Anurag Kashyap has revealed why he stopped communicating with late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The filmmaker opened up about the challenges faced by rising stars in Bollywood and the influence of big production banners.
Anurag is currently preparing for the release of his new film Nishaanchi, starring Vineet Kumar Singh, which will hit theatres on September 19, 2025. He admitted that he had initially considered Sushant for the film’s lead role.
The director explained that while many actors showed interest, the project only felt right when Sushant entered discussions. However, once the actor signed bigger films like Dil Bechara and Drive, backed by YRF and Dharma Productions, communication between them ended.
Anurag also recalled when Sushant dropped out of Hasee Toh Phasee after accepting YRF’s Shudh Desi Romance. He pointed out that this pursuit of validation from top banners is a common step for outsiders trying to secure their place in Bollywood.
Despite this, Anurag said he had no hard feelings toward Sushant. He recognised that such decisions are normal in the industry, where career-defining opportunities often come from major banners.
Sushant’s career featured remarkable performances starting with his 2013 debut in Kai Po Che!. He later impressed audiences in PK (2014), M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), Kedarnath (2018), Chhichhore (2019), and his final film Dil Bechara (2020).
Anurag Kashyap’s comments highlight not only Sushant’s choices but also the wider struggle faced by newcomers in Bollywood as they navigate fame, recognition, and the system of stardom.
