he told the new producers. This, he said, was a lesson he had learned - that putting something at stake helps others believe in your conviction. Kashyap has often taken this approach, choosing to prioritize his creative vision over financial rewards.

'Gangs Of Wasseypur' went on to become a critically acclaimed crime saga, cementing Kashyap's reputation as one of India's most bold and innovative filmmakers. The ensemble cast, featuring actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, and Richa Chadha, delivered unforgettable performances in this gritty, genre-defining film.