Hansal Mehta, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the Indian film industry, recently shared a fascinating anecdote about his friend and fellow director, Anurag Kashyap. In an interview with a leading news publication, Mehta revealed that Kashyap had written his first film in just 48 hours and on a budget of only Rs 15,000. However, despite the tremendous efforts put in by Kashyap, the movie never saw the light of the day.
For those who are not familiar with Anurag Kashyap, he is a maverick filmmaker known for his unconventional and gritty style of storytelling. He has given us some of the most critically acclaimed films of recent times like “Gangs of Wasseypur”, “Udta Punjab”, and “Dev D”. But little do people know that it was a film that never released which kick-started Kashyap’s career in the world of cinema.
Hansal Mehta, who is known for his critically acclaimed films like “Shahid”, “CityLights”, and “Aligarh”, shared how Kashyap’s determination and passion for filmmaking led him to write his first film in just 48 hours. Mehta revealed that Kashyap had approached him after watching his film “Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar” and expressed his desire to become a filmmaker. Mehta, who was impressed by Kashyap’s passion, advised him to write a script first before pursuing his dream.
Taking Mehta’s advice, Kashyap locked himself in a room for two days and came out with a script that would later become his first film. He wrote the entire script in just 48 hours, fuelled by his passion and determination to make it big in the film industry. He also managed to shoot the film on a shoestring budget of only Rs 15,000, which is a remarkable feat in itself.
However, despite all his efforts, the film never saw the light of the day. Mehta revealed that the film was titled “Paanch” and was a gangster thriller inspired by the real-life incidents of the 1994 Mumbai bombings. The film was supposed to be Kashyap’s directorial debut, but due to its controversial subject and bold content, it faced opposition from the censor board and was never released.
This revelation by Hansal Mehta not only sheds light on Anurag Kashyap’s struggles and determination but also serves as a true inspiration for aspiring filmmakers. It shows that nothing can stop someone who is passionate about their craft and willing to put in the hard work to achieve their dreams.
Despite the disappointment of his first film not seeing the light of the day, Anurag Kashyap never gave up. He went on to write and direct many more films, each one pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema and earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan following.
Today, Anurag Kashyap is known as one of the most influential and acclaimed filmmakers in Bollywood. His films are not just watched and appreciated in India, but they have also gained international recognition at prestigious film festivals like Cannes, Berlin and Toronto. He is also known for launching and promoting new talent in the industry, making him a beloved figure among aspiring filmmakers.
The story of Anurag Kashyap’s first film may be filled with disappointment, but it is also a testament to his resilience and passion for filmmaking. It is a reminder that success may not come easy, but with hard work, perseverance and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible.
In conclusion, Hansal Mehta’s revelation about Anurag Kashyap’s first film is not just an interesting piece of trivia, but it is also a story that inspires and motivates. It shows that behind every successful person, there are struggles and setbacks, but it is how one overcomes them that truly defines their journey to success. Anurag Kashyap’s story is a shining example of that and will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers to come.
