Piyush Mishra is all set to launch his music band at the Great Indian Film and literature Festival today, finds out ANANYA BORGOHAIN
Actor Piyush Mishra was selected to play Salman Khan’s Prem in Maine Pyar Kiya, but he did not move to Mumbai for three years after his selection! While he could have been the quintessential golden boy of the 1990s’ Hindi cinema, he eventually chose roles that are eccentric and unpredictable, much like the life that he has lived. Born in Gwalior, he was adopted by his aunt and as he grew up, he says frustrations in his life multiplied, which in turn brought out the artiste in him. In an interaction, he talks about being reclusive, his works, and his new band.
Why do you choose to be a part of the Great Indian Film and literature Festival (GIFlIF)IJ
I like to be a part of any festival that creates productive conversations. Information is imparted, people from varied languages interact, new ideas are shared, and all of them collaborate to produce something fruitful. There is no loss in such processes.
I was a part of the last edition of GIFlIF too. It was a brilliant cross-section of people from different fields and working cultures. I believe festivals should have a popular sentiment too that caters to all kinds of people. It’s good to have an informal atmosphere.
Do you generally like interacting with your fans or are you a reclusive celebrityIJ
I am very reclusive. When I do go to people and they ask me something, I do communicate. At that time, I belong to them. Other than that, I am very reserved. I have no social media account. Either I am in public, with everyone, or I am in my own shell.
But your writings go viral online. Do you know about thatIJ
I have been informed about that, yes. It’s a good feeling, I must say. And because they are so popular online, that helps me write more and better every day. Not that I want to go viral online but appreciation from any source is encouraging.
The writings do not crop from something specific. Anything could trigger them — an interesting event, a striking conversation, a unique person.
What are you going to do in GIFlIFIJ
I will be launching my band in the festival. It’s named Ballimaran (at Chandni Chowk) where Mirza Ghalib lived. I am trying to present the songs in the form of an orchestra. The band is in the initial stages now; it’s more like an experiment as of now. I am the singer, there is one guitarist, percussionist who plays many instruments, sound designer, and one manager. On stage, there will be three members. It will be the last event at the festival and at the same time the first performance of Ballimaran anywhere.
Your writings have a lot of melancholy in them. Why is thatIJ
I had a tough childhood and was never happy. I was an introvert. I was uncomfortable as a kid. It was not a peaceful life in any way. I used to be alone and never managed to adjust with others. Since I was the odd one out, people bothered me all the more.
As life moved on, I was exposed to many avenues where I realised I could channel my energies and express myself. From that feeling emerged my music, poetry, and acting. If anything is bothering me, I write it down now. It is through discontentment that I progressed.
What do you like to readIJ
I like information, so reading about current affairs is something I like.
What gives you the biggest creative satisfactionIJ
Acting.
What is the decisive factor for you when you sign a role to enactIJ
It’s actually my intuition that guides me at first.
Which personality from the film fraternity would you like to work withIJ
There are many such people. But yes, I would like to compose music for Anurag Kashyap. It’s fun to work for him. He is receptive by nature.
What do you do in your free timeIJ
I meditate very sincerely.
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