Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has broken his silence regarding the appearance of his name in the recently released Epstein Files, a list of public figures found in records tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking on an episode of Sit with Hitlist on March 11, 2026, Kashyap laughed off the association, characterizing it as a bizarre administrative fluke.
“What a Company I Have”
The Gangs of Wasseypur director clarified that his name appears in the context of an unverified email invitation, rather than any personal interaction or visit to Epstein’s properties.
- The “Random” Invitation: Kashyap compared it to the numerous invitations he receives from prestigious institutions like Harvard or Yale.
- The Beijing Connection: Addressing a specific detail in the files, he noted, “I have never been to Beijing. I have been to Shanghai once before 2014, otherwise, I’ve been doing recce in Bombay.”
- Wit in the Face of Controversy: Jokingly acknowledging the high-profile names on the list (which includes the likes of Bill Clinton and Elon Musk), he remarked, “Wow! What a company I have.”
Clarification on the 2021 Income Tax Raids
During the same interview, Kashyap revisited the 2021 Income Tax raids on his property, which many at the time linked to his outspoken political views. He offered a more technical explanation:
- The Phantom Split: He stated the raids were primarily focused on the financial dissolution and valuation of Phantom Films, the production house he co-founded with Vikramaditya Motwane, Madhu Mantena, and Vikas Bahl.
- Valuation Disputes: “It had more to do with Phantom Films… because we split, and the valuation. Who has it? Who doesn’t have it? All that kind of thing happened,” he explained.
The “Epstein Files” Context
The U.S. Department of Justice recently released a list of approximately 300 individuals referenced in records related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Note: Inclusion in the files does not necessarily imply wrongdoing or direct involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities; many names appear simply due to flight logs, email chains, or social invitations.
Anurag’s Career Update: Kennedy Finally Lands
On a professional note, Kashyap’s noir thriller Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, finally secured a wide release on Zee5 on February 20, 2026. This follows a three-year journey since its 2023 MAMI screening, marking a significant return for the director to the digital space.