Mumbai’s theater and film circles are buzzing with nostalgia as Sanjay Mishra, the versatile actor known for his unforgettable performances, opened up about his time at the National School of Drama (NSD). During a promotional visit to the prestigious institution alongside Neena Gupta and Kumud Mishra for their upcoming film ‘Vadh 2’, Sanjay became visibly emotional while reminiscing about the late Irrfan Khan.
All three actors are proud alumni of NSD, where they honed their craft. Sanjay shared profound insights into his learning journey, emphasizing that much of his education came not from textbooks or classrooms, but from observing senior artists. ‘I learned most by watching seniors like Irrfan Bhai,’ he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
He described Irrfan’s acting prowess as so natural and immersive that it often felt like the performance hadn’t even begun—it was simply life unfolding on stage. ‘You’d watch him and wonder when the acting would start because it was that seamless,’ Sanjay recalled. This level of mastery, he added, was a lesson in itself, one absorbed through keen observation.
Sanjay also paid tribute to other mentors like Veerendra Saxena, Ankur Ji, Robin Das, and Anup Da, who shaped his artistic growth. The visit wasn’t just promotional; it was a heartfelt return to roots, stirring memories of camaraderie and inspiration.
Shifting gears to ‘Vadh 2’, the film produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg’s Luv Films, directed and written by Jaspal Singh Sandhu, stars Sanjay Mishra as jail guard Shambhunath and Neena Gupta as prisoner Manju Singh. The trailer, recently unveiled, teases a gripping tale of mystery when a convict vanishes from the prison, sparking chaos and intrigue.
Fresh off its gala premiere screening at the 56th IFFI 2025, anticipation is sky-high. ‘Vadh 2’ hits theaters on February 6, promising another powerhouse performance from Sanjay, whose ability to command the screen, no matter the role’s size, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.