One of the trailblazers of modern Hindi cinema, Anurag Kashyap has revealed that he has shifted out of Mumbai. Bollywood’s noted director, who has delivered some of Bollywood’s most iconic and talked-about films, with Gangs of Wasseypur standing out as a landmark project, has long been vocal about his disillusionment with the evolving culture in Bollywood, criticising the industry for becoming excessively profit-driven and sidelining creative storytelling.
Two months after announcing his plan to leave Mumbai, the acclaimed filmmaker has officially relocated to a new city, distancing himself from the heart of Bollywood.
Speaking to The Hindu, he confirmed the move, saying, “I’ve left Mumbai. I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next Rs 500 or Rs 800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone.”
Although Kashyap did not reveal his new location, sources told the publication that he has shifted to Bengaluru.
Reflecting on his departure from the city he once called home, Kashyap shared that Mumbai’s evolving culture had become suffocating. “A city is not just a structure but also its people. People here… they pull you down,” he said.
Kashyap also revealed that several filmmakers have already left Mumbai, with many heading to the Middle East, especially Dubai, while others relocated to Portugal, London, Germany, and the US.
Since the move, Kashyap says his life has seen a positive shift — he feels less weighed down and now enjoys better mental clarity to focus on his creative projects, personal well-being, and physical health.
My stress is much less, and I have left drinking,” he stated. Looking ahead, Kashyap revealed that he is gearing up to direct both a Malayalam-Hindi film and a Tamil film soon.