Anurag Kashyap Issues Clarification, Condemns Rape Threats to Daughter

Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is facing severe backlash after one of his comments about the Brahmin community went viral, leading to threats of violence and abuse directed at his family. In a detailed social media post, the Gangs of Wasseypur director addressed the outrage, clarified his stance, and apologized for what he called a “line taken out of context,” urging critics to leave his daughter and family out of it. (ALSO READ: Anurag Kashyap Leaves “Toxic” Bollywood: “I want to go….”)

Anurag Kashyap Issues Partial Apology

The controversy began when Kashyap, during an online exchange over his upcoming film Phule, made a comment interpreted as derogatory towards the Brahmin community. Though the specific quote was not part of an official interview or post, it circulated widely on social media and was perceived by many as casteist and inflammatory.

While Kashyap didn’t deny making the remark, he stated that the line had been pulled from a longer conversation and used out of context. Regardless, it triggered a flurry of criticism from both public figures and political leaders, including Union Minister Satish Dubey, who called Kashyap a “vile scumbag.”

Trolls Target Family Members

Following the viral outrage, the situation escalated into something far more serious. Kashyap revealed that his daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap, along with other family members and friends, received rape and death threats.

“This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred,” Kashyap wrote on Instagram. “No action or speech is worth your daughter, family, friends, and colleagues getting rape and death threats from the kingpins of sanskar.”

He added in Hindi that while he would not take back what he said, he was willing to be the target of hate, but not at the cost of women’s safety. “Gaali dena hai to mujhe do. Mere parivaar ne na kuchh kaha hai, na kahta hai… Brahmin log, auraton ko baksh do, itna sanskar to shastron mein bhi hai.”

FIR Filed, Legal Action Likely

An FIR has reportedly been filed in Mumbai in connection with Kashyap’s remarks, further complicating the filmmaker’s situation. Calls for legal action continue to grow as political and religious groups label the comment as offensive and divisive.

This isn’t the first time Anurag Kashyap has found himself in conflict with conservative circles. Known for his sharp takes on caste, censorship, and politics, he has long been both celebrated and criticized for pushing boundaries in Indian cinema.

Freedom of Speech vs Public Responsibility

The debate over Kashyap’s comment has split public opinion. While some defend his right to express views on caste and systemic inequality, others believe that public figures must exercise caution in how they speak — especially in such a charged environment.

Commentators have also pointed out the troubling pattern of online abuse, where criticism of a celebrity often spills over into personal attacks on their families, especially women. Several industry figures have voiced support for Kashyap’s right to speak freely while condemning the threats directed at his daughter.