Mumbai, the city that never sleeps,
Bollywood
an industry made on dreams, but does every sleepless night pay off, or does every dream come true? Sadly, the answer to these questions can’t be in a positive tone. However, there are people who, despite being constantly cornered into the shadow, found their way to the light. Today, we are going to talk about one such star, who debuted opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the 1995 film ‘Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India!’ and played supporting parts in movies like ‘Satya’ and ‘Dil Se,’ yet was miles away from tasting the deserved success and fame.
The man with a strong foundation in acting
The actor we are talking about is Sanjay Mishra, who was born in Darbhanga, Bihar, in 1963, and took acting seriously. In 1989, he received his degree from the esteemed National School of Drama. Despite this training, he primarily had small parts in TV series and ads during his early career. Success didn't come easily, as it did for many struggling Bollywood actors.
Rising success in comedy films
His portrayal of Apple Singh in a Cricket World Cup promotional ad in 1999 marked a significant breakthrough. As a result of the role's popularity with viewers, he gained opportunities in television, most notably with the comedy series ‘Office Office.’ This marked the beginning of his rise to fame in comedic roles, leading to appearances in popular movies like ‘Golmaal, ' ‘Bunty Aur Babli,’ and ‘All the Best.’
Personal loss and life in Rishikesh
Sanjay Mishra experienced a personal tragedy when his father passed away just as his career was taking off. According to Mashable India, he was severely impacted; he decided to take a break from acting and relocate to Rishikesh. He earned Rs. 150 per day washing dishes at a tiny roadside restaurant there. He later revealed that this break gave him clarity and peace.
Journey that inspires many
He eventually came back to Mumbai with a new point of view. With leading parts in independent films like ‘Kaamyaab’ and ‘Vadh,’ as well as supporting parts in popular movies like ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2,’ ‘Cirkus,’ ‘Bhakshak,’ and ‘Bholaa,’ Mishra has demonstrated his versatility as an actor in recent years.
Sanjay Mishra is praised today for his effortless acting and commanding presence on screen. His story serves as a reminder that extraordinary success can result from genuine passion, even in the face of adversity.