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Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap Makes a Formal Apology Over His Controversial Comment
Updated on: 22 April, 2025 03:50 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Anurag Kashyap
Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his impactful and often controversial cinema, recently found himself navigating a storm of criticism. Following outrage over a comment perceived as casteist against the Brahmin community, the director has issued a formal, public apology, acknowledging his error and expressing regret.
In a heated exchange, responding to a user who commented, "Brahmins are your fathers", Mr Kashyap made the remark that sparked the firestorm. He stated he would "urinate on Brahmins", a comment widely condemned for its offensive nature.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Talks About the Dark Side of Filmmaking and Bollywood Industry
Adding to the distress, Kashyap revealed that following the remark, his family, daughter Aaliyah, and friends became targets of disturbing rape and death threats online. He urged attackers to "spare the women", highlighting the dangerous fallout. While he initially shared what he termed an "apology", it was directed more towards "one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred" rather than the comment itself.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Blames Excessive Actor Demands for Big Budget Flops
"In anger, I forgot my limits while replying to someone," he wrote. "I spoke badly about the entire Brahmin community. That community, whose many people have been in my life, is still there and contributes a lot. Today, they are hurt by me. My family is hurt by me. Many intellectuals, whom I respect, are hurt by my anger and the way I spoke."
He acknowledged that his remarks were misdirected and derailed the actual issue. "I sincerely apologise to this society to whom I did not want to say this but wrote it in anger while responding to someone`s cheap comment," he added, extending the apology to friends, family, and the community for his language. Kashyap concluded by promising to work on his anger management and to "use the right words" in future discussions, expressing hope for forgiveness.
Also Read: Aamir Khan Likely to Be a Part of Anurag Basu’s Kishore Kumar Biopic
The Spark: A Comment Amidst Controversy
The issue ignited amidst discussions surrounding the film `Phule`, a biopic based on the lives of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. The movie, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha, reportedly faced censor board challenges after some Brahmin groups raised objections, claiming it promoted casteism. Kashyap, defending the film and criticising casteism, engaged with users online.In a heated exchange, responding to a user who commented, "Brahmins are your fathers", Mr Kashyap made the remark that sparked the firestorm. He stated he would "urinate on Brahmins", a comment widely condemned for its offensive nature.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Talks About the Dark Side of Filmmaking and Bollywood Industry
Backlash and Consequences
The reaction was swift and severe. Kashyap`s comment drew massive criticism online. Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey notably called him a "vile scumbag" and demanded a public apology. The situation escalated further as a police case was filed against the filmmaker in Jaipur for his language. Another FIR was lodged following a complaint by advocate Ashutosh J. Dubey, head of the BJP Maharashtra`s legal advisory department.Adding to the distress, Kashyap revealed that following the remark, his family, daughter Aaliyah, and friends became targets of disturbing rape and death threats online. He urged attackers to "spare the women", highlighting the dangerous fallout. While he initially shared what he termed an "apology", it was directed more towards "one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred" rather than the comment itself.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Blames Excessive Actor Demands for Big Budget Flops
A Formal Apology Issued
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Kashyap later took to social media to offer a more comprehensive and sincere apology. He admitted fault, attributing his words to uncontrolled anger."In anger, I forgot my limits while replying to someone," he wrote. "I spoke badly about the entire Brahmin community. That community, whose many people have been in my life, is still there and contributes a lot. Today, they are hurt by me. My family is hurt by me. Many intellectuals, whom I respect, are hurt by my anger and the way I spoke."
He acknowledged that his remarks were misdirected and derailed the actual issue. "I sincerely apologise to this society to whom I did not want to say this but wrote it in anger while responding to someone`s cheap comment," he added, extending the apology to friends, family, and the community for his language. Kashyap concluded by promising to work on his anger management and to "use the right words" in future discussions, expressing hope for forgiveness.
Also Read: Aamir Khan Likely to Be a Part of Anurag Basu’s Kishore Kumar Biopic
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