Actor Ranvir Shorey has tweeted about the dark side of Bollywood award shows and been quoted by Hindustan Times adding, “For awards shows, I don’t exist. Barely. Only when they absolutely cannot hide their faces, they nominate me.”
This morning, he called out the hypocrisy of filmmakers who started off “independently” but became part of the very system they spoke up against after becoming “mainstream” in Bollywood.
So many independent-film-crusaders have turned mainstream-bollywood-flunkies now. These are the same people who used to rant 24/7 about the “system” for attention before they were given entry into the pearly gates of mainstream Bollywood. #Hypocrisy much?
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
According to The Times of India, director Anurag Kashyap who had earlier tweeted about Kangana Ranaut being “intoxicated by success”, asked Ranvir to explain his generalized remark and name the filmmakers in question.
Do you really mean that @RanvirShorey . If you do please explain . Please say exactly what you mean and whose flunky is who? https://t.co/3NiuhFrVj7
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
I always say what I mean, @anuragkashyap72, you know that. And I don’t think what I’ve said lacks any clarity. It pretty much explains everything. As for taking names, that’s beneath me. I’m not trying to sling mud, but just reminding people where they come from. https://t.co/r4BRBH8Mwo
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
Subsequently, both of them engaged in a long Twitter exchange where Anurag remarked that he “operates alone” and works with outsiders more than anyone else in the industry. On the other hand, Ranvir pointed out that independent cinema does not comprise of one person and that no one’s pain or views should be belittled as everyone has the right to talk about their own issues.
So let’s talk . Right here. Whose flunky you think I am ? Dont mix the pain of your past relationship with this debate. I will say everything here .. the correction is needed in this industry like every industry . I operate alone .. bolo .
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
I didn’t mention you, so why don’t you confess whose flunky you are, if you’re so gutted by what I’ve said. And I don’t understand what you mean by “the pain of my past” nonsense. Don’t try to be my shrink. I assure you, I work even more alone than you!
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
I operate alone and have always done . I am seeing an old friend disintegrating and getting used and I am talking about that. If you think talking the truth to someone is defending another than you’re absolutely incorrect. I do not defend anybody . Nobody funds me – cont
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
And no one works with outsiders more than me .. and I can see what’s wrong with all that is going on and I see the game
Being played and people being used . Trust me I am not gutted by what you said , no one could gut me in 27 years .. and I am absolutely calm ..— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
And I will say this clearly – I am speaking here with you because I won’t allow you or anyone to distract or change the narrative of how the industry is being used. I won’t allow you to change or create the perception about me and make
Anyone believe otherwise— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
I will stand here and speak up .
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
I think you’re making the mistake of carrying the mantle of “independent film crusader” all by yourself. Let me remind you, independent cinema has been and always will be more than you. So you be you, and let others be themselves. Don’t belittle others when they’re crying out.
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
Oh so you weren’t talking about me? That’s incredible . Totally my fault that I misread you . Which means my replies were totally unnecessary and unwarranted . Cool . Coming to belittling – who did I belittle? Exactly ?? I thank no that one is directed at me for sure ?
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
How many people are you belittling when you say they are “distracting or changing the narrative”? Who are you to control the narrative? Everyone has the right to talk about their pain, just like you! And yes, your replies to me were unnecessary. I’m not here to make a spectacle. pic.twitter.com/SUUG1TLC6g
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
Okay . I buy that. You see Kangana’s outburst as her pain. Fine . I will agree to disagree
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020
Again, I wasn’t mentioning any names, you are. Who is to say who is in real pain and who’s an attention seeker? I’m just defending everyone’s right to speak their own truth. Just like you do. You can agree or disagree.
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020
What’s your view on this debate? Tell us.