April 20, 2025: In a fiery response to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s alleged casteist remarks, renowned lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir Shukla has strongly condemned the filmmaker, accusing him of attacking the Brahmin community. The issue stems from an earlier social media post by Kashyap, where he criticized the ongoing controversy surrounding his upcoming film Phule, a biopic of social reformer Jyotirao Phule.
Taking to his official X account, Manoj Muntashir Shukla delivered a direct and scathing message to Kashyap in a video. “If you have less income, then you have to control your expenses, and if you have less knowledge, then you have to control your words. Anurag Kashyap, you have less income and less knowledge, so control both,” Shukla said, attacking the filmmaker’s remarks and his perceived ignorance.
Shukla’s condemnation continued as he accused Kashyap of attempting to insult the Brahmin community. He added, “You don’t have enough water in your body to pollute the entire legacy of Brahmins.” Shukla went on to challenge Kashyap to name a Brahmin figure from history whom he thought deserved to be insulted, mentioning prominent Brahmin figures like Acharya Chanakya, Peshwa Bajirao, and the legendary poet Tansen.
Shukla, speaking passionately, declared, “The proud tradition of Brahmins will not end. I, a Brahmin, give you an open challenge. Choose one name from the 21 I have listed and let me know.”
Describing Brahmins as the “honour of India,” Shukla criticized Kashyap’s comments as “heartless thoughts” and emphasized that while a Brahmin may forgive such remarks, the Hindu society would never forget the damage caused by Kashyap’s divisive words. He even offered a more personal sentiment, saying, “I am willing to pray for your sick mind, and if you need treatment, I will take responsibility for it.”
The issue has escalated further with police complaints filed against Kashyap. Anoop Shukla, a member of the Brahmin community, filed a complaint in Indore, accusing Kashyap of hurting the social and religious sentiments of the Brahmin community. Vijay Singh Sisodia, the Police Station In-Charge of MG Road PS in Indore, confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, advocate Ashish Rai demanded swift action from the Mumbai Police Commissioner, stating that Kashyap’s statements fell under the category of hate speech. “There is a citation from the Supreme Court which mandates action in cases of hate speech on social media. These statements are highly condemnable,” Rai said after filing a complaint with the Mumbai Police.
In response, Kashyap issued an apology on Friday night, clarifying that his statement had been taken out of context. He apologized for the misinterpretation of his words but maintained that he would not retract his original post. He acknowledged the threats his family and friends had received but stated that his apology was specifically for the brewing hatred, not the content of the original post.
“This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred,” Kashyap wrote in his apology. He also urged the Brahmin community to direct their anger toward him alone and spare his family. “Brahmins, please spare the women even the scriptures teach this much decency,” he added.
The controversy continues to stir debate about casteism, free speech, and accountability in public discourse in India, with both Shukla and Kashyap’s supporters passionately defending their respective sides.