Sanjay Mishra

06 Oct, 1963 | Varanasi

Actor/Lyricst

Biography

Sanjay Mishra, born on October 6, 1963, in Darbhanga, Bihar, is one of India’s most respected and versatile actors, known for seamlessly balancing comedy and intense drama across films and television. With a career spanning decades, he has earned widespread acclaim for his natural acting style and has won the prestigious Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor twice—for Ankhon Dekhi (2015) and Vadh (2022). Early Life and Education Sanjay Mishra was born into a middle-class family, with his father, Shambhu Nath Mishra, working as a journalist for the Press Information Bureau. His early academic life was challenging, as he struggled within the rigid school system, failing his Class 10 exams twice and even running away from home at one point. He later moved to Varanasi, where he completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, BHU Campus. Discovering his passion for acting, he joined the National School of Drama (NSD), where he excelled, topping the entrance exam and graduating in 1989. Career Beginnings and Struggles After graduating, Mishra faced several years of hardship, dealing with rejections and surviving through odd jobs. He made small appearances early on, including a role in the television series Chanakya (1991). His film debut came with Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India! (1995), followed by minor roles in films like Satya and Dil Se.. , gradually building his presence in the industry. Television Fame and Comic Success Mishra rose to household fame with his role as the corrupt, paan-loving Shukla in the hit sitcom Office Office , which established him as a brilliant comic actor. He went on to become a staple in Bollywood comedies, especially with memorable performances in Golmaal films directed by Rohit Shetty, where his quirky characters became widely loved and meme-worthy. Transition to Serious Cinema In the 2010s, Sanjay Mishra reinvented himself as a powerful performer in parallel and content-driven cinema. His role as Bauji in Ankhon Dekhi (2014) earned universal praise for its philosophical depth and realism. He further impressed audiences with his nuanced performance in Masaan (2015). In Vadh (2022), he portrayed a morally complex character, delivering a gripping performance that won him his second Filmfare Critics Award. He also received appreciation for his supporting role in Bhakshak , where his understated acting added depth to a socially relevant narrative. Personal Life Sanjay Mishra’s personal journey has been equally eventful. During the late 2000s, he faced a life-threatening health crisis due to a severe stomach infection, which required the removal of 15 liters of pus—an experience that profoundly changed his outlook on life. He was first married to actress Roshni Achreja, and after their separation, he married Kiran Mishra in 2009. He is a father to two daughters, Pal Mishra and Lamha Mishra.