Zeishan Qadri, often also spelled Zeeshan Qadri, was born in 1983 in Wasseypur, Dhanbad, a region known for its coal mines and rough socio-political climate. He grew up in a traditional Muslim family as the only son among three children. His father, Syed Imran Quadri, worked as a civil engineer, while his mother managed the household. Being the youngest, Zeishan was a protected child, raised with care and attention. However, his formative years in Wasseypur gave him firsthand exposure to the raw realities of the region — lawlessness, crime, and survival struggles — experiences that would later shape his storytelling style in films. After completing his schooling in Dhanbad, he moved to Meerut to pursue a BBA degree, before shifting to Delhi, where he worked in a call center and later with HCL.
Move to Mumbai & Early Struggles
Despite holding a stable job, Zeishan always felt drawn toward cinema and storytelling. In 2009, he made a life-changing decision to move to Mumbai with no industry contacts or financial backing, but with the dream of making it big in Bollywood. Like many outsiders, his initial days were full of struggles — attending auditions, pitching stories, and networking in an unfamiliar industry. Yet, his determination and belief in his talent pushed him forward. It was during this phase that he began writing the script that would later become his breakthrough project, Gangs of Wasseypur.
Breakthrough with Gangs of Wasseypur
Zeishan’s big break came when filmmaker Anurag Kashyap took interest in his story about the coal mafia of Wasseypur, rooted in his personal experiences of the region. Zeishan not only wrote the story and screenplay for Gangs of Wasseypur but also acted in the sequel, Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2, playing the memorable role of Definite. The films, released in 2012, became cult classics in Indian cinema, earning critical acclaim for their gritty realism, dialogues, and layered characters. Quadri’s authentic voice and intimate knowledge of Wasseypur’s socio-political history brought a unique flavor to the series, establishing him as a powerful writer and a promising actor.
Career as Writer, Actor, and Director
After the massive success of Gangs of Wasseypur, Zeishan Quadri ventured into multiple creative roles in the film industry. As a writer, he worked on projects like Prague, Revolver Rani, Halahal, and Chhalaang. He also acted in films such as Revolver Rani, Hotel Milan, Setters, Bloody Daddy, and Woh Bhi Din The. Expanding his horizons, he turned director with Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015), a dark comedy based on the rise of local gangsters in Meerut. The film was well-received by audiences who appreciated its quirky treatment of crime. In addition to directing, he has produced films, proving his versatility in the industry.
Entry into Bigg Boss 19
In 2025, Zeishan Quadri entered the popular reality show Bigg Boss Season 19 as a contestant. His participation grabbed headlines because it marked a shift from his image as a serious writer and filmmaker to a more mainstream entertainment personality. Speaking before entering the house, Zeishan said that his motto was to stay “bebaak” (fearless and outspoken), a trait that has defined his career so far. He compared his early life in Wasseypur to “living in a jungle” and claimed that the Bigg Boss house would actually feel more civilized than his upbringing. His entry into the show brought him closer to a wider audience who knew him more for his films than his real personality.
Controversies
Like many public figures, Zeishan Quadri’s career has not been free of controversies. In 2022, he faced legal trouble when producer Shalini Choudhary filed an FIR against him, alleging that he had borrowed her Audi A6 luxury car and later sold or mortgaged it without her permission. Around the same time, another producer, Jatin Sethi, accused him of cheating in connection with a web series deal worth approximately Rs. 1.25 crore. These cases dented his public image, although Zeishan maintained his innocence. While controversies put him in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, they also highlighted the challenges and complexities of navigating Bollywood’s competitive environment.
Style & Outlook
Zeishan Quadri is admired for his raw storytelling style, inspired by his lived experiences in Wasseypur. His characters are gritty, flawed, and deeply human, reflecting the harsh realities of small-town India. Unlike many writers who romanticize crime, Quadri portrays it with authenticity, avoiding exaggeration. In interviews, he has often stated that he believes in speaking the truth and being fearless, even if it comes at a personal cost. His honesty and unfiltered perspective have earned him both admirers and critics.
Personal Life
Despite being in the limelight, Zeishan Quadri has kept his personal life relatively private. Raised in a conservative household, he often credits his family for keeping him grounded despite his fame. He is the only son, with two elder sisters, and maintains a close bond with his family. As of now, he has not publicly disclosed details about his marital status or relationships. Instead, he remains focused on his professional pursuits and continues to explore opportunities in films, digital media, and television.
Legacy & Net Worth
From a small-town boy with no connections to a name associated with one of India’s most iconic films, Zeishan Quadri’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. His estimated net worth is reported to be in the range of Rs. 15–20 crore, earned through his work as a writer, actor, producer, and director. Beyond financial success, his real legacy lies in how he brought the raw stories of Wasseypur to the national stage, forever changing the way crime dramas are written in Indian cinema.
