Veteran actor Sanjay Mishra is set to take on the powerful role of Nana Phadnavis, a key figure during the Peshwa era, in the Hindi adaptation of the iconic Marathi play Ghasiram Kotwal. Directed by Abhijit Panse and Bhalachandra Kubal, the play is scheduled to premiere on August 14, 2025, and is produced by Aakankssha Omkaar Maali and Anita Palande.
In a candid chat with FPJ Showbiz ahead of the premiere, Mishra opened up about his return to theatre after years of film work. "Theatre wali zindagi fir se jee rahe hai," he said with a nostalgic smile.
"We sit on the floor for hours, watching each other's performances. Everyone is eating vada pav, sipping chai...there's a raw joy in it. In films, once a shot is done, actors disappear into their vanity vans. There are hierarchies, egos. But in theatre, everyone is equal, everyone is together."
When asked about the difference he experiences between cinema and theatre as an actor, Mishra responded, "Films are very technical. Bahot saare lenses hote hai jo aapke haav bhaav ko audience tak pahucha dete hai. Natak mein sirf aap hote hai. Aap nihatte ho, ek ek audience tak aapko baat pahuchani hai."
Theatre, for him, is a return to purity - where the actor's craft alone must hold the audience's attention without the cushion of technology or post-production. "After doing Ghasiram Kotwal, I feel like I want to do more theatre now. I'm starting to enjoy this phase again. I'll continue doing this," he added.
Mishra, known for his stellar work in films like Masaan, Ankhon Dekhi, and Vadh, began his artistic journey on stage. A graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD), he spent his early years immersed in the world of plays and live performances. Now, with Ghasiram Kotwal, he has come full circle, rediscovering his roots and embracing the intimacy and immediacy that only theatre can offer.
