Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap on Tuesday took to Twitter to address concerns over Kangana Ranaut’s recent statements. Kangana recently made headlines for her comments on Republic TV about nepotism, movie mafia, and more. She went on to call Tapsee Pannu, Swara Bhasker, and Richa Chadha “B grade actresses”.
In a series of tweets the Choked director said that Kangana used to be his good friend but he does not recognize this new person anymore. While the internet stood divided, actor Ranvir Shorey launched an attack at “independent film crusaders” who turned into “mainstream Bollywood flunkies”. Anurag Kashyap was quick to retort to his tweet.
A look at their twitter war of words
Ranvir took to Twitter on Monday and wrote, “So many independent-film-crusaders have turned mainstream-Bollywood-flunkies now. These are the same people who used to rant 24/7 about the “system” for attention before they were given entry into the pearly gates of mainstream Bollywood. #Hypocrisy much?”
So many independent-film-crusaders have turned mainstream-bollywood-flunkies now. These are the same people who used to rant 24/7 about the “system” for attention before they were given entry into the pearly gates of mainstream Bollywood. #Hypocrisy much?
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
Taking offense at his tweet Anurag retorted, “Do you really mean that @RanvirShorey. If you do please explain. Please say exactly what you mean and whose flunky is who?” To this, Ranvir replied, “I always say what I mean, @anuragkashyap72, you know that. And I don’t think what I’ve said lacks any clarity. It pretty much explains everything. As for taking names, that’s beneath me. I’m not trying to sling mud, but just reminding people where they come from.”
I always say what I mean, @anuragkashyap72, you know that. And I don’t think what I’ve said lacks any clarity. It pretty much explains everything. As for taking names, that’s beneath me. I’m not trying to sling mud, but just reminding people where they come from. https://t.co/r4BRBH8Mwo
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
Inviting a further discourse, Anurag wrote, “So let’s talk. Right here. Whose flunky you think I am? Don’t mix the pain of your past relationship with this debate. I will say everything here .. the correction is needed in this industry like every industry. I operate alone .. bolo .” He added, “And no one works with outsiders more than me .. and I can see what’s wrong with all that is going on and I see the game. Being played and people being used. Trust me I am not gutted by what you said, no one could gut me in 27 years .. and I am absolutely calm ..”
And I will say this clearly – I am speaking here with you because I won’t allow you or anyone to distract or change the narrative of how the industry is being used. I won’t allow you to change or create the perception about me and make
Anyone believe otherwise— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
He further said, “And I will say this clearly – I am speaking here with you because I won’t allow you or anyone to distract or change the narrative of how the industry is being used. I won’t allow you to change or create the perception about me and make Anyone believe otherwise.”
To this Ranvir replied, “I didn’t mention you, so why don’t you confess whose flunky you are, if you’re so gutted by what I’ve said. And I don’t understand what you mean by “the pain of my past” nonsense. Don’t try to be my shrink. I assure you, I work even more alone than you!”
I didn’t mention you, so why don’t you confess whose flunky you are, if you’re so gutted by what I’ve said. And I don’t understand what you mean by “the pain of my past” nonsense. Don’t try to be my shrink. I assure you, I work even more alone than you!
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
He added, “I think you’re making the mistake of carrying the mantle of “independent film crusader” all by yourself. Let me remind you, independent cinema has been and always will be more than you. So you be you and let others be themselves. Don’t belittle others when they’re crying out.”
Oh so you weren’t talking about me? That’s incredible . Totally my fault that I misread you . Which means my replies were totally unnecessary and unwarranted . Cool . Coming to belittling – who did I belittle? Exactly ?? I thank no that one is directed at me for sure ?
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
The duo further exchanged some more war of words where Ranvir shared screenshots of Anurag’s previous tweet and asked, “How many people are you belittling when you say they are “distracting or changing the narrative”? Who are you to control the narrative? Everyone has the right to talk about their pain, just like you! And yes, your replies to me were unnecessary. I’m not here to make a spectacle.”
How many people are you belittling when you say they are “distracting or changing the narrative”? Who are you to control the narrative? Everyone has the right to talk about their pain, just like you! And yes, your replies to me were unnecessary. I’m not here to make a spectacle. pic.twitter.com/SUUG1TLC6g
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
After heavy online sparring, Anurag replied, “Okay. I buy that. You see Kangana’s outburst as her pain. Fine. I will agree to disagree.” Ranvir made it clear, “Again, I wasn’t mentioning any names, you are. Who is to say who is in real pain and who’s an attention seeker? I’m just defending everyone’s right to speak their own truth. Just like you do. You can agree or disagree.”
Again, I wasn’t mentioning any names, you are. Who is to say who is in real pain and who’s an attention seeker? I’m just defending everyone’s right to speak their own truth. Just like you do. You can agree or disagree.
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
Anurag Kashyap soon started trending on Twitter as netizens branded him “puppet of Bollywood. The Sacred Games director replied to a fan and wrote, “I do not earn my bread from Bollywood. There is no Dharma, Excel, or YRF or any studio to produce my film. Have to build a new company myself and I make it myself. Queen was made when Kangana had no work. When Tanu Weds Manu was stuck, I had helped Aanand L Rai in meeting producers at that time. You can ask. I am taking names and I will say the truth.”