“Just a Random Mail”: Anurag Kashyap Reacts to Epstein Files Controversy

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has reacted calmly to the controversy surrounding his name appearing in the controversial Epstein Files, dismissing the mention as insignificant and saying it does not concern him.

Speaking during a candid interview on the talk show Sit with Hitlist, Kashyap addressed several controversies linked to his name, including the recent Epstein Files reference and the 2021 Income Tax raid conducted at his residence.

The filmmaker brushed aside the issue, explaining that his name appeared only in a single email reference and had no real significance.

What Did Anurag Kashyap Say About the Epstein Files?

Responding to questions about the controversy, Kashyap said the mention of his name came from a random email and should not be interpreted as something serious.

He explained that filmmakers and artists frequently receive invitations from global institutions and organisations.

“In a mail. In a random mail… We get invitations from Harvard, Yale, everywhere. I don’t know,” Kashyap said during the conversation.

He also joked about the situation, saying he sometimes looks at the list of prominent names and thinks to himself, “Wow! What a company I have.”

The comment appeared to downplay the controversy and suggest that the reference to his name was purely incidental.

What Are the Epstein Files?

Last month, the US Department of Justice released documents listing around 300 political leaders, celebrities, and business figures whose names appear in records connected to financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The disclosure followed pressure from lawmakers seeking transparency in the case.

The list reportedly included high-profile global figures such as Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Prince Harry, and Beyonce, among others.

However, legal experts have repeatedly clarified that a name appearing in the documents does not automatically imply wrongdoing.

Epstein, who faced allegations of sex trafficking and abuse of underage girls, died in 2019 in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial.

What Did Kashyap Say About the 2021 IT Raid?

During the interview, Kashyap also spoke about the Income Tax raid conducted at his home in 2021.

He said the investigation was linked primarily to financial matters involving his former production company Phantom Films.

According to the filmmaker, the issue arose after the production house was dissolved and questions emerged about valuation and financial distribution.

“It had more to do with Phantom Films… because we got out and we split, and the valuation. What was there? What wasn’t there? Who has it? Who doesn’t have it?” he explained.

What Happened to Phantom Films?

Phantom Films was once one of Bollywood’s most influential independent production companies.

Founded in 2011 by Kashyap along with Vikramaditya Motwane, Madhu Mantena, and Vikas Bahl, the company produced several acclaimed films.

Some of its notable projects included Queen, Masaan, Lootera, and Udta Punjab.

After seven years of partnership, the founders decided to dissolve the company in 2018, ending one of the most prominent creative collaborations in Bollywood.

What Is Anurag Kashyap Doing Now?

Despite controversies, Kashyap continues to remain active in filmmaking.

Known for directing cult classics like Gangs of Wasseypur, Black Friday, and Dev.D, he remains one of India’s most influential directors.

His latest directorial film Kennedy was released on ZEE5 on February 20, 2026, after facing delays in securing a wide theatrical release.

The noir thriller stars Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone and follows the story of a cop presumed dead who secretly works as a hitman for a corrupt senior officer.