EXCLUSIVE: Sudhir Mishra praises Kareena Kapoor Khan’s working ethics during Chameli; confesses, “Anurag Kashyap pagal sa ladka tha”

When filmmaker Sudhir Mishra and Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan joined forces for Chameli (2003), it marked a turning point in both their careers. Known for his gritty, socially relevant storytelling, Mishra cast Kapoor in an unconventional role that challenged her glamorous on-screen image. As a street sex worker navigating the harsh realities of Mumbai, Kapoor delivered one of the most transformative performances of her career under Mishra’s direction. Their collaboration not only earned critical acclaim but also highlighted Mishra’s ability to push mainstream actors beyond their comfort zones, creating cinema that blends realism with deep emotional impact. 

Sudhir Mishra on Kareena Kapoor Khan 

Sudhir shares how Kareena was as an actor he says, “Bohot ki soft si ladki thi aur bohot izzat karti thi director ki, process ki”. He also remarks about her on set habits, “Alag baith kar tandoori chicken khaati hui 12 ghante shoot pe mehenat karti hui”. How Kareena came into character left Sudhir in sheer awe he says, “Pehle jab dekha, Bhaage Re Mann, gaane me toh jaise hi dhun aati hai woh kuch aur ho jaati hai, so that magic remains with me”. As Sudhir describes her we find out that Kareena was as much of a professional as she was a comic.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan)

Sudhir Mishra opens up on Anurag Kashyap 

As Sudhir moves on to Anurag Kashyap, he was a way with words while describing Anurag, he says, “Pagal sa ladka tha”. He felt very strongly that, “Agar Anurag ko support nahi kiya toh cinema me rehena ka haq nahi hai aapko”. Sudhir also shares a previously unknown fact that the film Kennedy directed by Anurag Kashyap was dedicated to him, he says, “Jab Cannes me screening hui toh I was very proud of Anurag aur jab pehela title aya dedicated to Sudhir Mishra, main rone laga” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arjun Kallingal Akshayan (@arjunkallingal)

On the work front Kareena Kapoor recently appeared in the movie Crew, released in 2024 alongside, Tabu and Kriti Sanon and Singham Again, released in 2024.  

On the other hand, Anurag Kashyap made his appearance in AK vs AK in 2020 and directed his latest film Maharaja in 2024. 

Watch full interview here

(Written inputs by: Harsh Nargolkar)

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sudhir Mishra REVEALS why Naseeruddin Shah & Ratna Pathak Shah left their home for him