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Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly apologized for a controversial remark he made against the Brahmin community during an online exchange. The Gangs of Wasseypur director admitted that he let his anger get the better of him while responding to a social media comment, leading to a statement that sparked widespread backlash.
“In anger, I forgot my limits,” Kashyap said in a statement. “I ended up speaking about an entire community in a way that was deeply hurtful. Many Brahmins have been part of my life and continue to contribute meaningfully to it. My words have hurt not only them but also my own family and intellectuals I deeply respect.”
The controversy began after a user commented “Brahmins are your fathers” on one of Kashyap’s posts related to the upcoming film Phule. In response, the filmmaker replied with a comment that included the phrase “urinate on Brahmins.” The remark quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters, including political leaders and members of the public.
In his apology, Kashyap acknowledged that he reacted inappropriately to what he described as a “cheap comment,” and that his anger led him to generalize an entire community. “I sincerely apologize to the society I never intended to target. I regret the abusive language I used, and I apologize to my friends, my family, and everyone who has been hurt by my words,” he said.
He added that he would work on controlling his anger and commit to using more thoughtful language in public discourse moving forward.
The backlash against Kashyap was swift. Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey labeled him a “vile scumbag” and called for a formal public apology. A police complaint was also filed in Jaipur over the comment.
Initially, Kashyap responded to the outrage by posting what he referred to as an “apology,” but it included jabs at how the situation was being interpreted. He claimed the controversy stemmed from “one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred.”
Kashyap also revealed that since making the remark, his family and friends—particularly women—have received rape and death threats. “It’s not worth it,” he wrote, urging people to “spare the women” in their anger toward him.
The controversy has unfolded alongside the ongoing debate around Phule, an upcoming film based on the lives of social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. The movie, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha, has faced resistance from Brahmin groups who claim the film promotes casteism. It is scheduled for release on April 25.
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