Anurag Kashyap responds to criticism from Pankaj Jha, clarifies events during Gangs Of Wasseypur
Actor Pankaj Jha’s recent indirect dig at filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has stirred up conversations. During an interview, Jha reportedly referred to Kashyap as ‘timid’ and ‘spineless’ and discussed being replaced in the film Gangs of Wasseypur.
However, Panchayat actor later denied making such claims. In the midst of this, the director has come forward to share his perspective.
Anurag Kashyap clears the air
In a recent interview with India Today, Anurag Kashyap addressed Pankaj Jha’s alleged claims while explaining his decision to replace the actor in Gangs of Wasseypur. Kashyap recollected that when he was working on his 2010 film The Girl in Yellow Boots, Jha had relocated to Osho in Pune.
Anurag Kashyap clarified that Pankaj Jha was unavailable before the shooting of Gangs of Wasseypur. “We were on a tight budget and couldn’t afford to wait for him. We made the film under very different circumstances and budget constraints,” Kashyap stated.
The 51-year-old filmmaker suggested that Pankaj Jha may be bringing up the incident after two decades now that Pankaj Tripathi has found success as an actor. “Perhaps he is now thinking that after 20 years, he could have become Pankaj Tripathi,” the director of Gangs of Wasseypur remarked.
Anurag Kashyap calls Pankaj Jha ‘inaccessible’
Anurag Kashyap recalled his past collaborations with Pankaj Jha in films like Gulaal and Black Friday, expressing his desire to work with him again in future projects.
Kashyap mentioned, “He has always been my go-to actor…” adding, “I would love to collaborate with him again, but the truth is, he is quite inaccessible.”
Pankaj Jha denies his claims
Pankaj Jha recently refuted his claims against Anurag Kashyap and clarified that his words were misrepresented by the media. “All these reports of me calling him spineless are completely false,” Jha stated.
Jha also emphasized that Kashyap is like a ‘brother’ to him.
Anurag Kashyap’s current projects
Anurag Kashyap is currently preparing for the release of his upcoming web series, Bad Cop, where he plays the role of a villain. The series is set to premiere on Disney+Hotstar on June 21.