As anticipation builds for the re-release of Anurag Kashyap’s landmark film Gangs of Wasseypur, Jaideep Ahlawat, who played the formidable Shahid Khan, has been reflecting on his journey in Indian cinema and how this film became a pivotal moment in his career. With its upcoming re-release on August 30, Ahlawat shared his thoughts on the film’s enduring legacy and the significance of his role in shaping his path in the industry. Also Read- Rajkumar Rao Reacts On The Similar Ending Of Stree 2 And Avengers
Jaideep Ahlawat has often spoken about Gangs of Wasseypur with a sense of nostalgia and pride. The film, which first hit theaters in 2012, was a game-changer for many involved, including Ahlawat, who recalls it as his “first knock at the door of Indian cinema.” This statement encapsulates the profound impact the movie had on him both personally and professionally. For Ahlawat, portraying Shahid Khan wasn’t just another role—it was the opportunity that marked his entry into the mainstream film industry and established him as a serious actor to watch.
Gangs of Wasseypur, which spans over 321 minutes and was released in two parts, is an epic tale of revenge, power struggles, and politics, all set against the backdrop of the coal mafia in Dhanbad. Jaideep Ahlawat’s character, Shahid Khan, is the patriarch whose actions set the entire saga into motion. Although his screen time in the film is relatively short, the impact of his character is undeniable, and his portrayal left a lasting impression on audiences. Shahid Khan’s death early in the film ignites the narrative, leading to a multi-generational feud that drives the plot forward.
Reflecting on his experience of working on Gangs of Wasseypur, Ahlawat admitted that when he first took on the role, he wasn’t fully aware of the magnitude of the project or his performance. “Honestly, at that time, I had no idea what I was doing in that film and how I performed,” he confessed. It wasn’t until the film was released and garnered widespread acclaim that he realized the significance of what he had been a part of. The overwhelming response from both critics and audiences made it clear that this was not just another crime drama but a film that would go down in history as a cult classic.
Now, with the film set to return to theaters, Ahlawat is eager to see it on the big screen once again. He expressed his excitement about the re-release, particularly for those who may have only seen the film on smaller screens or missed it altogether. “So many people who had watched it on a laptop or hadn’t seen it at all will finally get to do that on the big screen,” he said, adding that he plans to attend a screening himself. The last time he watched the film in a theater was at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012, and he is looking forward to experiencing it again alongside an audience. “I don’t know how many people will be able to recognize me sitting in the audience with them!” he joked, highlighting how much time has passed since the film’s original release.
The re-release of Gangs of Wasseypur comes at a time when the Indian film industry is undergoing significant changes, largely due to the rise of OTT platforms and the shifting preferences of viewers. Ahlawat believes that the film was ahead of its time, and that its re-release is timely given the current landscape of Indian cinema. “I believe it was ahead of its time. 10 years is a long duration for anything to change. In these 10 years, the exposure of the audience has changed a lot, especially after the boom of OTT,” he observed. According to Ahlawat, the film’s complex narrative, raw performances, and gritty realism resonate even more today as audiences have become more discerning and appreciative of such content.
Looking back on his collaboration with Anurag Kashyap, Ahlawat had nothing but praise for the filmmaker. He credited Kashyap with guiding him through the process, especially since Gangs of Wasseypur was one of his early major projects. “Whatever I did back then was under Anurag’s conviction because we were new, we were learning. We were exploring our strengths as actors,” he recalled. Ahlawat entrusted Kashyap with many of the creative decisions regarding his performance, a testament to the trust and respect he had for the director. Their professional bond has remained strong over the years, with Kashyap continuing to be a source of support and encouragement for Ahlawat. Also Read- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan Seen Together at Dubai Airport Amid Separation Rumors? Well Here’s the Truth!
As for the trend of re-releasing classic films, Ahlawat dismissed the notion that it stems from a lack of quality new releases in Bollywood. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity for audiences to revisit and appreciate great films from the past in a new light. “It’s not that Bollywood doesn’t have good new movies to release. There’s still a bombardment, so much influx that filmmakers don’t know where to release them. But to watch a good movie again after 10 years is a different thing,” he explained. The re-release of Gangs of Wasseypur offers a chance to experience the film in its intended format—on the big screen—where its impact is most profound.
In conclusion, Jaideep Ahlawat’s journey from a relatively unknown actor to a recognized name in Indian cinema is inextricably linked to his role in Gangs of Wasseypur. The film not only provided him with a significant breakthrough but also helped him grow as an actor, allowing him to explore and understand the nuances of his craft. As audiences gear up for the re-release of this iconic film, it’s clear that Gangs of Wasseypur holds a special place in the hearts of both its creators and its fans. For Ahlawat, it remains a defining moment in his career, a “first knock” that opened the door to a successful and enduring presence in Indian cinema.
