Dhondu, “Just Chill!”

Remember Apple Singh? He was an essential part of every significant Indian match during the 1999 Cricket World Cup. His autographs were prized wherever he went and he was just as famous as any other famous cricketer.

Check out the story behind this. In a television advertisement, National School of Drama alumnus Sanjay Mishra played an apple vendor who was trying to teach Kumble the fundamentals of bowling. The ESPN-Star Sports executives were so moved by the advertisement that they hired him to play Apple Singh.

Mishra then returned in a new avatar. He was Dhartipakad Singh on Sahara Samay, the host of a pre-election programme with a mission to question, counsel, and assess the chances of candidates in the race in states which had elections.

“It’s an attempt to bring politicians closer to people. We are emphasising on the lighter questions that are not asked by serious journalist. The show breaks the mould and gives viewers more than just politicians and their boring speeches,” says Mishra.

He is a self-made actor continuously striving for:

“बड़ा सोचोगे, फिर बड़ा बनोगे“

His transformation from “Office Office” to “Total Dhammal” provided his fellow actors a fresh and amazing image, or perhaps he gained respect for being the supporting actor. Although no one is aware of his struggle, it was worthwhile.

Mishra describes the moment his father died. He was so heartbroken that he was unable to return to Mumbai. He went to Rishikesh to work in a dhaba preparing omelettes because he needed some alone time.

“The dhaba’s owner, a Sardar, did not recognise me. But whenever others saw me, customers would inquire, गोलमाल में आप ही थे ना? They would then want a photo with me.”

Comedy has always saved Mishra when tragedy hit. He debuted in “O Darling Yeh Hai India” as a supporting role. As Mishra didn’t resemble a hero, a villain, or even a comic, he didn’t fit in. He tried television “Chanakya” and “Office Office” which was appreciated. His strange face started to look familiar. “Satya”, “Dil Se”, “Bunty Aur Babli”, “Golmaal”, “All the Best” and “Phas Gaye Re Obama” were among the films in which he got noticed.

When Rajat Kapoor’s 2013 film “Ankhon Dekhi” cast Mishra in the lead character as the grumpy Bauji, Mishra received the much-needed break which he desperately needed. He received the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for that film.

In contrast to his comedic acts, “Ankhon Dekhi” transformed Mishra into a melancholy character that the actor could more easily relate to. Mishra portrays a fussy old man who, following a sad event, reconsiders his relationship with his daughter in “Masaan”. In a crucial sequence, Mishra’s reaction to learning that his daughter is in trouble and that there is nothing he can do to help changes from wrath to regret in a matter of minutes. Mishra gives his role a calm dignity and communicates a lot subtly.

Everyone today aspires to be an actor in order to experience Bollywood’s fame, love, and recognition. However, they are always hesitant to play supporting roles. They disregard their desire to become artists and instead associate it with taking the lead.

Without Mishraji, watching certain films and web series feels so deficient. He demonstrated that one should work hard before “Dhondu, just chill” in addition to becoming the best actor.

“हर कहानी का हीरो शाहरुख खान नहीं होता है…
कभी–कभी आपकी तरह, मेरी तरह, एक आम इंसान भी होता है…
अपनी कहानी का हीरो”