LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTING

In between directing and teaching in film schools, Anurag Kashyap is doing a lot of acting this year

- Devarsi Ghosh

HOW BUSY CAN A FILMMAKER GET? Anurag Kashyap is appearing in seven films as an actor this year. He is directing two films simultaneously. In between, he teaches at film schools across the world. Kashyap has suffered two heart attacks in the past five years and is currently making peace with asthmatic attacks and sleep apnea. Still an inspiration at 51? Most definitely.

"I keep doing," says Kashyap. "I believe in doing. I want to focus on my health, but a lot of people are dependent on me. Since I make controlledcost films, I cannot sit at home and write something for three-four years. I must continuously do something, if not for money, then just to get out of the house and stay busy. My sickness takes over when I am at home. On set, I am energetic."

June witnessed the first burst of that energy in Tamil thriller Maharaja and the Hindi web series Bad Cop. Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Maharaja had Kashyap playing a burglar-rapist. The revenge drama has earned over Rs 100 crore. Bad Cop stars Kashyap as a gangster operating from behind bars. Kashyap is again playing baddie in the upcoming Tamil thriller One 2 One.