Anurag Kashyap: ‘Speaking the truth is becoming increasingly difficult’

Known for films replete with flamboyant, violent and negative characters, Anurag Kashyap spoke about the many colours of his career at the programme. Organised at Worli’s Nehru Centre, the event saw eminent artistes and personalities from the Hindi and Marathi film industries in attendance.

Deshpande spoke about Kashyap’s journey, from an aspiring scientist to theatre to cinema. His very first film, Black Friday, is now considered a classic. Based on the Bombay bomb blasts, the film reflected real life events and characters. Asked how he found the courage to film it, Kashyap said he made it with utmost sincerity and innocence.

The filmmaker said it has become harder to speak the truth owing to the current socio-political situation. He attributed the situation to some extent to excessive usage of social media. Kashyap admitted that he too was once an avid social media user. However, because of the troubles his family, in particular his daughter, faced due to controversies arising out of his statements, he distanced himself from social media.

He also said Indian audiences find his films very surrealistic since they have developed a habit of watching “gulabi films”.  Kashyap shared stories and anecdotes from his first film to his most recent, Kennedy.

Loksatta editor Girish Kuber gave the introduction of the event, while its closing statement of was made by the renowned director, Kunal Rege.