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Anurag Kashyap Reveals Vijay Sethupathi Helped Him Get a Role in Maharaja
Updated on: 12 May, 2025 06:21 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap in Maharaja
It`s often assumed that prominent figures in the film industry lead lives untouched by everyday financial concerns. However, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently shared a candid story, revealing he faced significant financial strain while planning his daughter Aaliyah`s wedding. In a surprising twist, he credited fellow actor Vijay Sethupathi with helping him land a crucial role in the Tamil hit `Maharaja`, which ultimately funded the celebration.
Kashyap explained that opportunities to act in South Indian films weren`t new; he had turned down many after his role in `Imaikka Nodigal`. However, fate intervened during the post-production phase of his film `Kennedy`. "I kept bumping into Vijay Sethupathi at my neighbour’s place," Kashyap recalled. Sethupathi mentioned a promising script that filmmakers were eager to get to Kashyap. "He told me there’s this amazing script they’ve been trying to get to me. I initially said no."
But recognising Kashyap`s financial predicament regarding the wedding, Sethupathi offered a solution. "And Vijay said, ‘We’ll help you.’ And that’s how Maharaja happened," Kashyap revealed. This act of support came after Kashyap had already acknowledged Sethupathi`s earlier assistance on `Kennedy` by giving him a" `Thank You’ card in the film."
Also Read: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap Makes a Formal Apology Over His Controversial Comment
Thanks to the timely role secured with Sethupathi`s help, Anurag Kashyap could give his daughter the wedding she deserved. Aaliyah Kashyap married her long-time boyfriend, Shane Gregoire, in Mumbai on December 11, 2024. The event was a star-studded affair, celebrating the couple`s union, made possible, in part, by the camaraderie found within the film industry.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Blames Excessive Actor Demands for Big Budget Flops
Facing Fatherly Financial Fears
During a session at The Huddle by The Hindu, Kashyap didn`t shy away from discussing the monetary challenges leading up to Aaliyah`s big day. Planning a wedding is expensive, and even for a successful filmmaker, the costs were daunting. He openly admitted his difficulty in affording the event. It was during a conversation with actor Vijay Sethupathi that Kashyap expressed his worries. “I told him, ‘I need to get my daughter married next year, and I don’t think I can afford it,’" Kashyap shared.Kashyap explained that opportunities to act in South Indian films weren`t new; he had turned down many after his role in `Imaikka Nodigal`. However, fate intervened during the post-production phase of his film `Kennedy`. "I kept bumping into Vijay Sethupathi at my neighbour’s place," Kashyap recalled. Sethupathi mentioned a promising script that filmmakers were eager to get to Kashyap. "He told me there’s this amazing script they’ve been trying to get to me. I initially said no."
But recognising Kashyap`s financial predicament regarding the wedding, Sethupathi offered a solution. "And Vijay said, ‘We’ll help you.’ And that’s how Maharaja happened," Kashyap revealed. This act of support came after Kashyap had already acknowledged Sethupathi`s earlier assistance on `Kennedy` by giving him a" `Thank You’ card in the film."
Also Read: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap Makes a Formal Apology Over His Controversial Comment
`Maharaja`: A Timely Hit
The role wasn`t just a financial lifeline; it placed Kashyap in a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film. Directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, `Maharaja` stars Vijay Sethupathi as a barber seeking his stolen dustbin, leading to unforeseen twists. The film, also featuring Mamta Mohandas and Natty Subramaniam, resonated strongly with audiences. It achieved the highest opening weekend for a Tamil film in 2024 and became one of the year`s highest-grossing Tamil movies, earning ₹190 crore worldwide. For Kashyap, who has increasingly taken on acting roles, `Maharaja` marked another significant performance.Thanks to the timely role secured with Sethupathi`s help, Anurag Kashyap could give his daughter the wedding she deserved. Aaliyah Kashyap married her long-time boyfriend, Shane Gregoire, in Mumbai on December 11, 2024. The event was a star-studded affair, celebrating the couple`s union, made possible, in part, by the camaraderie found within the film industry.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Blames Excessive Actor Demands for Big Budget Flops
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