Sanjay Mishra

Biography:

Sanjay Mishra, born on October 6, 1963, is an accomplished Indian actor renowned for his contributions primarily to Hindi cinema and television, with occasional appearances in Telugu cinema as well. His exceptional acting skills have earned him the prestigious Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor on two occasions, recognized for his outstanding performances in the films “Ankhon Dekhi” (2015) and “Vadh” (2022). Additionally, he has received numerous other awards and nominations in his illustrious career.

A graduate of the National School of Drama, Sanjay Mishra embarked on his acting journey with his debut role in the 1995 film “Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India!” He continued to make his mark in the industry with notable films like “Rajkumar” (1996) and “Satya” (1998). In a unique twist, he also portrayed Apple Singh, an “icon” during the 1999 Cricket World Cup as part of ESPN Star Sports’ coverage. His versatility shines through in both dramatic and comedic roles within the film industry.

Sanjay Mishra was born in Darbhanga, Sakri, Narayanpur, Bihar, to parents deeply involved in music and civil service. Following his father’s transfer, he relocated to Varanasi and pursued his education at Kendriya Vidyalaya BHU. His formal training in acting culminated with his graduation from the National School of Drama in 1989.

Before gaining recognition, Mishra took on various commercials and minor movie roles. He even had the opportunity to share the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in a Mirinda commercial. His early experiences in television were marked by challenges, such as reportedly requiring 28 takes on his first day of shooting for the television series “Chanakya” in 1991. His debut film appearance was in “Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India!” in 1995, where he played a small role as a harmonium player.

Subsequently, Mishra made significant contributions to films such as “Satya” and “Dil Se..,” which eventually led to his role as Shukla, a corrupt and paan-loving employee, in the popular television sitcom “Office Office.” In the following years, he primarily focused on television serials before transitioning to an exclusive film career. He bid farewell to television serials in 2005 after gaining recognition for his roles in “Bunty Aur Babli” and “Apna Sapna Money Money.”

While Sanjay Mishra is well-known for his comedic roles, he has also portrayed more serious characters in films like “Zameen,” “Charas,” “Plan,” and “Satya.”

In 2006, Mishra achieved widespread acclaim for back-to-back hit films, “Golmaal: Fun Unlimited” and “Dhamaal.” He continued to appear in minor roles in numerous big-budget multi-starrer films before gaining nationwide recognition for his roles in “All the Best: Fun Begins” and “Phas Gaye Re Obama.” “Phas Gaye Re Obama” was a notable comedic take on the recession. Mishra also ventured into directing, with films like “Pranaam Walekum” (released in January 2016) and “Dhama Choukdhi,” which featured Dipraj Rana and model Rozlyn Khan. Besides his work in the Hindi film industry, he has acted in Bhojpuri cinema, with “Rang Li Chunariya Tere Naam” being his sole Bhojpuri release to date.

In 2014, he played a critically acclaimed role as the male protagonist in the film “Ankhon Dekhi,” directed by Rajat Kapoor. For his portrayal of Bauji, the film’s protagonist, Mishra received the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. His catchphrase, “Dhondu, Just Chill,” and his impeccable comic timing in “All the Best” catapulted him to nationwide recognition. “Ankhon Dekhi” showcased his ability as a serious actor. Films such as “Bhoothnath Returns,” “Kick,” and “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” garnered positive reviews. In 2013, he also played a leading role in the film “Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga.” His filmography encompasses not only Hindi cinema but also Telugu, Bhojpuri, and Punjabi films.

Sanjay Mishra’s performances in “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” “Dilwale,” and several smaller budget films released in 2015 earned him accolades. During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, he appeared in a commercial titled “Mauka Mauka.”

In 2017, Mishra starred in “Mangal Ho,” “Golmaal Again,” and “Newton.” He played the lead role in the 2017 Hindi-language movie “Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain,” which explores the love story of a mature couple.