Anurag Kashyap, known for cult hits like Gangs of Wasseypur, has been candid about the ups and downs of his career. Once hailed as one of Bollywood’s most creative directors, Anurag saw a dip in his directorial journey over the last decade due to the commercial failure of several films and his discomfort with changing Bollywood trends. As a result, he took a step back from direction and began exploring acting opportunities instead.
Interestingly, Anurag has been making a mark as an actor, particularly in Tamil cinema. He impressed audiences with his roles in films like Imaikkaa Nodigal and Leo. His villainous character in Maharaja especially stood out and received strong praise, playing a key role in the film’s success.
In a recent interview, Anurag revealed an emotional and unexpected backstory. He said that despite having little interest in acting, he accepted the role in Maharaja only after being persuaded by actor Vijay Sethupathi. At the time, Anurag was facing financial difficulties, especially regarding his daughter’s wedding expenses.
Anurag shared that during a conversation with Vijay Sethupathi, he opened up about his situation. Vijay, being a close friend by then, promised to help. Later, he insisted Anurag take up the villain role in Maharaja. Though Anurag initially declined, saying he wasn’t keen on acting, Vijay persisted. Eventually, Anurag accepted and the money he earned from that role helped fund his daughter’s wedding.
Now, with the success of Maharaja and his performance being widely appreciated, Anurag finds himself busier than ever as an actor. He admits that though acting wasn’t his first love, it gave him the stability he needed when his directorial career hit a pause.
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