Siddharth Anand

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Siddharth Anand
Anand in 2022
Born (1978-07-31) 31 July 1978
Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Occupations
  • Film director
  • screenwriter
  • producer
Years active2001–present
SpouseMamta Bhatia
Children1

Siddharth Anand is an Indian filmmaker who primarily works in Hindi cinema. He is the grandson of screenwriter Inder Raj Anand.[1][2][3]

Anand gained recognition for directing successful romantic comedies such as Salaam Namaste (2005), Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007), Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), and Anjaana Anjaani (2010). He later directed action films such as Bang Bang! (2014), War (2019) and Pathaan (2023);[4][5] the latter rank among the highest-grossing Hindi films.[6][7]

In 2021, Anand launched his production company, Marflix Pictures. Its first release was the aerial action film Fighter (2024).[8][9]

Early and personal life

Anand's father is Bittu Anand, the producer of the vigilante action film Shahenshah (1988).[10] His paternal grandfather was senior screenwriter Inder Raj Anand, his uncle is actor-director Tinnu Anand while the late director Mukul Anand was a cousin of his father.[11][12] He is married to Mamta Anand (née Bhatia), with whom he has a son, Ranveer.[13] Along with his wife, he owns and runs the production company, Marflix Pictures.[14]

Career

Initial work, debut and breakthrough: 2001-2010

Anand assisted director Kunal Kohli with the romantic comedy Mujhse Dosti Karoge (2002) and was promoted to an associate for Kohli's Hum Tum (2004), for which, as executive producer, he also co-wrote the screenplay.[15] He made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy-drama Salaam Namaste (2005), produced by Yash Raj Films, which stars Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta in the lead roles. It received positive reviews from critics upon release and emerged as a commercial success.[16]

Anand's second directorial venture was the sports drama Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007), which marked his third collaboration with Saif Ali Khan as well as Rani Mukerji. It receiving mixed reviews from critics and was a moderate success.[17] His third and fourth directorial venture was the romantic comedies Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) and Anjaana Anjaani (2010), both starred Ranbir Kapoor, film opened to mixed-to-positive reviews from critics and emerged as a commercial success.[18][19][20]

Later career: 2014-present

In 2014, Anand made his foray into the action genre with Bang Bang!, starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles. A remake of the 2010 American film Knight and Day, it opened to mixed reviews from critics; however, it emerged as a box office success.[21] It was the year's fourth highest-grossing film and Anand's first film to reach the 100 crore club.[22] It was followed by the action-thriller War (2019), starring Hrithik Roshan alongside Tiger Shroff and Vaani Kapoor. It received positive reviews and emerged as the highest-grossing film of that year.[23]

In 2023, Anand directed the action thriller Pathaan (2023), which starred Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, and established the YRF Spy Universe. The film marked Khan's comeback to films following a four-year hiatus.[24] Pathaan emerged as a commercial success, and entering the 1000 crore club worldwide, emerging as the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film domestically of its time.[25][26] In 2024, Anand launched his production company, Marflix Pictures, where he directed and co-produced the aerial action thriller Fighter, which marked his third collaboration with Roshan and Padukone and first with Anil Kapoor.[27] Fighter received mixed reviews from critics and was a commercial success. Nevertheless, it was year's fourth highest-grossing film.[28] In the same year, he also co-produced Jewel Thief, directed by Robbie Grewal, which starred Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat.[29]

His next directorial and production venture is King, which will star Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter, Suhana Khan, in her theatrical debut, and Abhishek Bachchan in the lead roles.[30][31]

Filmography

Year Title Director Writer Producer Notes
2004 Hum Tum NoYesExecutiveCo-wrote screenplay with Kunal Kohli
2005 Salaam Namaste YesYesNo
2007 Ta Ra Rum Pum YesStoryNo
2008 Bachna Ae Haseeno YesNoNo
2010 Anjaana Anjaani YesYesNoCo-wrote screenplay with Advaita Kala[32]
2014 Bang Bang! YesStory AdaptationNoOfficial remake of Knight and Day[33]
2019 War YesYesNoCo-wrote story and screenplay[34]
2023 Pathaan YesStoryNoFourth instalment of YRF Spy Universe[35]
2024 Fighter YesStoryYesCo-wrote story with Ramon Chibb.
2025 Jewel Thief NoNoYes
2026 King YesYesYesCo-produced with Red Chillies Entertainment

As assistant director

Television

Year Title Writer Producer Notes
2020 Flesh Story Yes 8 Episodes

Critisism

Fighter

While analyzing the Fighter's opening numbers, Anand shared his dissection during an interview with Galatta Plus. He explained that the aerial action genre was highly experimental and lacked a reference point for domestic audiences.[36] He stated that:

"There is a huge percentage of our country, I would say 90%, who have not flown in planes and who have not been to an airport, so how would they know what's happening in the movie? They felt this is a little alien."

[37][38]

The comment immediately backfired on social media. Internet users heavily trolled the director, calling his logic absurd and out-of-touch. Critics and audiences pointed out structural contradictions in his argument using satirical memes.

Months later, Anand clarified his stance, claiming his statement was taken completely out of context. He specified that he never meant people without flight experience could not comprehend the plot. Instead, he meant that the inherent thrill and exhilaration intended by fighter jet action sequences are simply harder to resonate with emotionally compared to ground-level action like car chases or gunfights.[39][40]

Juhu-Bandra Remark Reaction

While hosting the Screen Awards 2026, comedian Zakir Khan took a humorous dig at the film fraternity. He implied that despite posting public congratulations on social media, the core industry was deeply envious of the film's success.[41] He delivered a viral punchline:

"Kitni hi congratulatory post aap daal dein... par sach toh yeh hai doston, Dhurandhar se sabki jali toh hai. Dekhiye bomb film mein phute Liyari mein par dhuaan hua hai Bandra se Juhu mein."

The reference to "Bandra and Juhu" pointed directly to Mumbai's posh residential hubs, which house Bollywood's elite production companies and stars.

The joke did not sit well with Anand. Taking to social media platform X, Anand directly defended the legacy of the mainstream Mumbai film fraternity:

"Juhu - Bandra peeps have given all ATBB's (all-time blockbusters) since the past 50 years. You have to be a real duffer to undermine their contribution."

[42][43]

References

  1. "Siddharth Anand – Yash Raj Films". Yash Raj Films. Archived from the original on 11 August 2025. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  2. "Siddharth Anand: Biography". Filmibeat. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  3. "Siddharth Anand filmography". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  4. "Director Siddharth Anand Teases The Future of YRF's Spy Universe - Sacnilk". www.sacnilk.com. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  5. "Mirroring The Industry: Siddharth Anand directs two big IP's for YRF Spy Universe with War and Pathaan". PINKVILLA. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  6. "Bollywood Top Grossers Worldwide: All Time". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  7. Shackleton, Liz (6 April 2023). "Siddharth Anand To Direct Yash Raj Films' Spy Universe Title 'Tiger Vs Pathaan', Starring Shah Rukh Khan And Salman Khan". Deadline. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  8. "फाइटर को पठान जैसा प्यार मिलने की उम्मीद जता रहे सिद्धार्थ आनंद". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  9. "'Fighter' director Siddharth Anand opens up about making India's first 'Aerial Drama'". The Economic Times. 15 January 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  10. Verma, Sukanya (25 January 2023). "The Man Behind Pathaan". Rediff. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  11. "My dad never wanted me to join Bollywood: Filmmaker Siddharth Anand". The Times of India. 24 May 2018. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  12. Banan, Aastha Atray (3 November 2019). "Siddharth Anand: The camaraderie is a facade. Nobody is a friend". Mid-Day. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
  13. Kane, Aditi Jayakar (15 October 2006). "Salaam, Ranveer!". Mumbai Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  14. "Siddharth Anand Aims To Make His Marflix Production's 'Fighter' On Par With Hollywood Films - Sacnilk". www.sacnilk.com. 12 March 2023. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  15. Hungama, Bollywood (28 May 2024). "20 Years of Hum Tum: Director Kunal Kohli recalls Siddharth Anand labelling Saif Ali Khan-Rani Mukerji starrer "a film for Sterling": "'Ye picture toh nahi chalne waali,' would be the joke" 20 : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  16. Hungama, Bollywood (10 September 2024). "19 years of Salaam Namaste: Director Siddharth Anand would like to change the climax of the film; says, "I would not change the tone to slapstick and stay with situational type of humour" 19 : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  17. Hungama, Bollywood (27 April 2007). "Ta Ra Rum Pum Review 3.5/5 | Ta Ra Rum Pum Movie Review | Ta Ra Rum Pum 2007 Public Review | Film Review". Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  18. Hungama, Bollywood (15 August 2008). "Bachna Ae Haseeno Review | Bachna Ae Haseeno Movie Review | Bachna Ae Haseeno 2008 Public Review | Film Review". Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  19. "Bachna Ae Haseeno - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  20. "14 years of Anjaana Anjaani: Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor's heartfelt tale of love and self-discovery". OTTPlay. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  21. Hungama, Bollywood (2 October 2014). "Bang Bang! Movie Review: A chance encounter of the unassuming bank receptionist Harleen Sahni (Katrina Kaif) with the charming yet mysterious Rajveer Nanda (Hrithik Roshan), results in an on-rush of ditched planes, car chases, shoot-outs, bombing raids and general global mayhem. But as the transcontinental chase ensues with Rajveer convincing Harleen that he's the good guy, can she really". Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  22. "Bang Bang - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  23. "War - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  24. "Pathaan: Why Shah Rukh Khan's comeback film is a big deal". BBC News. 20 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  25. "Pathaan box office day 1 global collection: Film breaks records with ₹106 crore". Hindustan Times. 26 January 2023. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  26. "50 days of Pathaan: 10 box office records set by Shah Rukh Khan's spy-action thriller". Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  27. Hungama, Bollywood (4 December 2020). "BREAKING SCOOP: After War, Hrithik Roshan and Sidharth Anand to team up on FIGHTER – an aerial action thriller! : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  28. "Fighter - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  29. ANI (28 May 2024). "'Jewel Thief- The Red Sun Chapter': Siddharth Anand unveils title of upcoming heist film starring Saif Ali Khan". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  30. "'King': Siddharth Anand to direct Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Suhana Khan". The Times of India. 23 December 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  31. "Ahead of Suhana Khan's birthday, Siddharth Anand hints at announcement related to her film with dad Shah Rukh Khan, King". The Indian Express. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  32. "Siddharth Anand to direct YRF's fourth film". India Today. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  33. "Hrithik Roshan is showered with love by the Japanese on the release of his mega-actioner Bang Bang in Japan". PINKVILLA. 10 March 2023. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  34. "Ahead of Pathaan, revisiting Siddharth Anand's War: The definitive action movie of a modern Bollywood". Hindustan Times. 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  35. "Siddharth Anand: Salman Khan jumped at the idea of a cameo in Pathaan because he loves Shah Rukh". Firstpost. 11 March 2023. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  36. "'Fighter' director Siddharth Anand faces backlash for defending Hrithik Roshan starrer film, says '90% Indians haven't flown in planes'". The Economic Times. 2 February 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  37. "'Fighter' director Siddharth Anand faces backlash for defending Hrithik Roshan starrer film, says '90% Indians haven't flown in planes'". The Economic Times. 2 February 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  38. Bhatt, Naiteek (3 February 2024). "Siddharth Anand Makes Unusual Assertion: Attributes Fighter's Failure to Low Air Travel Rates Among Indians". Bharat Express. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  39. "Fighter director Siddharth Anand says his remark on '90% Indians not having flown in planes' was taken out of context". Hindustan Times. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  40. "Siddharth Anand says his Fighter remark '90 percent Indians haven't flown in planes' was taken out of context: 'Free minds had free time'". The Indian Express. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  41. Desk, India Today Entertainment (7 April 2026). "Real duffer: Siddharth Anand's cryptic jibe follows Zakir Khan's Dhurandhar remark". India Today. Retrieved 16 June 2026. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  42. "Zakir Khan vs Ameesha Patel and Siddharth Anand? Comedian's comment about Dhurandhar 2 success criticised by Bollywood stars". The Economic Times. 7 April 2026. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  43. Network, Bollywood Hungama News; Hungama, Bollywood (8 April 2026). "Don't mock the postcode that built the empire: What Siddharth Anand's tweet really says". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 16 June 2026.