Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has opened up about a recurring theme in his storytelling — naming his strongest female characters ‘Manjri’. The director revealed that the name comes from his mother, Manjiri, a homemaker living with his father in Varanasi.

For Kashyap, the women in his films embody strength, resilience, and emotional depth, and naming them after his mother is his way of honoring her influence.

Kashyap borrows inspiration from his mother

“In Nayak, Rani Mukerji was called Manjri. In Shool, Raveena Tandon was called Manjri. I’m just not imaginative enough to give any other name. She keeps it all together. And she’s extremely sensitive as well,” Kashyap admitted.

His upcoming release, Nishaanchi, which hits theatres on September 19, 2025, carries forward this tradition. Actress Monika Panwar plays Amma, whose real name in the film is Manjri. She serves as the emotional anchor in the story of twin brothers caught between loyalty and rebellion. Debutant Aaishvary Thackeray takes on a challenging double role as Babloo and Dabloo, alongside Vedika Pinto.

Manjri becomes emotional anchor in Kashyap films

Anurag Kashyap describes Nishaanchi as a cinematic tribute to his mother, whose presence continues to shape his storytelling. For him, Manjri is not just a name, but a symbol of strength, sensitivity, and the moral spine of his narratives.