Renowned actor, singer, lyricist, playwright, musician, and screenwriter, Piyush Mishra is a multifaceted artist renowned for his exemplary work in both theatre and films. Piyush Mishra is also known for his quirky and unapologetic outlook and his outspoken nature, which made him a one-of-a-kind personality, adored by his fans.
Early Life
Piyush Mishra, born Priyakant Sharma on January 13, 1963, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. His father’s eldest sister Taradevi Mishra adopted him, as she had no children. Piyush’s early education took place at Carmel Convent School and JC Mills Higher Secondary School in Gwalior. Despite his family’s hopes for him to excel academically, Piyush was drawn to extracurricular activities like singing, painting, and acting. His rebellious streak and passion for the arts led him to write his first poem, “Zinda ho haan tum koi shak nahin,” while in the eighth grade.
Piyush Mishra in NSD
Piyush was interested in performing arts from an early age. While still in Gawalior, he had already started doing theatre at places like Kala Mandir and Rangshri Little Ballet Troupe. In 1983, he took the entrance test for the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, not with a particular desire to study but to escape Gwalior. He graduated from NSD in 1986. It was during his NSD days he composed his first music score for a student play, “Mashreeki Hoor.” He also played the title role in “Hamlet” under the direction of German director Fritz Bennewitz.
Soon after he graduated from NSD, he was offered the role of Prem in Rajshri Productions’ “Maine Pyar Kiya.” He declined the offer, choosing theatre over films. The film goes on to be a blockbuster, making Salman Khan a superstar.
Piyush Mishra On Stage
Piyush Mishra’s theatre career began in earnest after graduating from NSD. He worked as a theatre director, actor, lyricist, and singer in Delhi. He helped director N.K. Sharma start the theatre group “Act One” in 1990. Other members of Act One were future greats like Manoj Bajpai, Gajraj Rao, and Ashish Vidyarthi. This collaboration led to the creation of several memorable plays and established Piyush as a prominent figure in the Delhi theatre scene.
He later joined the Asmita Theatre Group in 1996. Piyush’s one-man shows, such as “An Evening with Piyush Mishra,” and his lyrics for Asmita’s popular plays earned him widespread acclaim.
Some of his notable plays where he acted include Dilli Teri Baat Nirali, Men Without Shadows, Abu Hassan, Evam Inderjit, Aadhe Adhoore, Lehron Ke Rajhans, Aashaadh Ka Ek Din, Nekrassov, Man Equals Man, Abhigyaan Shakuntala, End Game, Arsenic & the Old Lace, Court Martial, Duvidha, An Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and many more.
In his long and illustrious theatre career, he apeared, wrote, directed, and gave music to many iconic plays. Some of his famous plays include Humare Daur Mein, Jab Shehar Humara Sota Hai, Mahakund Ka Mahadaan, Aane Bhi Do Yaaro, Jheeni Jheeni Mehki Mehki Seeli Seeli, Whatever Happened to Betty Lemon, and many more.
“Gagan Damama Bajiyo,” based on the life of revolutionary Bhagat Singh, is one of Piyush’s most acclaimed works. The play’s title translates to “The Sky Resounds with the Call to Arms,” reflecting the revolutionary spirit of Bhagat Singh.
On TV
In his early career, he also actedon in television satarting from Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj (1988). He also acted in horror TV serial, Kile Ka Rahasya (1989), but soon returned to do full-time theatre.
One of his most famous musical plays, was Suno Re Qissa (1991), directed by Barry John. He wrote and performed in the the play, was broadcasted on Doordarshan. The musical starred many prominent actors like Deepika Amin, Manoj Bajpayee, Divya Seth, Radhika Kapoor, Loveleen Mishra, Amar Talwar, and Sameena Zaidi.
Film Debut
He made his debut as a film actor with Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se… in 1998. Mishra’s next was Vishal Bharadwaj’s Maqbool, where he acted along side Irrfan, Tabu, Pankaj Kapoor, Ompuri and Naseeruddin Shah. He also acted in Manish Jha’s Matrubhoomi, Anant Balani’s Ek Din 24 Ghante, Abhishek Sharma’s Tere Bin Laden, and Amrit Sagar’s 1971.
In 2009, Piyush played Prithvi Bana in the political drama “Gulaal” directed by Anurag Kashyap. It was one of cinema history’s most powerful and poignant performances. He also gave music to the film and wrote the lyrics. Film had iconic songs like “Aarambh Hai Prachand,” “Jab Shahar Hamara Sota Hai,” “Duniya,” and “Yara Maula.”
Anurag Kashyap cast Piyush as Nasir Ahmed in the epic crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). In the film he also sang few songs including the fan favourite Ik Bagal, Aarambh Hai Prachand and Aabroo. He got immense crtical acclaim for his performance in the film. Some of his other notable films include That Girl in Yellow Boots (2011), Rockstar (2011), The Shaukeens (2014), Tamasha (2015), Pink (2016), Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016), Sanju (2018), and many more. He also did web series like Illegal (2020), JL50 (2020), Matsya Kaand (2021), Illegal 2 (2021), and Salt City (2022).
Piyush Mishra The Multifaced Talent
Piyush first wrote the dialogues for “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” in 2002. It was appreciated for its authentic and grounded portrayal of one of the most crucial parts of Indian history. He then wrote dialogues for Yahaan (2005, also the screenplay), 1971 (2007), Ghajini (2008), Lahore (2010, screenplay), Chittagong (2011), Agneepath (2012), and Shamshera (2022).
As a film lyricist and singer, he made a mark with his unique lingo and quirky tunes. He was first noticed for his songs “Arre Ruk Ja Re Bandeh in Black Friday (2004),” composed by Indian Ocean. He then wrote songs for “Aaja Nachle,” “Tashan,” “Chal Chalein,” “Gulaal,” Lahore, Gangs of Wasseypur, Arjun The Warrior Prince, Sameer, 7 Din Mohabbat In, Shamshera, and Sheeshmahal. Some of his famous songs include “Aaja Nachle,” “Soniye Mil Ja,” “Is Pal,” “Koi Patthar Se Na Maare,” “Dil Haara,” “Tashan Main,” “Shehar Hai Khoob Kya Hai,” “Jhoom Jhoom So Ja,” “O Re Bande,” “Keh Ke Lunga,” “Manva,” and many more.
One of his most famous song was Husna in MTV Coke Studio (2012).
Personal Life
Piyush Mishra married Priya Narayanan in 1995, and the couple has two sons, Josh and Jai.
Mishra’s raw, authentic expression has earned him a distinct & unique place in the Indian entertainment landscape. More recently he is touring with his music project Ballimaaraan: The Piyush Mishra Project. Through this venture, he is doing what he loves most, connecting with audience on a personal level.
Piyush Mishra on IMDB
