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Key Points

Vasan Bala opened up about a heated creative disagreement with mentor Anurag Kashyap during Gangs of Wasseypur's filming. The conflict began when Bala questioned Kashyap's signature approach to intimate character moments. Their debate escalated into a public showdown on set, though Kashyap later helped Bala land better work. The incident highlights Kashyap's protective nature over his creative vision while showing their professional respect endured.

Key Points: Vasan Bala Recalls Showdown With Anurag Kashyap on Gangs of Wasseypur

  • Vasan critiqued Kashyap's signature 'horny' character tropes
  • Conflict began over Manoj-Richa scene discussion
  • Kashyap defended his creative vision passionately
  • Showdown happened publicly on Wasseypur sets
2 min read

When Vasan Bala had a showdown with Anurag Kashyap on 'Gangs of Wasseypur' sets

Vasan Bala reveals heated creative clash with Anurag Kashyap during Gangs of Wasseypur shoot over character critiques

"I crossed the line and really irritated him - Vasan Bala on Cyrus Says"

Mumbai, Aug 10

Indian auteur Anurag Kashyap, who is known for his path-breaking cinema, is quite obsessive and protective about the stories and the characters that he creates. Director Vasan Bala, who is known for films like ‘Peddlers’, ‘Monica, O My Darling’ and ‘Jigra’, once had a tough time discussing characters with him during the making of the cult-classic ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’.

Vasan, who has been Kashyap’s assistant, appeared on Cyrus Says podcast, and said that although there was no tiff between him and Kashyap during the making of ‘Gangs of wasseypur’ things did get a bit difficult.

He said, “There was no tiff. So, I was taking stills and I wasn't feeling useful on the sets of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’. And then started critiquing the film. And critiquing on the story to him”.

He said that Anurag takes criticism quite positive but, after a point, Anurag was annoyed with constant critiquing.

Vasan said, “And, he's great at it, he takes it really well. But I think after a point I crossed the line and really irritated him. In the initial during a moment between Manoj Bajpayee and Richa Chadha’s characters, I was like, ‘Why are your guys always so horny? From ‘Dev.D’ to this?’. So, I thought, ‘Can't there be just a tender moment?’ And it just started and just spiralled”.

He further mentioned, “And he was like, ‘This is the film, this is the character. And, you know, it just spiralled into something else. It started stupid and then it became serious. We had a showdown in front of everyone. I escalated it because I was just feeling so useless, and not contributing”.

When asked if Anurag asked him to leave the sets, he said, “No. He'll never do that. I just got angry and then he got me another job, which was a better paying job”.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how even great filmmakers have creative conflicts. The "horny characters" comment made me chuckle though - Vasan Bala had a point there! Dev.D and Wasseypur did have very... passionate characters 😅
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Aditya G
Kashyap sir is a legend no doubt, but assistants should be allowed to voice opinions. That's how new talent grows. Glad they sorted it out though - both have given us amazing cinema since then.
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Priya S
This shows the passion behind Indian indie cinema! No corporate interference, just raw creative energy (and occasional clashes). Gangs of Wasseypur is a masterpiece because of this intensity.
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Karthik V
Respectfully disagree with Bala here. The raw, unfiltered characters are what make Kashyap's films special. That "horny" energy was essential to Wasseypur's authenticity. Sometimes assistants should trust the director's vision.
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Nisha Z
Love how this shows the human side of filmmaking! Not all sunshine and rainbows but real people with strong opinions. Also sweet that Kashyap found Bala another job instead of firing him - true mentorship there ❤️

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