Zeishan Quadri, the writer behind Gangs of Wasseypur, returned to national headlines in 2025 after appearing on Bigg Boss 19. Known for his work as a screenwriter, actor, director, and producer, Zeishan Quadri built his reputation through crime dramas rooted in real events. His recent television appearance has brought renewed attention to his filmography and writing career.

Born on 17 March 1983 in Wasseypur, Dhanbad, then part of Bihar and now in Jharkhand, Zeishan Quadri grew up in a disciplined household. His father, Syed Imran Quadri, worked as a civil engineer. He completed his schooling in Dhanbad and later moved to Meerut to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree. Before entering films, he worked in Delhi in a call center and at HCL for nearly 18 months.

In 2008, he moved to Mumbai with the goal of becoming an actor.

Writing Gangs of Wasseypur

Zeishan Quadri’s career shifted in 2009 when he met filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and shared a story based on Wasseypur’s coal mafia history. The story traced decades of rivalry and political shifts in Dhanbad.

That idea became Gangs of Wasseypur. The project premiered at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight before releasing in India in 2012 as a two-part film. The ensemble cast included Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadha, and others.

Quadri co-wrote the screenplay and also played the character “Definite” in the second part. The film earned strong reviews and later gained cult status for its raw tone and layered storytelling.

For his dialogue writing, Quadri won awards including Filmfare and IIFA honors.

Expanding Roles in Film

After Gangs of Wasseypur, Zeishan Quadri took on multiple roles in the industry. He acted in films such as Revolver Rani and Hotel Milan. In 2015, he directed and produced Meeruthiya Gangsters, marking his debut as a filmmaker.

The film focused on small-town crime and youth politics. Anurag Kashyap supported the project as presenter. Quadri promoted the film across several cities and academic institutions.

He later produced and co-wrote films including Halahal and Chhalaang in 2020. His work shows a consistent interest in grounded stories set in smaller cities.

Shift to Streaming Platforms

With the growth of OTT services, Zeishan Quadri moved into web series. In 2020, he appeared in Bicchoo Ka Khel, produced by Ekta Kapoor, and later in Your Honor 2.

His performances often center on crime, law enforcement, or morally complex characters. This aligns with his writing background in crime drama.

In 2024, he appeared in Bloody Daddy and played a negative lead in Woh Bhi Din The. These projects kept him visible in digital cinema.

Bigg Boss 19 Appearance

In 2025, Zeishan Quadri entered Bigg Boss 19. His participation surprised some viewers, as he is more associated with writing than reality television.

Inside the house, he spoke about his early struggles in Mumbai and the making of Gangs of Wasseypur. He finished in 15th place.

Reality television brought him into daily conversations beyond film audiences. It also revived online discussions about whether a third installment of Gangs of Wasseypur would be made. In 2024, Anurag Kashyap clarified that no third part was in development.

Awards and Recognition

Zeishan Quadri has received multiple awards for dialogue writing. For Gangs of Wasseypur, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue and recognition at IIFA and other ceremonies.

Critics often cite his writing for capturing the tone and dialect of eastern India with accuracy. His scripts focus on regional identity and layered characters.

Current Position in 2025

As of late 2025, Zeishan Quadri continues to work across films and streaming platforms. He balances writing assignments with acting roles.

Industry observers note that crime dramas remain popular on digital platforms. Quadri’s experience in this genre positions him well for upcoming projects.

At 42, Zeishan Quadri remains active in Hindi cinema and OTT content. His career reflects the shift from single-role specialization to multi-role involvement in filmmaking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who is Zeishan Quadri?
Zeishan Quadri is an Indian writer, actor, director, and producer best known for writing and acting in Gangs of Wasseypur.

Q2. What is Zeishan Quadri’s age?
He is 42 years old (born 17 March 1983).

Q3. Did Zeishan Quadri act in Gangs of Wasseypur?
Yes, he played the character “Definite” in Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2.

Q4. Was Zeishan Quadri on Bigg Boss?
Yes, he participated in Bigg Boss 19 in 2025 and finished in 15th place.