Kangana Ranaut’s interview to Republic TV has sent ripples across Bollywood, and many individuals who think of themselves as ‘outliers’ are being seen getting excessively defensive, even when they are not directly being named. While Ranaut named and shamed the ‘biggies’ of Mumbai’s star-studded industry, Ranvir Shorey merely gave his opinion on the raging debate, without naming anybody, and in a vague manner at best, took down self-proclaimed independent filmmakers. However, not being directly named did not stop film director Anurag Kashyap from taking grave offence, and initiating an unprecedented meltdown on his part.
In a tweet, film actor Ranvir Shorey said, “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
As can be seen, Ranvir Shorey’s tweet is very general in nature, and he can be referring to any erstwhile “independent filmmaker” who for so long was under the shroud of an anti-establishment crusader, but who, as soon as being given a ticket entry into mainstream Bollywood, had a complete transformation. Being anti-establishment (post-2014) can serve as a great enabler of getting a lateral entry into Bollywood and making a name for oneself easily.
Anurag Kashyap, much like an uninvited guest, took offence to Shorey’s tweet, and initiated a war of words between the two. Quoting Shorey’s tweet, Kashyap said, “Do you really mean that @RanvirShorey. If you do please explain. Please say exactly what you mean and whose flunky is who?”
Do you really mean that @RanvirShorey . If you do please explain . Please say exactly what you mean and whose flunky is who? https://t.co/3NiuhFrVj7
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
This led to a long-drawn argument between the two, in which Ranvir Shorey absolutely destroyed Anurag Kashyap. Anurag Kashyap probed Shorey, and tried to get a name out of the film actor, who dared present his opinion on social media. Apparently, Anurag Kashyap did not like the usage of the work ‘flunky’, and seemed keen to know who was being referenced to by the word. However, Shorey made it clear that it was beneath him to take names, and that his tweet did not lack any clarity. He also added that he was not trying to sling mud, rather merely remind people of where they came from, before being consumed by the stardom of Bollywood.
So let’s talk . Right here. Whose flunky you think I am ? Dont 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 .
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
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 ..— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
I will stand here and speak up .
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
By now, Ranvir Shorey had tolerated enough of Anurag’s inanity, and as a result, completely destroying the ‘Bombay Velvet’ maker, said that Anurag Kashyap would be well advised to not think of himself to be the lone carrier of the mantle of independent filmmaking. Shorey also said that independent cinema has, and always will remain more than Kashyap. As a result of this complete obliteration, Kashyap was force to lower his aggressive tone, and behave in a manner in which reasonable discourse should be carried forward. Finally, throwing in the classic line, Kashyap “agreed to disagree” with Shorey.
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
Okay . I buy that. You see Kangana’s outburst as her pain. Fine . I will agree to disagree
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
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
While Anurag Kashyap presumably thought that he could easily bully Ranvir Shorey with his tone and larger follower count on Twitter, it perhaps was given a miss by the Bombay Velvet maker that all individuals are free to air their opinions in a democracy, which Kashyap and his ilk so passionately claim is under threat under a ‘fascist’ regime.
