Anurag Kashyap Reveals Vijay Sethupathi Helped Him Get a Role in Maharaja

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MAY 12,2025

It's often assumed that prominent figures in the film industry lead lives untouched by everyday financial concerns. However, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently shared a candid story, revealing he faced significant financial strain while planning his daughter Aaliyah's wedding. In a surprising twist, he credited fellow actor Vijay Sethupathi with helping him land a crucial role in the Tamil hit 'Maharaja', which ultimately funded the celebration.

Facing Fatherly Financial Fears

During a session at The Huddle by The Hindu, Kashyap didn't shy away from discussing the monetary challenges leading up to Aaliyah's big day. Planning a wedding is expensive, and even for a successful filmmaker, the costs were daunting. He openly admitted his difficulty in affording the event. It was during a conversation with actor Vijay Sethupathi that Kashyap expressed his worries. 'I told him, 'I need to get my daughter married next year, and I don't think I can afford it,'" Kashyap shared.

Kashyap explained that opportunities to act in South Indian films weren't new he had turned down many after his role in 'Imaikka Nodigal'. However, fate intervened during the post-production phase of his film 'Kennedy'. "I kept bumping into Vijay Sethupathi at my neighbour's place," Kashyap recalled. Sethupathi mentioned a promising script that filmmakers were eager to get to Kashyap. "He told me there's this amazing script they've been trying to get to me. I initially said no."

But recognising Kashyap's financial predicament regarding the wedding, Sethupathi offered a solution. "And Vijay said, 'We'll help you.' And that's how Maharaja happened," Kashyap revealed. This act of support came after Kashyap had already acknowledged Sethupathi's earlier assistance on 'Kennedy' by giving him a" 'Thank You' card in the film."

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'Maharaja': A Timely Hit

The role wasn't just a financial lifeline it placed Kashyap in a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film. Directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, 'Maharaja' stars Vijay Sethupathi as a barber seeking his stolen dustbin, leading to unforeseen twists. The film, also featuring Mamta Mohandas and Natty Subramaniam, resonated strongly with audiences. It achieved the highest opening weekend for a Tamil film in 2024 and became one of the year's highest-grossing Tamil movies, earning 190 crore worldwide. For Kashyap, who has increasingly taken on acting roles, 'Maharaja' marked another significant performance.

Thanks to the timely role secured with Sethupathi's help, Anurag Kashyap could give his daughter the wedding she deserved. Aaliyah Kashyap married her long-time boyfriend, Shane Gregoire, in Mumbai on December 11, 2024. The event was a star-studded affair, celebrating the couple's union, made possible, in part, by the camaraderie found within the film industry.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Blames Excessive Actor Demands for Big Budget Flops