Hansal Mehta Reveals Near Miss with Directing “Gangs of Wasseypur”
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd June 2024
Hansal Mehta, the acclaimed director behind films like “Aligarh” and “Shahid” and popular shows such as “Scam 1992” and “Scoop,” recently disclosed that he was originally set to direct the iconic film “Gangs of Wasseypur.” In an interview, Mehta shared how he almost helmed the project before Anurag Kashyap took over due to a lack of support.
Mehta recounted to Mid Day that Zeishan Quadri approached him with the story of “Gangs of Wasseypur,” and they collaborated on it for several months. During this period, Mehta reached out to actor Manoj Bajpayee, who was not engaged in any major projects at the time. Their conversation marked a reunion after years of estrangement. Mehta asked Bajpayee if he would take part in the film, and Bajpayee eagerly agreed, even offering to invest some money into the project.
Despite their enthusiasm, Mehta faced significant obstacles. He admitted, “I had no idea how to go about it because nobody trusted me.” This lack of trust and support led to a halt in progress. During this challenging time, Quadri met Anurag Kashyap, who immediately saw potential in the project and contacted Mehta.
Kashyap’s respect for Mehta was evident in their conversation. “Anurag called me and asked, ‘Sir, if you’re really doing it, I’ll step away,'” Mehta recalled. However, Mehta’s dream was becoming increasingly impractical without a producer to back him. Acknowledging the reality of the situation, Mehta had only one request for Kashyap: “I told him I have just one request, that he hire Manoj because I’d promised to take him in it.”
Initially, Manoj Bajpayee was considered for the role of Faisal. However, the character eventually went to Nawazuddin Siddiqui, while Bajpayee took on the role of Sardar Khan. This decision proved pivotal, as Sardar Khan became a career-defining role for Bajpayee.
Under Kashyap’s direction, the film underwent significant changes. Originally conceived as a single film, Kashyap decided to develop “Gangs of Wasseypur” in two parts. The script was also extensively rewritten, tailoring it to his vision and style.
Reflecting on this near miss, Mehta’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where vision and opportunity must align perfectly. His experience with “Gangs of Wasseypur” underscores the importance of support and trust in bringing a project to life. Although he did not direct the film, Mehta’s influence remained through his initial involvement and his insistence on including Bajpayee, which ultimately contributed to the film’s success.
“Gangs of Wasseypur,” directed by Anurag Kashyap, has since become a landmark in Indian cinema, renowned for its gritty portrayal of crime and politics in Wasseypur. While Mehta did not direct this classic, his connection to the project remains a testament to his role in shaping contemporary Indian filmmaking.
