Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, known for his candid approach, recently addressed the controversy surrounding his Netflix series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack‘. Despite initial praise, the show faced backlash for its portrayal of terrorists involved in the 1999 hijacking. Anubhav dismissed the uproar as cow dung, emphasising his commitment to storytelling.
In an interview with Mukesh Chhabra for Mashable India, he stated that he doesn’t take himself too seriously and believes in doing his job sincerely.

The series has since added disclaimers to clarify real names after criticism from audiences and officials regarding factual inaccuracies.
Anubhav emphasised the importance of preparation for actors during a recent interview, stating, “Actors need that one opportunity to showcase their talent. But are you preparing yourself for it?” He stressed that a good actor must think rationally and be well-versed in poetry, history, and current politics to truly excel.
The filmmaker emphasised that actors need real-life education, not just book knowledge, to succeed in the industry. He stated that understanding society and honing their craft is crucial. Instead of spending 85-90% of their time seeking opportunities, actors should dedicate more time to improving their skills. He believes that any good actor must be intelligent and aware, expressing his reliance on talented actors like Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra, feeling insecure if they aren’t part of his projects.

Sinha considers Manoj Bajpayee an important part of his life, despite never having worked with him. Reflecting on their 35-year friendship, he recalled knowing Bajpayee since 1989 when they shared just enough flour for two rotis. After watching ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’, Bajpayee called Anubhav to express his pride and happiness, reaching out multiple times to share his joy. Anubhav admires Bajpayee not only as a friend but also as a talented actor, feeling a sense of loss when he isn’t part of his films.