Manoj Bajpayee, known for his versatile acting and strong opinions, recently shared some light-hearted banter about his long-time friend and collaborator, Anurag Kashyap, particularly focusing on Kashyap's occasional forays into acting. Bajpayee playfully mocked Kashyap's acting career, suggesting he would cast him in a film just to "make his life hell". This jesting remark highlights the camaraderie and playful relationship the two industry stalwarts share.

The actor and director's association began in the late 1990s with Ram Gopal Varma's Satya (1998), where Kashyap was a writer and Bajpayee delivered an unforgettable performance as Bhiku Mhatre. This marked the start of a professional bond that later produced cult classics such as Gangs of Wasseypur: Part 1 (2012), where Bajpayee played Sardar Khan.

In a recent interview, Bajpayee spoke candidly about Kashyap's nature, his anger, and his uncompromising work style. He noted that Kashyap "has made too many enemies in the process" and has often been uncompromising. Despite this, Bajpayee admires Kashyap's conviction and believes he "can be a better example for all filmmakers" because he has stuck to his guns. Bajpayee also acknowledged that while both he and Kashyap share a similar streak of anger, he considers himself more grounded and practical. He feels that Kashyap sometimes loses his balance, especially when engaging with trolls online, while Bajpayee prefers to ignore them.

Despite their strong bond, Bajpayee has previously addressed rumors of a rift with Kashyap, clarifying that a misunderstanding between them was exaggerated by social media. He mentioned that they had drifted apart because they felt they weren't working on films that suited each other's styles at one point. However, this distance ended when Kashyap offered Bajpayee the lead role in Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1.

Both Bajpayee and Kashyap are currently engaged in their own projects. Bajpayee was recently seen in Inspector Zende, released on September 5, 2025. He also has several upcoming films, including Jugnuma, Police Station Mein Bhoot and Raakh. Jugnuma – The Fable, directed by Raam Reddy and co-produced by Kashyap, was released on September 12, 2025. Bajpayee has called Jugnuma one of the best films of his career and credited Kashyap with suggesting the film's title. Kashyap's upcoming crime drama, Nishaanchi, is set to release in theaters on September 19, 2025. The film, which he wrote in 2016, marks the acting debut of Aaishvary Thackeray and features a cast including Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Kumud Mishra. Kashyap is also slated to direct a Kill Bill Hindi remake, expected to be released in November 2025.