- By Sidhi Agarwall
- Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Actor Manoj Bajpayee has opened up once again about his long association with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, reflecting on their journey together and the ups and downs that have defined their relationship. The actor and director first crossed paths in the late 1990s, during the making of Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya (1998). While Anurag Kashyap contributed to the film as a writer, Manoj Bajpayee delivered one of his most iconic performances as the flamboyant gangster Bhiku Mhatre. The collaboration marked the beginning of a professional bond that would later lead to cult classics like Gangs of Wasseypur: Part 1 (2012), where Bajpayee played the unforgettable character Sardar Khan.
In a new interview with Bollywood Hungama, Manoj Bajpayee spoke candidly about Kashyap’s nature, his anger, and his uncompromising style of working. Describing what truly connects the two of them, Bajpayee said, “Anurag is standing because of his own conviction. He’s made too many enemies in the process. He’s broken glasses, he’s broken his own hand in anger, he’s fallen sick, but he’s stuck to his guns. He can be a better example for all filmmakers. Because they’re only looking at his films. But they should look at his journey and learn from him.” Bajpayee went on to admit that although both he and Kashyap share the same streak of anger, he sees himself as more grounded.
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Meanwhile, Manoj Bajpayee explained, “I’d say I’m far more practical than him. He’s also practical, but he loses it sometimes. The day he starts answering to trolls, I realise that’s the time when he will losing his balance. But again, he comes back.” Their friendship, however, has not always been without its share of misunderstandings. During the promotions of his film Bhaiyya Ji last year, Manoj Bajpayee had addressed rumours of a rift with Kashyap. He had clarified that a misunderstanding between them, which they never directly spoke about, became exaggerated and “big on social media.” Despite such moments, their professional respect for each other remains strong. After their early collaborations on Ram Gopal Varma’s Shool and Kaun in 1999, Kashyap later directed Bajpayee in Gangs of Wasseypur, which became a turning point in both their careers.
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Manoj Bajpayee’s Work Front
Currently, both are busy with their respective projects. Manoj Bajpayee was last seen in the Netflix original Inspector Zende, released on 5th September 2025. Directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, the film also stars Jim Sarbh, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak, and Bhalchandra Kadam in key roles.
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Anurag Kashyap’s Work Front
Anurag Kashyap, meanwhile, has a full slate ahead. He is promoting Nishanchi, a two-part action comedy that introduces Aishwarya Thackeray, grandson of the late Bal Thackeray. In addition, his film Bandar, featuring Bobby Deol, recently premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), adding another feather to his cap.
