Are Gangs of Wasseypur Based on a Real Person’s Life?

The film Gangs of Wasseypur, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a three-part cinematic series that spans several decades, delving into the complex feud between two criminal families, the Qureshis and the Singhs. As compelling as the narrative is, one common question remains: is the film based on a real person's life?

Real-Life Inspirations

Tracing the origins, the film primarily draws its story from the real-life gang wars that occurred in the region of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. While it draws inspiration from actual events and stories, it is important to distinguish between fact and fiction. The characters and events in the film are dramatized for storytelling purposes.

Characters and Their Real-Life Counterparts

Several characters are based on real individuals, but the plot is significantly altered for dramatic effect. One notable example is the character of Faisal Khan, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Faisal Khan is based on Faheem Khan, whom is the left son of INTUC leader Faheem Khan. In real life, Faheem Khan is currently serving life imprisonment in Hazaribagh for various crimes. However, in the film, Faisal Khan meets an end much differently, succumbing to the climactic events.

The Plot and Its Deviations

The plot of the film, particularly in the first part, contains significant deviations from actual documented events. For example, the scene where Sardar Khan issues an open threat to Ramadhir Singh, demanding the return of an abducted woman, is entirely fictional. Additionally, the Montague-Capulet type romances and character names like Perpendicular and Definite are also creations of the screenwriter.

More Fictitious Elements

Another scene that differs greatly from reality is when a Muslim girl is kidnapped by Singh's men. In reality, this incident involved a Hindu girl who was threatened by the entire Wasseypur community to return her in 24 hours. The kidnapping and the subsequent resolution were much simpler and less dramatic than portrayed in the film. Similarly, the character of Ramadhir Singh is based on Surajdeo Singh, but his fate in the film (being brutally killed by Faizal Khan) is a deviation from the real-life events. In reality, Surajdeo Singh died of natural causes in June 1991.

The Creator’s Perspective

Zeishan Quadri, the writer of Gangs of Wasseypur, was born and brought up in Wasseypur. His writing was influenced by stories from his early life, combining them with a fictional narrative. Quadri mentioned in an interview that while many scenes are inspired from real life, the entire plot is a dramatization.

Conclusion

While Gangs of Wasseypur has its roots in real-life gang wars, it is crucial to understand that the narrative presented in the film is a dramatic interpretation. The series fictionalizes and embellishes real events, characters, and stories to create a compelling and engaging story. By appreciating the blend of reality and fiction, one can better enjoy the cinematic experience.