"No Action Is Worth Your Daughter": Anurag Kashyap's 'Apology' After Outrage

Anurag Kashyap's "Apology" Following Outrage: "No Action Is Worth Your Daughter" April 19, 2025 — Mumbai, India

After receiving a lot of criticism for remarks he made in a recent interview that, according to critics, trivialized the difficulties of balancing family and professional life, particularly when it comes to safety and personal sacrifice, the acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap issued a public apology on social media this week. The controversy erupted after Kashyap appeared on a popular podcast, where he discussed the struggles artists face in pursuing their careers. While talking about the pressures of the film industry, Kashyap said, “If you believe in your art, you sacrifice everything for it — even time with your family. Be it so if your daughter is a part of the cost. The remark sparked outrage across social media, with many accusing the filmmaker of promoting a toxic, self-centered view of success at the cost of loved ones.

The director responded with a sincere note of apology and clarification as the amount of criticism mounted and the hashtag #AnuragKashyap became a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter). In a post shared on his official Instagram and X handles, he wrote:

In a recent interview, I spoke insensitively and with deep regret. They were taken from a conversation about the harsh realities of artistic obsession, but they do not reflect the values I hold as a father and as a human being. It is not worth risking your child's safety or sacrificing their well-being for any action, dream, or career. I apologize unconditionally to everyone hurt by my words.”

The statement was accompanied by a photo of Kashyap with his daughter Aaliyah, who recently made headlines herself for speaking out about online harassment and mental health. Even though Kashyap didn't say anything specifically about her in his first remarks, many people thought it was funny and hurtful that he might say something like that given what she had gone through. Bollywood celebrities and public figures weighed in on the controversy, with mixed reactions. Actress Swara Bhasker tweeted, “Art is important, but not more than love, not more than life. Glad Anurag has acknowledged that.” Others, on the other hand, argued that the apology arrived too late and only after public pressure increased. Kashyap has long been known for his bold, often controversial takes on both cinema and society. His work has pushed boundaries and challenged norms, from gritty films like Gangs of Wasseypur to the raw storytelling of Sacred Games. However, critics say that his outspoken nature sometimes leads him into trouble, as it did in this case.

Mental health advocates also weighed in, pointing out how dangerous such rhetoric can be in a culture already struggling with work-life imbalance. Dr. said, "It sends the wrong message when a public figure says it's okay to lose your family in the name of success. Especially to young creators who already feel immense pressure to "make it" at any cost." Megha Bansal, a psychologist based in Delhi.

In recent years, the film industry has begun to have deeper conversations about work-life balance, safety, and the cost of fame — especially for women and families of public figures. Some claim that the backlash against Kashyap's remarks is evidence of a growing cultural shift. Despite the controversy, some supporters defended Kashyap, arguing that his quote was taken out of context. “People are quick to judge without hearing the full conversation,” said one fan on X. “He was talking about the pain of losing things while chasing your passion — not endorsing it.”

Still, the filmmaker’s apology appears to have tempered some of the criticism, with many now urging a broader discussion on the mental and emotional toll of careers in high-pressure industries.

As the storm settles, Kashyap’s words serve as a reminder of the weight public figures carry — and how, sometimes, a single sentence can spark a national conversation.

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