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Last Updated: April 16, 2025, 03:42 IST
Hansal Mehta recounts the intriguing backstory of Anurag Kashyap’s first screenplay creation in just 48 hours for Rs 15,000, which ultimately went unreleased.
Anurag Kashyap and Hansal Mehta.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta recently shared an intriguing tale from the formative period of his filmmaking journey, highlighting the role of a supportive producer and the determination of a budding writer. This story centers on Anurag Kashyap, who penned his debut screenplay for a mere Rs 15,000.
Mehta credited RV Pandit, the producer behind the acclaimed film Maachis (1996), as a vital figure in his early career. According to Hansal, Pandit was dedicated to uplifting those who had been overlooked in the industry. “RV Pandit ji extended his support to artists who faced skepticism from others,” Mehta explained during an interview. He noted that despite distributors advising against featuring the notable director Gulzar prominently on the movie’s promotional materials, Pandit took a bold stand, enhancing Gulzar’s name on the posters instead of minimizing it.
In a pivotal moment, RV Pandit approached Hansal and inquired about his filmmaking aspirations. Initially, Hansal was skeptical, pondering how anyone would be willing to invest such a significant sum in him. However, Pandit instructed his accountant to provide Hansal with Rs 25 lakh upfront, with the possibility of an additional Rs 25 lakh if necessary, clearly stating, “but not a single penny more.”
Eager yet uncertain, Hansal began to work on his film idea. During a creative session with actor Manoj Bajpayee at Mahesh Bhatt’s flat in Andheri, fate intervened. “We were exchanging ideas when Manoj drifted off to sleep. Someone knocked on the door, and a young man entered, revealing himself as Anurag Kashyap. He expressed his admiration for the film Highway, sharing his excitement about meeting Bajpayee,” Hansal recounted.
Kashyap, who was still early in his career, shared his dual aspirations of acting and writing. When Hansal proposed that Anurag could write a story he had in mind, Kashyap quickly agreed, stating he needed Rs 15,000 for his rent over the next three months. He managed to deliver the screenplay within 48 hours, driven by necessity.
Hansal ultimately compensated Kashyap with Rs 75,000 for the script, which consisted of an ambitious 350 pages. This screenplay laid the groundwork for the film Jayate, which Hansal described as technically representing Anurag’s debut in film writing. The project featured notable actors, including Shakti Kapoor in an unusual serious role and Shilpa Shirodkar in a performance marking her last acting endeavor, with each cast member receiving Rs 50,000.
Despite its promising beginnings, the film Jayate was never released. “It was selected for the Indian Panorama at IFFI, yet it struggled to find suitable distributors,” Mehta lamented.
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