Zeishan Quadri Biography Age, Career, Movies & Unknown Facts
Zeishan Quadri, also known as Zeishan Qalim Khan, is an Indian actor, screenwriter, director, and producer, best known for his work in Hindi cinema, particularly for his association with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and the critically acclaimed film Gangs of Wasseypur.
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Over the years, Quadri has gained recognition for his grounded storytelling, realistic characters, and contributions to contemporary Indian cinema.
Zeishan Quadri: Early Life and Background
Zeishan Quadri was born and raised in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, a region historically associated with coal mining and complex socio-political dynamics.
Growing up in this environment deeply influenced his creative perspective and later became a significant inspiration for his writing and storytelling.
Before entering the film industry, Quadri had no formal background in cinema. His early years were marked by exposure to local cultures, dialects, and real-life narratives, which later shaped his authentic writing style. His firsthand understanding of the social fabric of eastern India played a key role in his cinematic voice.
Entry into the Film Industry
Zeishan Quadri’s entry into Bollywood was unconventional. He initially approached filmmaker Anurag Kashyap with a script inspired by real events and local stories from Jharkhand and Bihar.
Kashyap recognized the originality and rawness of Quadri’s writing, which eventually led to collaboration on Gangs of Wasseypur.
This association proved to be a turning point in Quadri’s career. His storytelling sensibility aligned well with the realistic and gritty tone Kashyap was known for, helping him establish a foothold in the industry.
Career as a Screenwriter
Quadri rose to prominence as a screenwriter with Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), a two-part crime drama that received widespread critical acclaim. The film is often regarded as one of the most influential works in modern Hindi cinema.
His writing was praised for:
- Authentic dialogue rooted in regional dialects
- Complex characters inspired by real-life personalities
- A layered narrative structure
- Realistic depiction of power, ambition, and survival
The success of Gangs of Wasseypur established Quadri as a writer capable of blending realism with cinematic storytelling.
Acting Career
In addition to writing, Zeishan Quadri also appeared as an actor in Gangs of Wasseypur, portraying the character Definite, which became memorable among audiences. His performance was noted for its natural delivery and understated presence.
Following this, Quadri appeared in several Hindi films and web projects, often choosing roles that aligned with realistic or experimental cinema rather than mainstream commercial formats.
His acting choices reflect his inclination toward strong narratives and character-driven storytelling.
Work as a Director
Zeishan Quadri made his directorial debut with Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015), a crime drama inspired by real incidents from western Uttar Pradesh.
The film focused on youth, crime, and socio-economic challenges, continuing Quadri’s signature style of grounded realism.
Although the film received mixed commercial results, it was appreciated for its honest portrayal of small-town India and its attempt to present crime as a social consequence rather than glorification.
As a director, Quadri is known for:
- Realistic settings
- Non-glamorous storytelling
- Emphasis on narrative authenticity
- Use of lesser-known actors
- Producing and Independent Cinema
Apart from acting and directing, Quadri has also worked as a producer, supporting independent and content-driven cinema.
He has been vocal about the importance of creative freedom and the need for diverse voices in Indian filmmaking.
His involvement in independent projects highlights his commitment to storytelling over commercial formulas.
Quadri has consistently supported films that focus on realism, social issues, and unconventional narratives.
Writing Style and Themes
Zeishan Quadri’s writing is characterized by:
- Strong regional influence
- Real-life inspirations
- Moral ambiguity in characters
- Exploration of power structures and survival instincts
Rather than relying on exaggerated drama, his work often reflects the complexity of human behavior and societal pressures. His scripts are known for sharp dialogues and layered storytelling.
Public Image and Media Presence
Quadri maintains a relatively low-profile public image compared to mainstream Bollywood figures. He is known to speak openly about cinema, creative struggles, and the challenges faced by independent filmmakers.
He occasionally appears in interviews and film discussions, where he emphasizes storytelling integrity and the importance of staying rooted in real experiences.
Personal Life
Zeishan Quadri prefers to keep his personal life private. Limited information is publicly available regarding his family or relationships, as he chooses to focus public attention on his professional work rather than personal matters.
Influence and Legacy
Though not a conventional mainstream celebrity, Zeishan Quadri’s influence on modern Hindi cinema is significant. His contribution to Gangs of Wasseypur alone has left a lasting impact on filmmakers, writers, and audiences.
He is often cited as an example of how authentic storytelling from smaller towns can find national and international recognition when presented with honesty and craft.
Current Work and Future Projects
In recent years, Quadri has continued to explore opportunities across films and digital platforms. With the rise of streaming services, his style of realistic, content-driven cinema has found renewed relevance.
He remains active in the industry as a writer, actor, and creative collaborator, focusing on projects that align with his artistic vision.
Zeishan Quadri, also known as Zeishan Qalim Khan, represents a generation of Indian filmmakers who bridge regional stories with national cinema.
Through his work as a writer, actor, director, and producer, he has contributed meaningfully to the evolution of realistic storytelling in Hindi cinema.
His journey from Dhanbad to the national spotlight underscores the power of authentic narratives and personal experience in shaping impactful cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was he born?
A: He was born on 17 March 1983.
Q: What is the age of Zeishan Quadri?
A: As of 2025, he is 42 years old.
Q: Where was he born?
A: He was born in Wasseypur, Bihar (now in Jharkhand). ((The Times of India))
Q: Why is he famous for?
A: He is known for his role as ‘Definite’ in the popular Hindi film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ in 2012. This was his debut film in acting.
Zeishan Quadri made his debut as a producer with the Hindi film Prague in 2013. He made his directorial debut with the film Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015).
Q: How did he start his career?
A: After completing his graduation, he moved to Delhi, where he worked in a call centre. After working there for around one and a half years, he left the job.
Q: When did Zeishan Quadri start his career in Bollywood?
A: In 2009, he moved to Mumbai and met the film director Anurag Kashyap. However, he met him to show him some of his writing work and not for acting.
Q: What is his film production house named?
A: In 2013, he started his film production company named Friday to Friday Entertainers and Media Pvt. Ltd along with his friend Rohit Khaitan.
Q: Who is Zeishan Quadri’s wife?
A: While he was in Bigg Boss 19 house, during his conversation with a housemate, he shared that he would get married in 2026.
Q: Does he smoke?
A: Yes, on his Instagram account, he has shared a few pictures of him while smoking.
Q: Does he have any pets?
A: Yes, he has two pet dogs.
In 2025, Zeishan Quadri appeared in the popular reality TV show Bigg Boss season 19. To check the complete list of Bigg Boss Season 19 contestants, check out here.
