Sibling secrets: Why brothers Anurag Kashyap and Abhinav don't talk to each other despite studying in same school, same DU college and both working in Bollywood

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently opened up about his relationship with his brother, Abhinav Kashyap, during an appearance on the podcast Gamechangers. The director of Gangs of Wasseypur reflected on their contrasting approaches to cinema, describing how their creative paths and personalities have always been worlds apart. He acknowledged that while both share the same roots, Abhinav has always been far more pragmatic and business-oriented, whereas he himself remains driven by artistic passion and storytelling depth.

Anurag explained that his brother has always possessed a strong sense of independence and a sharp understanding of how the film industry functions. He emphasized that Abhinav has long viewed filmmaking through a commercial lens and excels at navigating its financial and production dynamics. From the beginning, Anurag saw himself as a film lover focused on the art, while Abhinav perceived it as an enterprise. He recalled that his younger brother initially came to Mumbai to pursue management studies and was adept at handling opportunities. There were times, Anurag revealed, when Abhinav even managed professional matters on his behalf—taking initiative and completing work under his name without him realizing it.

For context, Abhinav Kashyap is best known for directing Dabangg and Besharam and for co-writing the 2007 hit Manorama Six Feet Under. However, his journey in Bollywood has not been without controversy. He publicly accused actor Salman Khan and his family of professional harassment and alleged that they were responsible for damaging his career through bullying and interference within the industry.

In a separate interview with Bollywood Thikana, Abhinav spoke candidly about his strained relationship with Anurag. He revealed that although they share a deep bond—having studied together in the same boarding school in Gwalior, attended Delhi University, and moved to Mumbai around the same time—their closeness has often been marred by conflict. Abhinav admitted that arguments were frequent and that Anurag, being the elder sibling, sometimes resorted to physical aggression during heated moments.

He said that despite their differences, he has always respected his brother’s position but eventually chose to distance himself after a disagreement that left him feeling wronged. Since then, the two have not been on speaking terms, marking a painful silence between brothers who once shared the same dreams.

Both the brothers are alumni of Hansraj College, Delhi University.