New Delhi: Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap shares a candid glimpse into his relationship with his daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap, shedding light on the challenges and insights gained over the years. In a recent interview, the ‘Bombay Velvet’ director revealed how his unwavering dedication to cinema led to him overlooking quality time with his daughter during her formative years. He disclosed seeking guidance from a child psychologist to nurture his connection with Aaliyah, emphasising the need for understanding in their relationship.
Despite the complexities of divorce, Anurag and Aaliyah maintain a strong bond. Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Anurag delved into his journey of self-reflection.
Reflecting on the evolving perspectives of different generations, Anurag highlighted, “I went to a child psychologist because I wanted to improve my relationship with my daughter. We didn’t fight, but we were trying to understand each other better. They told me that the world has changed. They explained to me very simply, and asked me what I think millennials, gen Z, gen X actually are… Whoever is born after 9/11 (World Trade Centre terror attacks in USA), they have always seen security at the airport, but those who were born in the 1970s would remember that they used to be able to walk up to the plane. How do you explain that to those who were born after 9/11? They’ll not believe it! Calling on the landline… If I tell my daughter that when I was young, I had to get on to a line to call her mother, she won’t understand that."
He admitted that his dedication to filmmaking had, at times, compromised his ability to prioritise family time, a realisation he deeply regrets. He said, “It is very difficult and very easy. I have not spent as much time with my daughter as I should have, because, at the time, my entire focus was on cinema. I was very passionate. The more you grow in life, you realise that the most valuable thing is to spend time with family, keep your good friends close, and learn to be happy. And I have reached that point in life… Today when my daughter works on the internet, I don’t understand what she’s doing.”
Anurag Kashyap's work front
Anurag Kashyap's recent directorial venture, ‘Kennedy’, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, starring Sunny Leone and other talented actors. Additionally, his appearance in the ZEE5 film ‘Haddi’, alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui, garnered attention. Meanwhile, Anurag's daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap, made headlines last year with her marriage to longtime partner Shane Gregoire, marking a new chapter in their family's journey.