Commenting on the ongoing intolerance debate, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap says intolerance has "always existed" in the nation, adding that freedom of expression is an illusion.

"Intolerance has always been there. We don't have freedom of expression. It is something we have to live with, do our own bit and fight and refuse to participate. I hope it silences," Kashyap said on the sidelines of Film Bazaar here.

A debate on intolerance erupted over a number of issues like cancellation of Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali's concert in Mumbai, protest by FTII students against the appointment of actor and BJP member Gajendra Chauhan, the award wapsi movement by several filmmakers to raise voice against impediments to freedom of speech and expression.

The discussion gained momentum after superstar Shah Rukh Khan was termed as a "Pakistani agent" for expressing views on "extreme intolerance".

Kashyap, known for "Gangs Of Wasseypur" and "Black Friday", feels intolerance depends on who feels empowered.

He said: "The kind of thing happenings across the country have been in the country for long.

"When we talk of intolerance it depends on who is empowered like there may be people who think that they might dislike something but cannot do anything about it and there can be people who feel when empowered they can do something about it. And that is the difference right now many elements feel empowered".

And he says it is very scary.