Anurag Kashyap: Age, Height, Career, Girlfriend, Wife, Family, Children, Biography & More

Anurag Kashyap Quick Info

AgeEducationHometownNet Worth
51 Years BScGorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh$120 million
Anurag Kashyap

Pic Credit – blackhattalent.com

Biography – Wiki

Full NameAnurag Singh Kashyap
Profession(s)Film director, Screenwriter, Producer and Actor
Physical Stats – Height – Weight & More
Height (approx.)in centimeters - 178 cm
in meters - 1.78 m
in Feet Inches - 5’ 11”
Eye ColourBlack
Hair ColourBlack
Exploring the Personal Life of Anurag Kashyap
Date of BirthAnurag Kashyap was born on 10th September 1972, a Sunday.
AgeAs of 2024, Anurag Kashyap is 51 years old.
BirthplaceHe hails from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Zodiac signAnurag's zodiac sign is Virgo.
NationalityHe is an Indian by nationality.
HometownAnurag's hometown is Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
SchoolHe attended Green School in Dehradun and Scindia School in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
College/UniversityAnurag Kashyap pursued his Bachelor of Science from Hans Raj College (University of Delhi), New Delhi, India.
Educational QualificationHis highest educational qualification is a Bachelor of Science degree.
ReligionAnurag Kashyap identifies as an atheist.
Food HabitHe follows a non-vegetarian diet.
HobbiesAnurag's hobbies include writing and swimming.
Exploring the Family Tree: An Insight into Family Details
FamilyFather: Sri Prakash Singh is a retired Chief Engineer of the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited and was posted in Obra Thermal Power Station in Sonbhadra district near Varanasi.
Mother: Name Not Known
Brother: Abhinav Kashyap is an Indian film director and screenwriter, who initially gained recognition for directing and co-writing Dabangg.
Sister: Anubhuti Kashyap, Anurag’s sister is a Film director.
Anurag Kashyap’s Film career
Writer and director
1990–1999
1995An acquaintance introduced Anurag Kashyap to Shivam Nair. Following a viewing of Taxi Driver (1976) at Nair's place, Kashyap, inspired by the film, felt compelled to "write something."
1995 (Continued)Sriram Raghavan, Sridhar Raghavan, and Shiv Subramaniam were collaborating on two projects. One was a short TV series, Auto Narayan, based on the life of serial killer Auto Shankar. The second was a film with a script penned by Kashyap. Auto Narayan faced delays due to issues with Subramaniam's script, leading Kashyap to rewrite it. Despite the rewrite, the project was ultimately scrapped.
1997Anurag Kashyap wrote the screenplay for Hansal Mehta's debut film, Jayate, which unfortunately did not secure a theatrical release. He also contributed to episodes of the TV series Kabhie Kabhie (1997).
1998Actor Manoj Bajpayee recommended Anurag Kashyap to Ram Gopal Varma for scriptwriting. Impressed by Kashyap's work on Auto Narayan, Varma hired him, along with Saurabh Shukla, to write the script for the crime film Satya (1998). Satya received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, earning a place among the best films in Indian cinema.
1998 (Continued)Anurag Kashyap continued his collaboration with Ram Gopal Varma by contributing to the script of Kaun (1999) and writing dialogues for Shool (1999).
1999Kashyap directed a short film titled "Last Train to Mahakali" for television.
2000–2009
2000Anurag Kashyap's directorial debut, "Paanch," was inspired by files related to the Joshi-Abhyankar serial murders in Pune in 1976. The film, a crime thriller about five friends of a rock band turning into criminals, faced controversy with the Central Board of Film Certification due to its explicit portrayal of sex, drugs, and violence. Although cleared by the Board in 2001, it remains unreleased due to producer-related issues. Kashyap also contributed dialogues to various films during these years, including "Paisa Vasool" (2004), Mani Ratnam's "Yuva" (2004), "Water" (2005), "Main Aisa Hi Hoon" (2005), and "Mixed Doubles" (2006).
2003After an unsuccessful attempt to make "Allwyn Kalicharan," Kashyap began working on "Black Friday," a film based on Hussain Zaidi's book about the 1993 Bombay bombings. Legal challenges led to a stay on the film's release until the judgment in the bomb blasts case was delivered. "Black Friday" received censorship clearance in 2007 and was released two years later, earning universal acclaim.
2003 (Continued)In the same year, Kashyap adapted Stephen King's short story "Quitters, Inc." into the film "No Smoking," a surrealistic thriller about a chain-smoker trapped in a maze promising to make him quit smoking. Despite premiering at the Rome Film Festival, "No Smoking" received a negative reception and failed at the box office.
2003 (Continued)Kashyap's final release of the year was "Return of Hanuman," an animation film depicting the adventures of the Hindu god Hanuman.
2009Anurag Kashyap had two releases in 2009. "Dev.D," a contemporary take on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel "Devdas," starring Abhay Deol, Mahie Gill, and Kalki Koechlin, received positive reviews and performed well at the box office. His second release, "Gulaal," a political drama, faced delays but eventually hit theaters in 2009. Despite positive reviews, the film underperformed commercially.
2010 - 2019
2010Directed a segment in the anthology film "Mumbai Cutting," consisting of eleven short films made by different directors. The film premiered at the 2008 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.
2011Directed "That Girl in Yellow Boots," a thriller starring Kalki Koechlin, who also co-wrote the film. Screened at various festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice International Film Festival. Roger Ebert praised the film's character-driven narrative and portrayal of India.
2012Directed the ambitious two-part crime saga "Gangs of Wasseypur," screened at prestigious international film festivals. The film, centered on the coal mafia of Dhanbad, received acclaim from critics and was a box-office success.
2013Directed the 20-minute short film "That Day After Everyday," addressing issues like eve teasing and public molestation. Also collaborated on the anthology film "Bombay Talkies" and directed the segment "Murabba."
2014Directed the thriller "Ugly," screened at the Cannes Film Festival. The film faced censorship issues but received positive reviews upon its release in December 2014.
2015Directed "Bombay Velvet," a period film set in the 1960s, based on Gyan Prakash's book "Mumbai Fables." Despite appreciation for its retro-look, performances, and music, the film was a box-office failure, leaving Kashyap disappointed.
2016Co-wrote and directed the thriller "Raman Raghav 2.0," inspired by the notorious serial killer Raman Raghav. Premiered at the Sydney Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival to positive responses.
2018Co-directed the critically acclaimed crime thriller series "Sacred Games," India's first Netflix Original, based on Vikram Chandra's novel. Also directed a segment in the anthology film "Lust Stories," released on Netflix.
2018 (Continued)Directed "Manmarziyaan," a love triangle set in Punjab, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Tapsee Pannu, and Vicky Kaushal. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received positive reviews upon its India release.
2019Launched the audio web-series "Thriller Factory" for Amazon's Audible Suno application, featuring the voices of Tabu and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
2020 - Present
2020Anurag Kashyap directed a segment in the horror anthology film "Ghost Stories," reuniting with his "Lust Stories" team. His story focused on a pregnant woman experiencing anxiety. Released on Netflix on January 1, 2020. He continued his association with Netflix, releasing the directorial venture "Choked" (2020), starring Saiyami Kher and Roshan Mathew. The film revolves around a bank cashier who discovers a stash of cash hidden in her kitchen sink.
2022Directed the science fiction thriller "Dobaaraa," an official remake of the 2018 Spanish film "Mirage." Premiered at the London Indian Film Festival and released theatrically on August 19, 2022. Received mostly positive reviews, with Tanul Thakur of The Wire praising it as a sharp adaptation with deeper layers.
2022 (Continued)Released another directorial venture titled "Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat," a musical romantic drama starring Alaya F and debutant Karan Mehta. World premiered at the 2022 Marrakech International Film Festival and theatrically released on February 3, 2023.
2023Wrote and directed the thriller film "Kennedy," originally intending to cast Vikram and naming the film after his real name. Due to miscommunication, Rahul Bhat took on the role, with Sunny Leone appearing in a pivotal role. The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Career as a Producer
2009Anurag Kashyap founded his production company, Anurag Kashyap Films, in 2009, managed by Guneet Monga. The company's debut film was the critically acclaimed "Udaan" (2010), screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
2010sProduced several projects, including "Shaitan" (2011), "Chittagong" (2012), "Aiyyaa" (2012), "Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana" (2012), and "Shorts" (2013). Co-produced films like "Michael," "Peddlers," and "Monsoon Shootout," which went to film festivals but are yet to have theatrical releases. In 2012, produced "The Last Act," India's first collaborative feature film with twelve directors creating ten-minute short films.
2013Co-produced the critically acclaimed drama "The Lunchbox" and the biographical drama "Shahid." Also co-produced five short films under the theme 'India is Visual Journey.' Served as the creative director in the TV series "Yudh" (2014) and presented documentary films "The World Before Her" (2012) and "Katiyabaaz" (2014).
2011Co-founded the director-driven production company Phantom Films with Vikas Bahl, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Madhu Mantena. The company's first film was the period romance "Lootera" (2013). Co-produced "Hasee Toh Phasee" (2014) in collaboration with Dharma Productions and the critically acclaimed "Queen."
2015Co-produced successful films like "NH10" and "Hunterrr." "Masaan," another Phantom release, won awards at the Cannes Film Festival. Also co-produced "Shaandaar" (2015) and served as an executive producer for the documentary "India in a Day."
2016Collaborated with Ekta Kapoor to produce "Udta Punjab," a crime drama that faced censorship challenges. Phantom Films also produced the Gujarati film "Wrong Side Raju." Co-produced "Haraamkhor" (2017), "Trapped" (2016), and "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" (2018).
2018Phantom Films dissolved in October 2018 due to a sexual assault allegation against Vikas Bahl. Kashyap co-produced "Udta Punjab" and a Gujarati film "Wrong Side Raju" before the dissolution.
2020Launched a new production company, Good Bad Films, in 2020 with partners Dhruv Jagasia and Akshay Thakker. The maiden production under this banner was "Choked."
Anurag Kashyap’s Acting Roles
Actor - Cameo AppearancesDetails
Cameo Appearances in His FilmsKashyap has made cameo appearances in several of his films, including "Black Friday," "No Smoking," "Tera Kya Hoga Johnny" (2008), "Luck by Chance" (2009), "Dev.D," "Gulaal," "Soundtrack" (2011), "Trishna" (2011), "Bhoothnath Returns" (2014), "Happy New Year" (2014), and "I Am" (2010), where he portrayed a child abuser.
Other Cameo AppearancesIn the short film "Encounter" (2010), Kashyap played a police officer alongside Nimrat Kaur. In 2011, he took on the full-fledged role of the antagonist Bunty Bhaiya in Tigmanshu Dhulia's crime thriller "Shagird" (2011).
Other Acting RolesIn 2016, Kashyap starred as a corrupt police officer in AR Murugadoss's "Akira," featuring Sonakshi Sinha. He acted in the short film "Chhuri" (2017) alongside Tisca Chopra and Surveen Chawla. Kashyap played the antagonist in the Tamil-language thriller "Imaikkaa Nodigal" (2018), directed by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu.
2020In 2020, Kashyap played an exaggerated version of himself in "AK vs AK," directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, opposite Anil Kapoor. He also contributed to the film by writing dialogues and serving as one of the executive producers.
Anurag Kashyap: Pioneer of India's Indie Scene
Anurag Kashyap is widely acclaimed as an auteur and is credited with spearheading India's independent film movement in the early 2000s. Dibakar Banerjee, while promoting "Bombay Talkies" on Anupama Chopra's show, characterized Kashyap's aesthetics as a blend of the "purely new age" and "purely Indian," capturing the essence of "modern post-independence India" in his films.

Kashyap's distinctive filmmaking approach involves shooting on real locations using guerrilla-filmmaking techniques, often incorporating hidden cameras. He encourages improvisation from his actors, allowing them to contribute to the dialogues on set. Notably, in "Ugly," he withheld the script from the lead actors, adding an element of spontaneity to their performances. The use of handheld cameras and experimental soundtracks is a recurrent feature in his films.

According to filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, Kashyap possesses a robust storytelling style, demonstrating the ability to craft compelling narratives with limited resources. Actor Ranbir Kapoor acknowledges Kashyap's significant contribution to Indian cinema, emphasizing the profound impact he has had, even if all his films may not be blockbuster hits. Canadian film critic and festival programmer Cameron Bailey has hailed Kashyap as "one of the most knowledgeable filmmakers," underlining his influence and expertise in the industry.
Anurag Kashyap's Cinematic Themes and Realistic Storytelling
Anurag Kashyap's films are known for delving into the complexities of human behavior, often portraying protagonists grappling with issues such as excessive drug, smoke, or alcohol consumption, personal guilt, extreme rage, and arrogance. These internal struggles invariably lead the characters into self-shattering situations, providing a raw and intense cinematic experience.

A recurring element in Kashyap's storytelling is the depiction of small yet resilient female characters who play pivotal roles in the narratives. His films are grounded in realistic scenarios, drawing inspiration from actual events and incidents. Examples include the reference to the Joshi-Abhyankar serial murders of 1976–77 in "Paanch," the exploration of the 1993 Mumbai bombings in "Black Friday," and the incorporation of the 1999 Delhi hit-and-run case and DPS MMS Scandal in "Dev.D." Additionally, "Gangs of Wasseypur" vividly portrays real-life gang wars.

"Ugly," one of Kashyap's films, stems from his personal guilt over not spending enough time with his daughter and the fear of losing her. The narrative is informed by real-life incidents, such as the case filed against an IAS officer by his wife.

Kashyap's impact extends beyond Indian cinema, inspiring acclaimed British director Danny Boyle. Films like "Black Friday" and "Satya" served as inspirations for Boyle's Academy Award-winning "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008). Boyle acknowledged the influence of Kashyap's work, specifically citing a chase scene in "Slumdog Millionaire" that drew inspiration from a police chase through the crowded Dharavi slum in "Black Friday." He praised the "slick, often mesmerizing" portrayal of the Mumbai underworld in "Satya," noting its direct impact on the representation of the same milieu in "Slumdog Millionaire."
List of Films and other Appearances
Feature films
YearTitleDirectorProducerScreenwriterActorRole(s)Notes
1997...Jayate  Yes  Unreleased
1998Satya  Yes   
1999Shool  Dialogues   
Kaun  Yes   
2000Jung  Yes   
Gang   YesPolice Officer 
2001Nayak  Dialogues   
2003PaanchYes Yes  Unreleased
2004Paisa Vasool  Yes   
Yuva  Dialogues   
2005Water  Dialogues   
Main Aisa Hi Hoon  Dialogues   
2006Mixed Doubles  Dialogues   
Shoonya  Yes   
2007Black FridayYes YesYesISI agent at landing boat 
No SmokingYes YesYesMan in the elevator 
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.  Dialogues   
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal  Dialogues   
Return of HanumanYes Yes   
Fool & Final  Dialogues   
Shakalaka Boom Boom  Dialogues   
2008Aamir Yes   Creative producer
2009Kurbaan  Dialogues   
Luck by Chance   YesHimselfCameo appearance
Dev.DYes YesYesChanda's customerNominated—Filmfare Award for Best Director
GulaalYes YesYesMan at the partyNominated—Filmfare Award for Best Story
2010Udaan YesYes  Filmfare Award for Best Story[a]
Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay[a]
Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Film
I Am   YesVinay 
Mumbai CuttingYes Yes  Directed the segment "Pramod Bhai 23"
Muskurake Dekh Zara  Yes   
2011That Girl in Yellow BootsYesYesYes   
Soundtrack   YesHimselfCameo appearance
Shagird   YesBunty Bhaiya 
Tera Kya Hoga Johnny   YesKashyapCameo appearance
Trishna Yes Yes  
Michael Yes    
Shaitan Yes    
2012Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1YesYesYes  Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue[b]
Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Film
Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Director
Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2YesYesYes   
Aiyyaa Yes    
Chittagong Yes    
Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana Yes    
Talaash: The Answer Lies Within  Additional dialogues   
The Last Act YesYes   
Tasher Desh Yes    
Shahid Yes    
Peddlers Yes    
2013The Lunchbox Yes   Critics Week Viewers Choice Award (Cannes Film Festival)
Nominated—BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language
Monsoon Shootout Yes    
Bombay TalkiesYes Yes  Directed the segment "Murabba"
Lootera YesDialogues   
Shorts Yes    
2014Hasee Toh Phasee YesDialogues   
Bhoothnath Returns   YesHimselfCameo appearance
Queen Yes   Filmfare Award for Best Editing[c]
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi
 
Tigers Yes    
Happy New Year   YesSelection Judge of World Dance Championship AuditionsCameo appearance
UglyYesYesYes  Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Director
2015NH10 Yes    
Hunterrr Yes    
Bombay VelvetYesYesYes   
Masaan Yes   FIPRESCI Award (Cannes Film Festival)
Promising Future award (Cannes Film Festival)
Meeruthiya Gangster     Co-editor
Vakratunda Mahakaaya Yes   Marathi film
Shaandaar Yes    
2016Udta Punjab Yes    
Raman Raghav 2.0YesYesYes   
Akira   YesACP Govind Rane 
MadlyYesYesYes  Directed the segment "Clean Shaven"
Wrong Side Raju Yes   Gujarati film
2017Haraamkhor Yes    
Trapped Yes    
2018MukkabaazYesYesYes   
Daas Dev   YesVishambhar Pratap ChauhanGuest appearance
Bhavesh Joshi Superhero YesYes   
Lust StoriesYes Yes   
Imaikkaa Nodigal   YesACP Martin Roy (Rudhra)Tamil film
ManmarziyaanYesYes    
2019Bombay Rose   YesRaja KhanAnimation film
Moothon YesHindi dialogues  Malayalam film
Cargo Yes    
Saand Ki Aankh Yes    
Thriller FactoryYes    Audio web-series
2020Ghost StoriesYes     
Ghoomketu Yes YesInspector Badlani, Badlani's father & Badlani's Grandfather[d]Triple role
ChokedYesYes    
AK vs AK YesDialoguesYesHimselfExecutive producer
2021Bansuri: The Flute   YesSadashiv 
Paka (River of Blood) Yes   Producer; Malayalam film
2022Thar  Dialogues   
DobaaraaYesYes    
Two Sisters and a Husband Yes    
2023Kuttey   YesPoliticianCameo
Almost Pyaar with DJ MohabbatYes Yes   
KennedyYes Yes   
Haddi   Yes ZEE5 movie
Leo   YesDanielTamil film; Cameo appearance
2024One 2 One †   YesTBATamil film; Filming
Short films  
YearTitleDirectorProducerScreenwriterActor  
1999Last Train to MahakaliYesYesYes   
2010Tubelight ka Chaand Yes    
2010The Joy of Giving Yes    
2010Encounter  YesYes  
2013Moi Marjaani Yes    
2013Geek Out Yes    
2013The Epiphany Yes    
2013Chai Yes    
2013Hidden Cricket Yes    
2013That Day After EverydayYesYes    
2014Kali-KathaYesYesYes   
2017Chhuri   Yes  
2018Beautiful World Yes    
2018Bebaak Yes    
2019Fool for Love   Yes  
2020Yaad Yes    
2022Clean  Yes   
Documentary films     
YearTitleRole     
2012The World Before HerPresenter     
2014KatiyabaazPresenter     
2016India In A DayExecutive producer     
2017Raghu Rai: An Unframed PortraitProducer     
2022Lords of LockdownProducer     
Television/Web Series     
YearTitleRole     
1997Kabhie KabhieWriter     
2014Traffic: An MTV EXIT SpecialAnchor, Producer     
2014YudhCreative director     
2018GhoulProducer     
2018–2019Sacred GamesDirector, co-producer     
Awards and Honors
Anurag Kashyap has received significant recognition for his contributions to Indian cinema, earning prestigious awards and honors throughout his career.

In a remarkable moment at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, Kashyap was bestowed with the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government. This honor was conferred during the festival, where India was the guest country, commemorating 100 years of Indian cinema.

Beyond accolades, Kashyap has actively participated as a jury member in various esteemed film festivals. His contributions include serving on the jury for the 2009 Venice Film Festival, the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, the 13th Marrakech Film Festival, and the 20th Busan International Film Festival.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of cinema, the Government of Uttar Pradesh awarded Kashyap the Yash Bharti Award in 2016.

Kashyap's journey in cinema has also been marked by notable wins at prominent award ceremonies. In 1999, he shared the Screen Award for Best Screenplay with Saurabh Shukla for "Satya." The following year, his short film "Last Train to Mahakali" received the Special Jury Award at the Screen Awards. His feature film debut, "Black Friday," earned the Grand Jury Prize at the 3rd Annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and was a nominee for the Golden Leopard (Best Film) Award at the 57th Locarno International Film Festival.

In 2011, Kashyap shared the Best Story and Best Screenplay Award at the 56th Filmfare Awards with Vikramaditya Motwane for "Udaan." The subsequent year saw him winning the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue, shared with Zeishan Quadri, Sachin Ladia, and Akhilesh Jaiswal, for "Gangs of Wasseypur" at the 58th Filmfare Awards. The film also clinched the Critics Award for Best Movie at the same event. Adding to his accolades, Kashyap secured the Filmfare Award for Best Editing at the 60th Filmfare Awards, sharing the honor with Abhijit Kokate for "Queen."
Relationships & More
Marital StatusDivorced
Affairs/GirlfriendsAarti Bajaj: Anurag Kashyap's first marriage was to Aarti Bajaj, a renowned film editor. They met during college, dated for nine years, and eventually got married. The couple finalized their divorce in 2009. They share a 16-year-old daughter named Aaliyah, who resides with Aarti. Despite their separation, Aarti continued to collaborate on Anurag's films, extending from his unreleased debut, 'Paanch,' to his last directorial venture, 'Raman Raghav 2.0.'

Kalki Koechlin: Anurag's second marriage was to actress Kalki Koechlin in April 2011. They met during the filming of 'Dev.D' and tied the knot after nearly two years of dating. Anurag directed Kalki in the critically acclaimed 'That Girl in Yellow Boots.' However, in 2013, the couple announced their decision to take time apart from their more than two-year-old marriage. They officially divorced in May 2015 at the Bandra family court in Mumbai. Anurag, in an interview on Karan Johar’s chat show, confessed to still being "madly in love with her" despite their separation.

Sabrina Khan: Anurag Kashyap's association with Sabrina Khan began when they met at a party in 2014, and they reportedly bonded instantly. Their relationship continued for about a year, during which they even went on a trip to Europe together. However, the couple eventually separated.

Shubhra Shetty: Anurag’s love life once again became the subject of public interest when pictures of him cosying up to his rumored girlfriend, Shubhra Shetty, went viral. Shubhra, 23 years old at the time, was reported to be in a relationship with the 44-year-old director for over a year. Although pictures surfaced online, Anurag Kashyap has not officially confirmed the relationship.
Personal Life
Ex-Wife/Spouse1. Aarti Bajaj: Anurag Kashyap's first wife was Aarti Bajaj, an acclaimed film editor. They met in college, dated for nine years, and got married. Their union resulted in a daughter named Aaliyah. However, they finalized their divorce in 2009. Despite the separation, Aarti continued to collaborate on Anurag's films, starting with his unreleased debut 'Paanch' and extending to his last directorial venture, 'Raman Raghav 2.0.'
2. Kalki Koechlin: Anurag's second wife was actress Kalki Koechlin. They got married in April 2011 after being in a relationship for almost two years. Anurag directed Kalki in the critically acclaimed 'That Girl in Yellow Boots.' In 2013, the couple announced a temporary separation from their more than two-year-old marriage, and they officially divorced in May 2015. Anurag, in an interview, confessed to still being "madly in love with her" despite their separation.
ChildrenDaughter - Aaliyah Kashyap is a social media influencer who promotes different labels through her social media accounts and creates videos on her YouTube channel.
Favorites and Hobbies
FoodAnurag's favorite foods include cheese, cereals, fish, chocolate, and Nespresso.
Actor(s)Anurag admires actors such as Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Naseeruddin Shah.
ActressesHis favorite actresses are Marilyn Monroe, Golshifteh Farahani, and Scarlett Johansson.
Film(s)In Bollywood, Anurag enjoys movies like Pyasa, Bandit Queen, and Sahib Biwi Aur Gulam. In Hollywood, he appreciates Bicycle Thieves.
Style Quotient, Assets & Properties
Cars CollectionThe director possesses a fleet of luxurious cars; nevertheless, there is no available information specifying the cars currently parked in his garage. Reports indicate that the total value of his car collection is USD 484,575 (INR 4 crore). His automotive journey began in 2012 with the purchase of his first car, a Mahindra XUV500.
Assets/PropertiesAnurag Kashyap possesses a luxurious apartment in Mumbai, which he cohabits with his daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap. The residence serves as a tribute to global cinema, featuring an outdoor balcony and a floor-sitting workspace that is undoubtedly one of the highlights of his home. Additionally, the filmmaker has a splendid house in Hyderabad, Telangana, with an estimated value of approximately USD 726,810 (INR 6 crore). Beyond these, Anurag Kashyap holds ownership of multiple properties in various countries.
Salary, Net Worth & Monthly Income
Net worth980 crore INR
Net worth in dollars$120 million
Salary (As a director)Rs. 11 crores per movie

Unveiling the lesser-known facets of Anurag Kashyap’s life


  1. Birth and Family Background:
    • Born on September 10, 1972, in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, to a Rajput family.
    • His father, Sri Prakash Singh, retired as the Chief Engineer of Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, stationed in Obra Thermal Power Station.
  2. Early Education and Family Influence:
    • Studied at Hill Grange School (Boarding), Dehradun, up to grade six, and later at Scindia School in Gwalior from grade seven onward.
    • Locations in Gangs of Wasseypur inspired by his childhood home where he lived with his parents, sister Anubhuti Kashyap, and brother Abhinav Kashyap.
    • Abhinav Kashyap, a filmmaker, made his debut with Dabangg (2010), while Anubhuti served as an assistant and directed Doctor G (2022).
  3. Academic Pursuits and Shift to Filmmaking:
    • Initially aspired to become a scientist and pursued a zoology course at Hansraj College (University of Delhi), graduating in 1993.
    • Joined the street theater group Jana Natya Manch and participated in numerous street plays.
    • Attended the International Film Festival of India in 1993, where Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves left a profound impact on him.
  4. Mumbai Journey and Struggles:
    • Moved to Mumbai in 1993 with INR 5,000.
    • Faced financial challenges, spending months on the streets, in lofts, on beaches, and in the St. Xavier’s college boys’ hostel.
    • Found work at Prithvi Theatre, but his first play remained incomplete due to the director’s untimely death.

  • Turning Point in Career: Anurag Kashyap’s career took a significant turn when Manoj Bajpayee introduced him to Ram Gopal Varma. This connection led to Kashyap writing the film “Satya,” which turned out to be a massive success at the box office.
  • Unique Filmmaking Style: Kashyap is renowned for his distinctive filmmaking style, characterized by thorough research on each character and the extensive use of light and color effects.
  • Gangs of Wasseypur Success: His film “Gangs of Wasseypur” received acclaim from the Indian audience and was showcased at prestigious events like the 2012 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, London Indian Film Festival, and Toronto Film Festival.
  • Guerrilla Filmmaking Technique: Kashyap is known for employing guerrilla filmmaking techniques, involving hidden cameras and providing actors the freedom to improvise.
  • Influence on Danny Boyle: British director Danny Boyle drew inspiration from Kashyap’s works, replicating Kashyap’s filmmaking style in some scenes of his Oscar-winning movie “Slumdog Millionaire.”
  • Recognition by Critics: Canadian critic Cameron Bailey has acknowledged Anurag Kashyap as “one of the most knowledgeable filmmakers.”
  • Social Involvement: Kashyap serves as a board member for the NGO Aangan, actively contributing to the organization’s mission of protecting vulnerable children across India.
  • Challenges in Career: In an interview discussing the series ‘Maximum City,’ an adaptation of Suketu Mehta’s book, Kashyap revealed a challenging period in his life. Netflix’s decision to shelve the project led to feelings of loss and depression, prompting him to turn to alcohol. During this time, he disclosed experiencing two heart attacks.

  1. Income Tax Raid and Phantom Films Controversy: On March 3, 2021, the Income Tax Department conducted raids at 28 locations in Mumbai and Pune related to the tax evasion case involving Phantom Films, connected to Anurag Kashyap. The department reported a discrepancy of approximately ₹300 crore that the company officials could not explain.
  2. Censorship and Certification Issues: Anurag Kashyap expressed frustration with censorship and certification controversies, citing the example of ‘OMG 2,’ which faced numerous cuts resulting in an ‘A’ certification. He emphasized the need for increased sensitivity towards offense and a better understanding of film intentions.
  3. Mandana Karimi’s Revelations: Actress Mandana Karimi, a contestant on Kangana Ranaut’s reality show ‘Lock Upp,’ made shocking revelations about her love life. She disclosed details about an abortion during her divorce, involving a popular director who portrayed himself as a friend but later backed off from planned family and pregnancy.
  4. Sexual Harassment Accusation by Payal Ghosh: Anurag Kashyap faced allegations of sexual harassment by actress Payal Ghosh. She claimed in an interview that Kashyap assaulted her in a hotel room, mentioning that he justified his actions by citing other actresses he had worked with. Kashyap denied all accusations later through a series of tweets.
  5. Remarks on Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan: In 2005, Anurag Kashyap took a dig at Amitabh Bachchan’s acting skills during the release of ‘Black.’ He also accused Salman Khan and his brothers of sabotaging Sushant Singh Rajput’s career after the actor’s death, attributing mental health issues to bullying and gaslighting.
  6. Controversial Statements on Karan Johar and Ram Gopal Varma: Anurag Kashyap’s appearance on Karan Johar’s ‘Koffee with Karan’ saw him losing his cool when asked to pick between Hrithik, Abhishek, Salman, and SRK. He allegedly called the show crappy, leading to a heated exchange. Additionally, Kashyap made critical comments about Ram Gopal Varma, stating that he had lost the plot during the release of ‘Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag.’

In the realm of Indian cinema, Anurag Kashyap stands as a visionary director, producer, and writer, having carved a unique niche for himself. His journey, marked by artistic innovation and a penchant for realism, has left an indelible mark on the industry. From founding his production company, Anurag Kashyap Films, to creating masterpieces like “Dev.D” and “Gangs of Wasseypur,” Kashyap’s repertoire reflects a deep understanding of storytelling. His ability to tackle diverse themes, coupled with an unconventional approach, has garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Anurag Kashyap’s success is not merely measured by box office numbers but by his influence on shaping the narrative of contemporary Indian cinema.



Who is Anurag Kashyap?

Anurag Kashyap is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, director, and producer known for his significant contributions to the film industry.

When was Anurag Kashyap born?

Anurag Kashyap was born on September 10, 1972.

Where is Anurag Kashyap from?

Anurag Kashyap hails from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

What is Anurag Kashyap's educational background?

He pursued Bachelor of Science from Hans Raj College (University of Delhi), New Delhi.

Which schools did Anurag Kashyap attend?

Anurag Kashyap attended Green School in Dehradun and Scindia School in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Is Anurag Kashyap religious?

Anurag Kashyap identifies as an atheist.

What are Anurag Kashyap's hobbies?

Anurag Kashyap enjoys writing and swimming as his hobbies.

Which is Anurag Kashyap's production company?

Anurag Kashyap founded Anurag Kashyap Films in 2009.

When did Anurag Kashyap make his directorial debut?

Anurag Kashyap's directorial debut was with the film "Paanch," inspired by the Joshi-Abhyankar serial murders.

Which film of Anurag Kashyap faced censorship issues?

"Black Friday," based on the 1993 Bombay bombings, faced censorship issues.

What is Anurag Kashyap's approach to filmmaking?

Anurag Kashyap is known for his realistic and unconventional filmmaking approach, often using guerrilla-filmmaking techniques.

Which film won Anurag Kashyap the Grand Jury Prize at a film festival?

"Black Friday" won the Grand Jury Prize at the 3rd Annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.

Did Anurag Kashyap co-found a production company?

Yes, Anurag Kashyap co-founded Phantom Films in 2011.

What awards has Anurag Kashyap won for his work?

Anurag Kashyap has won awards like the Yash Bharti Award and Filmfare Awards for various categories.

Who are some of Anurag Kashyap's favorite actors?

Anurag Kashyap admires actors like Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Naseeruddin Shah.

What is Anurag Kashyap's favorite Bollywood film?

"Pyasa," "Bandit Queen," and "Sahib Biwi Aur Gulam" are some of his favorite Bollywood films.

What is Anurag Kashyap's favorite Hollywood film?

"Bicycle Thieves" is one of Anurag Kashyap's favorite Hollywood films.

Has Anurag Kashyap made cameo appearances in films?

Yes, Anurag Kashyap has made cameo appearances in films like "Black Friday," "No Smoking," and "Dev.D."

How many times has Anurag Kashyap been married?

Anurag Kashyap has been married twice, first to Aarti Bajaj and later to Kalki Koechlin.

Does Anurag Kashyap have any children?

Yes, Anurag Kashyap has a daughter named Aaliyah from his first marriage.

What inspired Anurag Kashyap to make the film "Ugly"?

"Ugly" was inspired by Anurag Kashyap's personal guilt and real-life incidents, including a case of brutality filed against an IAS officer.

Which OTT platform aired Anurag Kashyap's series "Sacred Games"?

"Sacred Games" was aired on Netflix, marking India's first Netflix Original series.

What international recognition has Anurag Kashyap received?

He was awarded the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

In which year was Anurag Kashyap dissolved Phantom Films?

Phantom Films was dissolved in October 2018.

What is Anurag Kashyap's latest directorial venture?

Anurag Kashyap's latest directorial venture is "Dobaaraa," a science fiction thriller released in August 2022.

References/Sources

  1. wikipedia
  2. mansworldindia
  3. indiatoday
  4. lifestyleasia
  5. timesofindia

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