Anurag Kashyap discusses leaving Mission Kashmir and his filmmaking journey during a revealing conversation with Ram Gopal Varma and Akshaye Rathi, delving into pivotal moments and relationships that defined his career. The discussion, part of The Filmy Hustle’s tenth episode, offered rare glimpses into the creative and personal dynamics behind major Bollywood projects.
How Anurag Kashyap Began His Directing Quest
Anurag Kashyap shared that his real education in cinema began during his involvement in Satya back in 1998, hinting that his subsequent pursuit of directing stemmed from these early experiences. While reflecting on his time with Mission Kashmir, which was directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Kashyap revealed he left the film midway, a decision rooted in personal ambition, though he withheld many details about his departure.
“My learning process started from Satya (1998). It became a quest. The reason to become a director came much later when I was working on Mission Kashmir (2000; directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra). I left that film mid-way.”
—Anurag Kashyap, Director
He explained his departure further, indicating that the opportunity to direct his own script became the turning point. Upon seeking permission from Shivam Nair to direct a television script he had penned, Kashyap was met with unexpected support.
“I had written a script for Shivam Nair to do for television. That is when I left Mission Kashmir and I asked Shivam, ‘Can I direct my own script?’. Shivam gracefully agreed.”
—Anurag Kashyap, Director
Reflections on Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Approach
Even after his exit from Mission Kashmir, Kashyap expressed both critique and admiration for Vidhu Vinod Chopra, drawing attention to Chopra’s enduring passion and unmistakable self-confidence.
“The child in him is still alive. His self-obsession and vanity co-exist.”
—Anurag Kashyap, Director
Ram Gopal Varma on Misunderstandings and Egomania in Bollywood
Ram Gopal Varma contributed levity and insight to the discussion, recounting a humorous misunderstanding during a story pitch for Mission Kashmir in Chopra’s office. Varma’s unfamiliarity with Hindi led to a confusion about the word “shikara,” resulting in an awkward and laughable exchange regarding the significance of a houseboat in Kashmir.

“My best episode with him was when he was narrating Mission Kashmir to me in his office. He mentioned ‘shikara’. Now, I am not a Hindi guy. I assumed that ‘shikara’ meant hunter! I thought that he differently pronounced ‘shikari’ (laughs). A little ahead into the narration, he told me, ‘The shikara blows up’. He continued but after 10 minutes, I asked him, ‘Why was the hunter killed?’. He asked me, ‘What hunter?’. I mentioned shikara. He said, ‘Ramu, you don’t know shikara’! He was so angry with me (laughs). He explained, ‘It’s a houseboat in Kashmir’. How the f**k will I know that? I am not from Kashmir!”
—Ram Gopal Varma, Filmmaker
Varma continued describing the fallout of the mistake, emphasizing Chopra’s anger during the botched narration.
“I screwed up the entire narration. He was so angry with me that I thought he was about to hit me or something!”
—Ram Gopal Varma, Filmmaker
He also shared a perspective on Chopra’s self-perception compared to other directors.
“He genuinely believes that he’s the best filmmaker in the world. Whether he’s one or not, I am not going to say that. But I don’t think any filmmaker in the world will believe that.”
—Ram Gopal Varma, Filmmaker
Craftsmanship in Modern Films—A Nod to 12th Fail
The talk turned toward Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s recent film 12th Fail, starring Vikrant Massey. Kashyap highlighted an intricate, single-shot scene in Uttarakhand, showcasing Chopra’s lasting technical mastery and evolving artistry, underlining the filmmaker’s enduring status as a craftsman at his best.
“There’s one sequence in 12th Fail (2023) where Vikrant Massey’s character has gone all the way to (Uttarakhand). It’s a single-shot scene. The way he has designed it, he’s a craftsman. When he’s at his peak craftsmanship, you do admire him.”
—Anurag Kashyap, Director
Personal Moments and Support Networks
In a personal aside, Kashyap referenced actor Vijay Sethupathi’s generosity in helping him fund his daughter’s wedding by offering him a role in Maharaja.
“I told him I needed to get my daughter married next year”
—Anurag Kashyap, Director
The exchange highlights the camaraderie and mutual support that often underpins professional relationships in the film industry, even during periods marked by conflict and high emotions.
Looking Ahead: Industry Ties and Legacy
The stories shared by Anurag Kashyap and Ram Gopal Varma during the interview illuminate the personal and professional complexities behind celebrated Bollywood projects, from Mission Kashmir to 12th Fail. Their candid accounts reveal an industry shaped by ambition, misunderstandings, and moments of mutual admiration among its key figures, such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vikrant Massey, Shivam Nair, and Vijay Sethupathi. This open conversation not only chronicles Kashyap’s filmmaking journey but also underscores how personal bonds and creative risks drive the evolution of Hindi cinema.