Zeishan Quadri
| Zeishan Quadri | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 18 March 1983 Wasseypur, Dhanbad, Bihar (now in Jharkhand), India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Meerut |
| Occupation | Writer, Actor, Director, Producer |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Known for | Gangs of Wasseypur, Meeruthiya Gangsters |
| Parents | Syed Imran Quadri |
| Religion | Islam |
Zeishan Quadri (born 18 March 1983) is an Indian writer, actor, director, and producer best known for co-writing and starring in Gangs of Wasseypur. Known for his raw storytelling, fearless creativity, and mastery in depicting India’s underworld, he has become one of Bollywood’s most respected contemporary storytellers. He is also the director of Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015) and a prominent personality in India’s OTT entertainment space. In 2025, Zeishan gained renewed fame as a contestant on Bigg Boss Season 19, where he showcased his grounded personality and sharp intellect.[1]
Early Life & Education
Zeishan Quadri was born on 18 March 1983 in Wasseypur, Dhanbad, Bihar (now in Jharkhand), India. His father, Syed Imran Quadri, was a civil engineer. The youngest of three siblings, Zeishan grew up in a middle-class household with a fascination for stories, cinema, and human psychology.
He completed his schooling at De Nobili School, FRI, Dhanbad, and pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. After graduation, he moved to Delhi, where he briefly worked in call centers and at HCL Technologies. However, his corporate career failed to satisfy his creative aspirations, prompting him to move to Mumbai in 2009 to pursue filmmaking.[2]
Career
Breakthrough with Gangs of Wasseypur
Zeishan’s big break came when he met filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and narrated a story based on the coal mafia of Wasseypur. Impressed by his authentic storytelling, Kashyap collaborated with him on Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). Zeishan co-wrote the screenplay and played the memorable role of Definite in Part 2 of the film. His performance and writing received widespread acclaim, and the film went on to become a modern cult classic in Indian cinema.[3]
Direction and Production
In 2015, Zeishan made his directorial debut with Meeruthiya Gangsters, inspired by true events. The film explored the lives of small-town gangsters and their transition from ordinary youth to criminals. His direction was appreciated for its realism and dark humor, earning him recognition as an emerging director.
Following his directorial debut, Zeishan worked as a writer and producer on multiple projects including:
- Halahal (2020) – Producer
- Chhalaang (2020) – Story contributor
- Woh Bhi Din The (2024) – Actor
- Bloody Daddy (2023) – Supporting role
- Revolver Rani (2014) – Actor
Expansion into OTT Platforms
Zeishan successfully transitioned to the digital entertainment space with impactful roles and stories in:
- Bicchoo Ka Khel (2020, ZEE5) – Actor
- Your Honor 2 (2021, SonyLIV) – Noted for his strong supporting role
His realistic performances and authentic dialogue delivery have helped him gain credibility in both cinema and OTT.
Bigg Boss Season 19 (2025)
In 2025, Zeishan Quadri joined the cast of Bigg Boss Season 19. His sharp wit, balanced temperament, and honest storytelling made him one of the most respected and admired contestants of the season. His participation also introduced his life story to a new generation of viewers unfamiliar with his early work in Gangs of Wasseypur.
Notable Works
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) – Writer, Actor (Definite)
- Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015) – Director, Writer
- Halahal (2020) – Producer
- Chhalaang (2020) – Writer
- Bloody Daddy (2023) – Actor
- Woh Bhi Din The (2024) – Actor
- Your Honor 2 (2021) – Web Series
- Bicchoo Ka Khel (2020) – Web Series
- Bigg Boss 19 (2025) – Reality Show
Achievements and Recognition
- Co-writer of the cult classic Gangs of Wasseypur, widely regarded as one of India’s greatest crime sagas.
- Directed Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015), appreciated for its realistic depiction of small-town crime.
- Successfully transitioned into OTT with impactful performances in Your Honor 2 and Bicchoo Ka Khel.
- Featured in Bigg Boss 19 (2025), expanding his national recognition.
- Credited with popularizing the “Wasseypur storytelling style” in Indian cinema.
Personal Life
Zeishan Quadri resides in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He remains private about his personal relationships but is known to maintain close ties with his family in Dhanbad. A passionate advocate for storytelling from small-town India, he often mentors aspiring writers and filmmakers through workshops and masterclasses.
External Links
See also
References
- ↑ https://www.indiaforums.com/article/who-is-zeishan-quadri-from-gangs-of-wasseypur-to-bigg-boss-19-as-a-contestant_226235
- ↑ https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/zeishan-quadri/biography.html
- ↑ https://www.businessupturn.com/entertainment/television/bigg-boss/bigg-boss-19-contestant-zeishan-quadri-wiki-age-family-biography-career-personal-life-and-more/