Anurag Kashyap, born on September 10, 1972, in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most influential and unconventional filmmakers. Raised in a middle-class family, he attended prestigious schools like Scindia School in Gwalior and later pursued a degree in zoology at Hansraj College, Delhi University. However, his life took a dramatic turn after watching Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves at a film festival in 1993, which inspired him to abandon science and dive headfirst into the world of cinema.

Kashyap began his career as a screenwriter, gaining recognition for co-writing Satya (1998), a gritty crime drama directed by Ram Gopal Varma. His directorial debut, Paanch, faced censorship issues and was never officially released, but it marked the beginning of his reputation as a bold storyteller unafraid to challenge norms. He continued to push boundaries with Black Friday (2004), a controversial yet critically acclaimed film based on the 1993 Bombay bombings, which cemented his place in India’s indie film circuit.

Over the years, Kashyap has built a diverse and daring filmography. His modern retelling of Devdas in Dev.D (2009) became a cult classic, while Gulaal (2009) explored student politics with raw intensity. The two-part crime saga Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) earned international acclaim for its epic storytelling and stylized violence. He followed this with psychological thrillers like Ugly (2014) and Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), showcasing his knack for exploring the darker sides of human nature.

Beyond directing, Kashyap has played a key role in nurturing India’s independent cinema movement. He co-produced critically lauded films like The Lunchbox and Shahid, and co-directed Sacred Games (2018), India’s first Netflix Original series, which brought his storytelling to a global audience. His production house, Phantom Films (now dissolved), was instrumental in supporting emerging filmmakers and unconventional narratives.

Kashyap’s personal life has been as layered as his films. He was married to film editor Aarti Bajaj and later to actress Kalki Koechlin, with whom he shares a daughter, Aaliyah. Known for his outspoken views, he identifies as an atheist and has often clashed with authorities over censorship and artistic freedom. Despite controversies, including legal battles and public feuds, he remains a vocal advocate for creative liberty in Indian cinema.

Today, Anurag Kashyap stands as a symbol of resistance against formulaic storytelling in Bollywood. His films, often gritty, provocative, and deeply personal, have redefined the boundaries of Indian filmmaking. Whether loved or criticized, his work continues to spark conversation and inspire a new generation of artists who dare to tell stories that matter.