Zeishan Quadri story is one that perfectly encapsulates the journey of an ambitious dreamer who transformed his lived realities into cinematic masterpieces.
Born in the heart of Wasseypur, an area known across India for its coal mines, mafia rivalries, and violent history, Quadri grew up surrounded by the raw essence of survival.
Instead of being consumed by that darkness, he chose to use it as inspiration, ultimately turning into one of Bollywood’s most impactful storytellers.
He rose to fame after co-writing and acting in Anurag Kashyap’s cult classic Gangs of Wasseypur, a film that redefined crime sagas in India. From there, he expanded his creative portfolio as an actor, director, producer, and writer.
His works often carry a flavor of realism and unfiltered grit, bringing the voices of small-town India into mainstream cinema. In 2025, Quadri once again stepped into the limelight by joining the reality TV phenomenon Bigg Boss 19.
His presence inside the house was marked by authenticity, unflinching opinions, and the same raw honesty that made him a force to reckon with in cinema.
His journey from Wasseypur to Mumbai, from a call-center employee to a celebrated filmmaker, is a narrative of resilience, risk-taking, and relentless passion.
Who is Zeishan Quadri?
Zeishan Quadri is an Indian writer, actor, director, and producer born in 17 March 1983 in Wasseypur, Dhanbad, Jharkhand (then part of Bihar). He is widely celebrated for being the co-writer of Gangs of Wasseypur, one of the most iconic Indian films of the 21st century, directed by Anurag Kashyap.
Beyond writing, Quadri also acted in the film as the memorable character “Definite,” cementing his presence both behind and in front of the camera.
Over time, he became known as a storyteller with a unique voice — someone unafraid to tackle dark themes, crime, and socio-political realities through cinema.
His directorial debut Meeruthiya Gangsters further proved his knack for capturing the life and psyche of small-town India. Apart from cinema, he has also appeared in several acting projects and gradually transitioned into production.
In 2025, Quadri’s name reached mass audiences again through his participation in Bigg Boss 19. His journey on the reality show attracted both media attention and audience admiration.
His bold statements and candid approach set him apart as one of the most talked-about contestants. Today, Quadri is not only a filmmaker but also a cultural voice for stories born out of forgotten towns and neighborhoods.
Zeishan Quadri Family and Relationship
Zeishan Quadri hails from a middle-class Muslim family that valued discipline, education, and integrity despite living in a region notorious for crime and gang warfare.
His father, Syed Imran Quadri, was a civil engineer by profession. As the breadwinner, he ensured his children were provided with a stable upbringing and good schooling opportunities.
His mother’s name has not been publicly disclosed, but she played an essential role as a homemaker, providing emotional support and encouraging Zeishan’s artistic leanings.
Zeishan is the youngest child of the family and grew up alongside two elder sisters, both of whom live private lives away from the media glare. Being the youngest, he often absorbed stories and observations around him with curiosity, which later contributed to his creative vision.
In terms of relationships, Quadri has remained relatively private. Unlike many celebrities who make headlines with their personal lives, he has chosen to keep his romantic relationships out of the public eye.
His focus has largely remained on his career and creative pursuits, which perhaps explains his grounded approach to fame.
Zeishan Quadri Education
Quadri’s educational journey reflects the aspirations of many middle-class Indian families. He completed his early schooling in Dhanbad before moving on to pursue higher education.
With a natural inclination toward arts and humanities, he went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. During his academic years, he developed an interest in storytelling and narratives, although filmmaking was not an immediate career choice.
After graduation, he relocated to Delhi in search of stable employment. There, he worked in a call center and later secured a job at HCL Technologies.
While these roles provided financial security, Quadri felt creatively unfulfilled. The monotony of corporate life did not align with his natural curiosity and desire to create.
By 2009, after saving some money and gathering courage, he made a bold move relocating to Mumbai to pursue his passion for cinema. This decision marked the turning point in his life, paving the way for his eventual breakthrough.
Zeishan Quadri Career
Zeishan Quadri’s career is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of authentic storytelling.
Early Breakthrough: Gangs of Wasseypur
After moving to Mumbai, Quadri started approaching filmmakers with his story ideas. His persistence paid off when he connected with Anurag Kashyap.
Quadri pitched the story of Gangs of Wasseypur, rooted in his firsthand observations of Wasseypur’s violent history. Kashyap recognized its potential, leading to a collaboration that would change both their lives.
Quadri co-wrote the screenplay and acted as “Definite” in Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2. The film’s success catapulted him to fame, establishing him as both a writer and actor to watch out for.
Venturing into Direction and Production
In 2015, Quadri made his directorial debut with Meeruthiya Gangsters, a film inspired by real events. The project highlighted his ability to helm a story independently and reinforced his reputation as a filmmaker who thrives on realism.
Over the years, he also ventured into production and writing, adding versatility to his portfolio.
Other Works
Quadri’s writing and production credits include films like Halahal (2020) and Chhalaang (2020). As an actor, he appeared in projects such as Revolver Rani, Banana, Badlapur, Bloody Daddy (2023), and Woh Bhi Din The (2024). Each role reflected his commitment to experimental and diverse storytelling.
Bigg Boss 19 (2025)
In 2025, Quadri entered Bigg Boss 19, one of India’s most watched reality shows hosted by Salman Khan. His arrival created a buzz, largely because of his outspoken personality and reputation as a no-nonsense individual.
On the premiere, he made a bold statement comparing the Bigg Boss house to his hometown, saying, “I was born in a jungle… this is quiet.”
The remark showcased his fearless candor and hinted at the unfiltered authenticity he would bring to the season. His participation expanded his fan base, introducing him to audiences beyond the film industry.
Zeishan Quadri Physical Appearance
Zeishan Quadri carries the charm of an everyman, which makes his on-screen presence relatable and impactful. He stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 8 inches and weighs around 70 kilograms.
He has black hair, usually kept short, and sharp dark brown eyes that reflect intensity and depth. His physique is average but well-maintained, complementing his versatile roles as an actor.
Unlike conventional Bollywood stars who focus heavily on glamour, Quadri embraces a rugged, grounded appearance that resonates with his roots. His authenticity in looks mirrors his cinematic choices real, unpolished, and striking in their honesty.
Zeishan Quadri Net Worth
Zeishan Quadri estimated net worth is around $2 million to $3 million USD (₹16–25 crore INR). His income sources include screenwriting, acting, directing, and producing films.
With projects like Gangs of Wasseypur, Meeruthiya Gangsters, and his production ventures, he has established a steady financial standing. His participation in Bigg Boss 19 also contributed significantly to his earnings and mainstream visibility.
Quadri is not someone known for extravagant displays of wealth. Instead, his investments reflect stability and growth, ensuring his family’s security and his ability to back creative projects in the future.
Zeishan Quadri Conclusion
Zeishan Quadri journey from the dusty streets of Wasseypur to the glittering world of Bollywood exemplifies determination, resilience, and creativity.
By converting his early experiences in a crime-ridden region into cinematic gold, he has carved a space for himself as one of the most original voices in Indian cinema.
His works remind audiences that authentic stories rooted in reality can often outshine grand fictional spectacles. Through writing, acting, directing, and producing, he has built a multi-faceted career that continues to evolve.
His entry into Bigg Boss 19 in 2025 further proved his relevance and ability to adapt to changing entertainment landscapes. Above all, Quadri remains a storyteller deeply connected to his roots a small-town boy who dared to dream big and continues to inspire countless others to follow their passion fearlessly.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Zeishan Quadri |
| Nick Name | Zeishan |
| Date of Birth | 17 March 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years [As of 2025] |
| Birthplace | Wasseypur, Bihar (Now in Jharkhand) |
| Gender | Male |
| Currently, Live In | Wasseypur, Bihar |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Pisces |
| Years Active | 2012-Present |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Producer, Writer |
| Net Worth (approx.) | $2 million to $3 million USD (₹16–25 crore INR) |
| Hobbies | Watching Films and Dance |
| Favourite Clothing Brands | Calvin Klein and Levi Strauss & Co. |
| Favourite Gadgets | Smartphone, Digital Camera, Laptop, and Smart Watch |
| Food Habit | Non-Vegetarian |
| School/High School | N/A |
| College/University | N/A |
| Education Qualification | Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) |
Family & Relationship
| Parents | Mother:- Name Not Known Father:- Name Not Known |
| Siblings | Sister:- 1 Brother:- 1 |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Affairs/Girlfriends | Not Available |
| Wife/Spouse | Not Available |
| Children | None |
Physical Appearances
| Height | in centimeters:- 173 cm in meters:- 1.73 m in feet inches:- 5’ 8” |
| Weight | in kilograms:- 70 kg in pounds:- 154 lbs |
| Body Measurements (approx.) | Chest: 40 inches Waist: 31 inches Biceps: 14 inches |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | No |
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