Agu Stanley Chiedozie, known online as Istanboss, arrived in India from Lagos seven years ago as a student. He fell in love with Bollywood through 'Gangs of Wasseypur' and built a million-follower Instagram empire with his Hindi fluency, humor, and cultural insight. Now, he is making his mainstream Bollywood debut in Anurag Kashyap's crime thriller 'Bandar', releasing worldwide on June 5, 2025. In a recent interview, Stanley discussed working with Kashyap, lessons from Bobby Deol, and why this moment feels like a full circle.
Who is Istanboss? The Nigerian Student Who Became a Top Content Creator in India
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Agu Stanley Chiedozie came to India in 2019 as a student. Like many newcomers navigating an unfamiliar culture, he turned to cinema as a bridge. Hindi films became his classroom, his community, and eventually his career. Standing at 6'5" and now fluent in Hindi, Marathi, Bhojpuri, and Gujarati, Stanley built a massive digital following under the handle Istanboss. His content focuses on language, culture, and everyday Indian life, resonating with audiences nationwide and earning him nearly one million Instagram followers. He is now one of the most recognizable foreign content creators in India's digital landscape.
How Did 'Gangs of Wasseypur' Change Everything for Istanboss?
Stanley's Bollywood journey began with a single film and its director. He told NDTV, "Watching 'Gangs of Wasseypur' and enjoying it, I found Anurag Kashyap to be one of the reasons I am who I am today." He added, "Imagine, if I didn't like the first Hindi movie I ever watched, I would not have watched it anymore. But I liked that film, so I watched more, and my Hindi improved."
Stanley Opens Up About Anurag Kashyap: 'Bahut Chill Aadmi Hai'
For most newcomers, working with one of Hindi cinema's most formidable auteurs might be daunting. Stanley found something different. "Working with him was like a full-circle moment for me," he said. He described Kashyap as a very fun person. "Bahut chill aadmi hai. He is not strict. Straight to the point, he'll tell you whatever the problem is." Stanley recalled first meeting Kashyap at his home after half of 'Bandar' was already shot. Their subsequent ten days on set left a lasting impression. "I feel like I've known him for a long time. It was a very, very chill interaction. I would always love to work with him again," he said.
What Istanboss Learned from Watching Bobby Deol on Set
If working with Kashyap was the dream, sharing screen space with Bobby Deol turned out to be a masterclass. Stanley praised Deol's performance: "I'm looking forward to you guys seeing what Bobby Deol has pulled off in this movie. He has that goon vibe. He's a hard guy. When you see what Bobby Deol has done in this movie, it's flabbergasting." Beyond the spectacle, Stanley absorbed fundamental lessons about acting. "He cried for a scene, and watching Bobby Deol cry, I'm like, okay, now I know he should be open to different kinds of characters. You should see yourself in such a way that you can always show up in whatever character you're given. That's something I took back home after working with Bobby Deol," Stanley stated.
What's Next for Istanboss?
'Bandar' is only the beginning. Stanley is also set to appear in veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's upcoming Telugu musical fantasy 'Sing Geetham' and has multiple other Hindi and regional projects in development.
More About 'Bandar'
Directed by Anurag Kashyap and internationally titled 'Monkey in a Cage', 'Bandar' releases in cinemas worldwide on June 5, 2025. The film had its world premiere in the Special Presentations section at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it generated significant critical buzz. The story centers on Samar, a fading television star played by Bobby Deol, whose life unravels after his former partner accuses him of rape. Navigating a legal system stacked against him, the film is an unflinching examination of power, public perception, justice, and institutional failure, inspired by real events. The ensemble cast includes Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Sapna Pabbi, Raj B. Shetty, Jitendra Joshi, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Riddhi Sen.
About the Author: The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic team of journalists working to bring the pulse of the entertainment world to readers of The Times of India. They cover Bollywood to Hollywood, providing scoops and insider insights, and explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.
