Jaideep Ahlawat on Gangs Of Wasseypur reissue

Anurag Kashyap’s iconic two-part film, Gangs of Wasseypuris scheduled for a re-release on August 30th. In light of this, Jaideep Ahlawatwho played Shahid Khan in the film, spoke candidly about his experiences and the evolution of the film over the past decade.

Jaideep Ahlawat described Gangs of Wasseypur as his “first knock on the door of Indian cinema.” The actor fondly remembers his role as Shahid Khan and is excited to see the crime thriller on the big screen again. Reflecting on the film’s re-release, he shared his excitement to watch the film with the audience, many of whom may be experiencing it in theatres for the first time.

“So many people who watched it on a laptop or didn’t see it at all will finally get to do it on the big screen. Even I’m planning to try. The last time I saw it was at the Cannes Film Festival (2012). I don’t know how many people will recognize me when I’m in the audience with them!” Jaideep exulted.

Jaideep’s role in Gangs of Wasseypur marked a pivotal moment in his career, and helped him gain a foothold in the Hindi film industry. Reflecting on the experience, he said:

“I always say that GoW was my first knock on the door of Indian cinema, like telling you that someone was outside.” Elaborating on the uncertainty he felt then, he admitted, “Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing in that film and how I was performing. When the film released and the response it got, I realised what I was going to be a part of.”

Gangs of Wasseypur tells the story of three generations caught up in power struggles, politics and revenge amidst the coal mafia of Dhanbad. Jaideep’s character, Shahid Khan, is the patriarch who sets the story in motion after he is killed in a gang war among the coal mafia. The film, which runs for 321 minutes, was released in two parts in 2012 to critical acclaim.

Jaideep believes the re-release is timely considering the rise of OTT platforms and changing audience tastes. He commented:

“I think it was ahead of its time. 10 years is a long time to change something. In those 10 years, the exposure of the audience has changed a lot, especially after the OTT boom.”

Reflecting on his relationship with Anurag KashyapJaideep praised the filmmaker and said:

“Whatever I did then, it was Anurag’s belief because we were new, we were learning. We were exploring our strengths as actors. So I had left a lot of things completely to him to decide.”

He noted that their professional bond is still strong and Kashyap continues to support and encourage him.

Regarding the trend of re-releasing films, Jaideep dismissed the idea that it is due to a lack of new quality films. He explained,

“It’s not that Bollywood doesn’t have good new films to release. There’s still a bombardment, so much influx that filmmakers don’t know where to release them. But re-watching a good film after 10 years is another thing.”

Jaideep concluded by sharing how Gangs of Wasseypur helped him grow as an actor:

“I realized that you don’t have to do every little thing. Just feel it and it will come across.”

As the public prepares for the re-release of Gangs of Wasseypurit is clear that the film holds a special place in the hearts of both its makers and fans.

Post views: 71