Anurag Basu's greatest miracle was discovering Kangana Ranaut, she rose like a phoenix, giving 'Gangster' the wings it needed to soar: Mahesh Bhatt
Nineteen years ago, gangster: a love story roared onto
indian cinema
screens, redefining love, betrayal, and heartbreak with a visceral force. directed by
anurag basu
and produced under the sharp, instinctive eye of
mahesh bhatt
, the film not only delivered memorable performances by
kangana ranaut
,
emraan hashmi
, and
shiney ahuja
, but also etched itself into the hearts of millions through its soulful music and haunting storytelling.
Today, Mahesh Bhatt revisits the extraordinary journey of
Gangster
, a film he regards not just as a project but as a living, breathing masterpiece — one that was touched by fate and blessed by what he calls the "Film God." In this candid conversation, Bhatt reveals the inspirations, the pivotal choices, and the divine accidents that birthed
Gangster
.
Why do you regard
Gangster
as your masterpiece?
Some films are made, and some are born from a spark the gods themselves strike. In the secretive corners of the entertainment world — from Hollywood's golden avenues to Bollywood's chaotic studios — there is a whispered belief in a force unseen: the Film God. A capricious deity who, with a flick of divine whim, either breathes life into a film or lets it wither.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary
Marketsall
Sign Up
Undo
In Bollywood, we often say,
"Filmen achchhi ban jaati hai, banayi nahi jaati."
A film isn't made — it happens.
Gangster
was one such miracle.
Gangster: A Love Story
simply "happened"?
Exactly.
Gangster
happened. The film god smiled on it from the very first breath. Every frame seemed touched by destiny. Every note of music trembled with something predestined. It moved through us like a fever dream — alive, unstoppable. And when it hit the screens, it set the box office on fire, creating stars whose light still shines today.
You wrote
Gangster
. How did the idea come to you?
The idea didn't come gently — it rushed to my head like blood — violent, undeniable. It was a Sunday morning when it struck. I immediately called Anurag Basu and the entire team, unable to contain the firestorm burning inside me.A good story is like fire: touch it, and it scorches you.
Gangster
was that fire. It burned everyone who heard it, and they carried its passion into the film.
Why did you choose Anurag Basu to direct it?
Anurag Basu has an alchemical vision — a rare ability to take a raw spark and give it flesh, blood, and soul.
What would you call Anurag Basu's biggest miracle in
Gangster
?
His greatest miracle was discovering Kangana Ranaut — a wild, untamed force of nature. In her very first role, she rose like a phoenix, giving
Gangster
the wings it needed to soar.And then there was South Korea — such an unexpected, beautiful choice. Cherry blossoms falling like soft rain over broken hearts; a foreign land that felt both alien and achingly familiar. It became a silent, emotional backdrop for Pritam's music.
Speaking of music, what role did it play in
Gangster
?
Ah, the music! Pritam's soundtrack didn't just accompany the film — it
possessed
it.The album became the fifth best-selling in India for 2006. Millions carried its songs in their hearts."Ya Ali," with Zubeen Garg's haunting voice, crossed oceans and carried the ache of lost love to distant shores."Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai," "Bheegi Bheegi" — each song was like a spell woven tighter around the audience, making the film unforgettable.
Tell us about the performances of Kangana Ranaut, Emraan Hashmi, and Shiney Ahuja.
The performances were extraordinary. Emraan Hashmi transformed from a boy into a man before our eyes, sharpening his craft to staggering brilliance.Shiney Ahuja haunted the screen, speaking volumes even in his silences.And
Gulshan Grover
, long known for villainy, stunned everyone by revealing a bruised, fragile humanity beneath his tough exterior.
Your closing thoughts on
Gangster
?
Gangster
was not just a film. It was love, betrayal, violence, longing — a great, wounded heart beating on screen.It didn't end — it
ripped
its ending from the audience's soul, leaving them shattered and spellbound. Above all, it was Anurag Basu's triumph: his vision, his risk, his reckless surrender to the fire that
Gangster
was.Once in a lifetime, if you're lucky, you can look back and say
, Yes. That was a masterpiece. And we were part of it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
CRAVITY Serim, Wonjin, and Hyeongjun open up about group dynamics, upcoming comebacks and more – deets inside!
CRAVITY are all set to make a banging comeback with their second full album, 'Dare To Crave'. Ahead of the official release, the group's leader, Serim, got candid about his position within the group and how everything has been so far for him in the K-pop world. Serim, Wonjin , and Hyeongjun talk leadership change and more Serim, who had been serving as the group's official leader, has recently stepped down from his role, with members Wonjin and Hyeongjun taking on the torch forward. In a recent interview with K-media news outlet Spotv News, the idol opened up about his role in the group and how the transition has been for him. Serim expressed his emotions over the sudden transition, sharing that it was not easy; however, he shared that he is planning on supporting the new leaders the same way they did since their debut. He shared that, 'At first, it wasn't easy to accept because I wasn't really prepared for it. But even when I was the leader, Hyeongjun and Wonjin supported me, so now I plan to support them a lot. I know they'll do well, and I hope everyone continues to support CRAVITY in this next chapter. ' Wonjin, one of the new leaders, shared his thoughts on the transition during the interview. He commented that 'We made this leadership change as part of taking on a new challenge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Confidence packed. Wrinkles left behind. Philips Garment Steamers Book Now Undo Serim built the strong sense of connection that is CRAVITY's core strength, and we don't want to lose that. If Serim carried a lot of weight before, I hope he can now shed that burden and enjoy our promotions.' While Hyeongjun, who will share the leadership load, shared that 'The team's atmosphere hasn't changed. We'll continue doing what we've always done and show our best. Serim used to handle everything on his own, but now we'll be here to support him. When we talked, we promised to help him as much as we can.' New leader Hyeongjun comments about the group's rebrand While talking about the new direction the group seems to be taking, Hyeongjun shared that 'We rebranded the group, including changing the meaning of our name. Some fans may have been surprised or unsure about the leadership change.' He continued sharing that the change was surprising for them but was still welcomed with an open mind by the members. He stated, 'Honestly, it was surprising for us too, but we hope people will see it as a new challenge. The meaning of our group name has also changed. Please see this as a new attempt and challenge driven by our desire for success and growth.' Fellow member Seongmin also shared his opinion on the matter, sharing that 'Over the past five years, we've taken time to reflect on the mindset we've had during our activities. We also began to look forward to what lies ahead. That's why we decided to rebrand and approach this as if we're debuting again.' About CRAVITY CRAVITY is a popular boy group that has been active for the past three years and has steadily risen to fame in the past years. The group made their official debut on March 22 with the release of 'Liberty: In Our Cosmos'. Their latest full-length album, titled 'Dare to Crave', is all set to drop on online streaming platforms worldwide today at 6 pm KST.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
First date? Red flags you shouldn't ignore (but probably will)
A first date is like a tiny stage performance. Both people are trying to put their best foot forward—dressed well, choosing their words carefully, and turning up the charm. Between the jokes, food, and personal stories, you're wondering: Could this be something real? But in the swirl of all that newness, it's easy to miss subtle red flags—little things that seem harmless but hint at something deeper. Especially when the chemistry feels strong, our hearts often convince us to ignore the signs our gut is trying to point out. Here are some red flags you shouldn't ignore, even if you're tempted to look the other way. They only talk about themselves Talking about yourself on a first date is natural. But if your date dominates the entire conversation, doesn't ask you a single question, or constantly interrupts when you try to speak—it's a bad sign. Relationships are a two-way street. If they can't make space for your voice now, will they ever? They're rude to the staff Pay close attention to how they treat waiters, receptionists, or anyone else during the date. Do they say 'thank you'? Are they polite or snappy? Someone who's kind to you but dismissive or rude to others may not be showing their true colors. Kindness should be a habit, not a performance. They keep bringing up their ex A brief mention of an ex is completely normal—everyone has a past. But if they spend most of the date ranting about, comparing you to, or even praising their ex, it could mean they're not emotionally available. If their attention is still on the past, they might not be looking for something real in the present. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Their jokes make you uncomfortable Humor is personal. But if your date's jokes are sexist, racist, cruel, or just make you feel weird—and they brush it off with, 'I'm just kidding'—that's a red flag. Jokes often reflect beliefs. If their idea of humor doesn't sit right with you, it's okay to question it. They rush the connection It might feel flattering at first if they call you their 'soulmate' or start talking about living together after just one date. But moving too fast can be a form of love-bombing—giving too much attention too soon, which can later turn into control or manipulation. A genuine connection takes time to grow. Their compliments are... strange Some compliments come with a weird undertone. Things like, 'You're not like other girls,' or 'You're smart for someone who didn't go to college.' These are often disguised put-downs or ways to subtly establish control. Real compliments make you feel seen and appreciated—not compared or undermined. Something just feels off This might be the most important one. Even if nothing seems technically wrong, but your gut is whispering, something's not right—listen to it. Our bodies often know what our brains haven't figured out yet. Trust your instincts if you feel uneasy, even if everything looks good on paper. Why these red flags matter It's easy to overlook these signs because we want the date to go well. We crave connection, affection, and the hope of something lasting. That's human. But red flags aren't just random quirks—they're often early signs of patterns that could repeat. You're not being 'too picky' by noticing them. You're not overthinking. You're just staying aware of what kind of relationship you want—and what you're not willing to tolerate. First dates aren't tests you have to pass. They're also auditions for the other person. You have the right to walk away if something feels off, even if the food was amazing and they made you laugh. Because the first red flag you ignore might just be the first of many. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
How to find love in NYC? Zohran Mamdani has the most Gen-Z coded dating advice
Picture this: you're wandering through the vibrant streets of New York City – Brooklyn brownstones, Astoria art studios, buzzing coffee shops – not exactly searching for love with a massive placard in your hand, but hoping to bump onto 'real' connections… and all you can think about is how much the grocery store around the block is going to cost you! Well, that's where Zohran Mamdani comes in! The young and popular assemblymember and the NYC mayoral candidate isn't only thinking about giving New York City a real taste of Democratic Socialism – he is also trying to sort out your dating life! How? Proposing policies and winning hearts! Now, searching for love in – as busy a city as NYC is – can seem like an almost impossible wild adventure, but the heart wants what it wants! So, Kaneez Surka, an Indian-origin, NYC-based comedian and content creator, caught up with Mamdani, and popped the most-awaited question! How to find love in NYC? Kaneez kicked things off with a playful note in her caption, saying, 'I'm out there asking Mayoral candidates important questions - If you're single in NYC and looking for love, @zohrankmamdani has solid advice. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ' And proving her claim true, Mamdani did have some solid advice! In the clip, Kaneez, who has made New York her home, playfully put Zohran on the spot, mentioning his impressive campaign platforms like affordable housing. She then cheekily asked, 'But let's get real—how are you going to help single folks like me find love? What good is 'no cost childcare' if I can't even find a man to have kids with?' With a chuckle, Zohran, who's making history as NYC's first Indian-origin Muslim mayoral candidate, revealed his secret to finding romance: 'First of all, I found my wife on Hinge. So, it still works! Just to let people know!' Surprisingly, Gen Z! But that's not all! Mamdani did not desert the millennials as well! The second trick on his sleeve? He continued with some sage advice, saying, 'Second is, I think we also need to give people more time. A lot of New Yorkers are basically on a hamster wheel of anxiety! There's not much time to sit in the park, to explore your own city. If you're always worried about if you have enough money to make your rent, enough money to pay for your metro card… the love of your life, may currently be stressed about whether they can afford the most expensive city in the United States to find you!' The moral of the story? As Mamdani quoted, 'Affordability is about romance!' And affordable housing, one of the many things Mamadani is rooting for, is part of that grand plan! From campaign rallies to long walks! Mamdani, the son of the acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair (Re: The Namesake), shared how he met his wife, Rama Duwaji, who is a talented Syrian-born artist based in Brooklyn. In December 2024, Mamdani and Duwaji out a ring on their relationship in a private engagement and nikkah ceremony atop a Dubai rooftop, near the Burj Khalifa, with only close family around. Earlier this year, in New York, they performed a simple, sweet civil ceremony at the City Clerk's office—a place Zohran calls 'my favorite building in New York,' celebrating public service and privacy all at once. Although Zohran had kept his marriage quite private, he thrilled everyone by making a public debut of Rama on Instagram after right-wing trolls claimed he was 'hiding his wife.' However, Mamdani and Duwaji's love story isn't just about dates – it's built on late-night studio sessions, gallery strolls, and shared creative sparks. In true millennial spirit, their romance shuns pressure and embraces authenticity. Let's unpack how to channel his Gen‑Z‑coded advice and turn NYC into your romantic playground. Read on. Bond over art and culture Zohran and Duwaji's romance blossomed through their mutual love of art, transforming a shared passion into a lasting connection. That story isn't just a politician's anecdote; it's a dating blueprint. Gen‑Z craves emotional resonance, not just aesthetics, and art-infused dates are the perfect setting. Try things like: A 'paint and pour' night in Chinatown or Bushwick: nurture creative chemistry over a canvas, and maybe a glass of wine. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Museum-hop with a twist: instead of just walking, ask each other to write mini love notes inspired by exhibits. Attend an art‑therapy‑style workshop: you'll laugh, you'll bond. It's low‑pressure, emotionally rich, and authentically you, just how Gen‑Z likes it. Speak from your heart Gen‑Z is done with guesswork and 'situationships.' They want clarity, and they want it from day one. On date one: get real! What are your values? Your love language? (Spoiler: it might be quality time or an honest chat, not expensive shows.) Lay your cards on the table: 'I'm here for connection, not flings;' because in the city that never sleeps, authenticity is the ultimate flex. Swipe on digital love, but do so wisely Nearly everyone in NYC starts with swipes, but Gen‑Z doesn't stop there! They read digital body language (DBL) – emoji tone, reply timing, punctuation. Here's how to do it right: Never ghost, but don't reply in nanoseconds either. Aim for thoughtful responses within 1–2 hours. React with a wink emoji instead of a full paragraph; texting is shorthand, not the whole story. When messages deep-dive into feelings, suggest a phone or video call, then an IRL meetup. You're aiming for real chemistry, not just digital vibes. Go slow, steal the show The hustle gets over at day jobs. In romance, Gen‑Z doesn't rush. It's about genuine growth and values alignment. So, Skip the speed-dating hustle. Opt for extended conversations over coffee, museum strolls, and cook-together nights. Ask about your date's dreams, social values, future plans—not just 'What's your favorite pizza?' If life in NYC is stressful, remind each other: there's zero pressure to move in, get engaged, or be Instagram couple goals. Neetu Kapoor shares a homemade remedy to help fight anxiety
