What Really Happened Between Vasan Bala and Anurag Kashyap on the ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ Sets?
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Synopsis
Dive into the intriguing dynamics between Anurag Kashyap and Vasan Bala during the making of 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. Discover how creative differences can spark intense discussions on set, leading to memorable moments in filmmaking.
Key Takeaways
- Anurag Kashyap is highly protective of his characters.
- Vasan Bala faced challenges expressing his critiques.
- Creative discussions can escalate into significant confrontations.
- Constructive criticism is essential in filmmaking.
- Collaboration often leads to unexpected job opportunities.
Mumbai, Aug 10 (NationPress) Renowned Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, celebrated for his innovative cinema, exhibits a strong sense of protectiveness over the narratives and characters he brings to life. Vasan Bala, a director known for his works such as Peddlers, Monica, O My Darling, and Jigra, faced challenges while collaborating with him during the production of the iconic Gangs of Wasseypur.
During an appearance on the Cyrus Says podcast, Vasan shared that while their relationship remained amicable, discussions about characters sometimes became contentious.
He explained, “I had no conflict with him. I was just capturing stills and felt somewhat unproductive on the sets of Gangs of Wasseypur. I began providing feedback on the film and its narrative.”
Although Anurag generally welcomes criticism, Vasan noted that he eventually pushed the boundaries of Anurag's patience.
Vasan recounted, “He handles feedback really well, but at one point, I think I truly tested his limits. During a scene involving Manoj Bajpayee and Richa Chadha, I questioned, ‘Why are your characters always so driven by lust? From Dev.D to this? Can’t we just have a more tender moment?’ This led to a series of escalating discussions.”
He added, “Anurag responded, ‘This is the film, this is the character.’ What began as a light-hearted critique turned serious, leading to a public showdown. I felt increasingly useless and unhelpful.”
When asked if Anurag ever suggested he leave the set, Vasan replied, “Absolutely not. He'd never do that. I let my frustration get the better of me, but he subsequently offered me a different job, which paid better.”
Point of View
The relationship between directors often shapes the creative process. The exchange between Vasan Bala and Anurag Kashyap during the production of 'Gangs of Wasseypur' exemplifies how passion can lead to both conflict and growth. This incident not only highlights the challenges of collaboration but also reflects the commitment of filmmakers to their craft. At NationPress, we recognize the importance of such narratives in understanding the art of filmmaking.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the discussion between Vasan Bala and Anurag Kashyap?
The discussion was sparked by Vasan's critiques of character portrayals in 'Gangs of Wasseypur', leading to a heated exchange about creative choices.
Did Anurag Kashyap ask Vasan Bala to leave the set?
No, Anurag never asked Vasan to leave. Instead, he offered him another job that paid better.
How does Anurag Kashyap handle criticism?
Anurag Kashyap generally takes criticism positively but has his limits, as noted during his discussions with Vasan.
What films is Vasan Bala known for?
Vasan Bala is known for directing films such as 'Peddlers', 'Monica, O My Darling', and 'Jigra'.
What was the nature of Vasan Bala's role on 'Gangs of Wasseypur'?
Vasan Bala served as Anurag Kashyap's assistant and was involved in taking stills on set.
