In a recent episode of Bollywood’s ongoing real-life drama, the embers of a decade-old feud have been reignited. Acclaimed actor Abhay Deol has once again pointed fingers at filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, labeling him “toxic” in a revealing interview with Mid-Day. Now, Kashyap has come forward to address these fresh allegations, leading to a public spat that has gripped B-town’s attention.
Their collaboration on the 2009 cult classic ‘Dev.D’ was once a highlight in both of their careers, showcasing the raw talent and creativity they brought to the table. However, their relationship since then has been anything but smooth. The fallout, which initially blinked onto the public radar in 2020, seems far from being a closed chapter in the Bollywood annals.
In a conversation with Mid-Day’s Sit with Hitlist last year, Abhay Deol did not hold back his expressions. The actor revisited the time previous statements made by Kashyap in 2020, in which the director had described working with Deol as a “painfully difficult” experience. According to Kashyap, Deol aimed to bridge the gap between artistic cinema and the commercial benefits that come with being a member of the illustrious Deol family.
However, Deol’s narration provided a starkly different perspective. “Kashyap went public and told a lot of lies about me. One was that I demanded a five-star hotel room during the shoot of ‘Dev.D.’ The reality was, he came up to me and said, ‘Listen, you can’t stay with us; you are a Deol. So, I want to put you up in a hotel room.’ He literally told me that. What he told the press was that I demanded it,” recalled Deol.
The actor further elaborated, painting a personal and emotional picture of his past relationship with Kashyap. “I saw a person who was a really close friend at the time. I wasn’t understanding what was going on and was very easily manipulated at that time. So, he was a good lesson for me to learn.
. I don’t need toxic people in my life. Life’s too short, and there’s so much more to explore. But he’s definitely a liar, he’s a toxic person, and I would warn people of him,” added the ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ star.
Not one to back down, Anurag Kashyap recently shared his own point of view during an interaction with Janice Sequeira. Responding to a question about his supposed inability to maintain relationships, Kashyap delivered a candid narrative. “I am not bad at maintaining relationships. Abhay, I have not met him since the shooting of ‘Dev D.’ He didn’t even come for promotions, and he has never spoken to me since. If he wants to call me toxic, fine, it’s his side of the story,” said the filmmaker.
Kashyap took his defense a step further, alluding to undisclosed truths that could allegedly turn the tables on Deol. “The truth can’t be spoken, because if I will speak the truth, he won’t be able to show his face. There is too much truth in there that Abhay will also not have the courage to talk about. And I will not talk about it because it will make him look like s**t,” he added, hinting at deeper issues yet to be made public.
This latest bout of revelations and rebuttals has sparked numerous discussions within the Bollywood fraternity and among fans. Some industry insiders suggest that the lingering bitterness stems from what could be far more complex and deeply personal matters between the two, which the public eye has only seen a fraction of.
The cinematic success of ‘Dev.D’ can hardly be contested, with its impact still resonating years later. However, the personal turmoil it seemingly embedded in its principal players has equally left an indelible mark. The current volley of accusations underscores the reality that even professional successes cannot necessarily mend personal rifts.
As the saga continues, both Deol and Kashyap appear resolute in sticking to their narratives. Whether this feud will find a resolution or remain a contentious footnote in Bollywood history is yet to be seen. In the meantime, the industry and the public remain glued to this unfolding story, eager for more updates and possibly, unforeseen revelations.
