Anurag Kashyap reveals he gave up alcohol and stopped watching Hindi films after moving from Mumbai to fight depression—and has rediscovered his creative spark.

Anurag Kashyap Quits Alcohol and Hindi Cinema to Cure Depression After Leaving Mumbai
Bollywood auteur Anurag Kashyap recently revealed that his relocation from Mumbai was motivated by a deep-seated struggle with mental health arising from his disillusionment with Bollywood’s toxic, box-office-obsessed culture. He shared that after leaving the city, he made the conscious choice to quit alcohol, begin exercising, and even stopped consuming Hindi films to break a cycle of depression.
Why He Left—and What Changing His Environment Achieved
Kashyap candidly expressed that Mumbai’s filmmaking ecosystem had left him feeling creatively drained—”disillusioned and depressed” by the industry’s fixation on financial returns rather than quality storytelling.By distancing himself from that environment, he took control of his well-being.
The Power of Lifestyle Changes
In South India, he adopted a new routine—he stopped drinking alcohol and incorporated physical exercise into daily life. These foundational lifestyle changes, coupled with removing himself from Hindi cinema’s pervasive narratives, helped him navigate his depression and rebuild his mental resilience.
Creative Resurgence
The results were profound. Far from stepping away from cinema altogether, Kashyap reports a creative resurgence, fueled by his healthier habits and new surroundings. He’s now writing more prolifically than before and reclaiming his spark.
Broader Implications for the Film Industry
Kashyap’s decision underscores a growing sentiment among filmmakers disillusioned with Bollywood’s commercial pressures—choices that stifle innovation and risk-taking. His move to the South, where regional film industries are seen as more creatively experimental, reflects a larger shift in India’s cinematic landscape.
Summary of His Journey and New Chapter
- Departure from Mumbai: A deliberate escape from a suffocating professional culture.
- Lifestyle Overhaul: Quitting alcohol, adopting exercise, and deliberately stepping away from Hindi cinema.
- Artistic Renewal: A marked increase in creative output and renewed purpose.
- Symbolic Shift: His journey embodies a broader yearning for artistic freedom and mental health within the film community.
Anurag Kashyap’s candid revelation serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, stepping away is a powerful act of self-preservation—and can ultimately propel us back to our best selves.
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