Like many, actor Kumud Mishra believes that his role as Dhingra, a mentor to Ranbir Kapoor's Jordan in Imtiaz Ali's 'Rockstar' changed the game for him in Bollywood.
But then, Mishra is such a versatile actor that it's difficult to pick one role that isn't great. And we are not talking about length here. Be it the supportive father in 'Thappad', carefree blind man in 'Nazar Andaaz', a government officer in 'Airlift' or the twinkly-eyed lawyer in 'The Diplomat', here's an actor who fits easily into any role.
"After 'Rockstar', people noticed me. 'Airlift' was also an important film. I highly rate the performance in the film. Also, I keep getting praises for 'Thappad' too," he smiled over the phone as the correspondent complimented him on his versatility.
An alumnus of the National School of Drama, Delhi, Mishra was content with his life in theatre. In 1996, he acted in Shyam Benegal's 'Sardari Begum'. A good-looking actor, in an interview, Manoj Bajpayee once said Mahesh Bhatt wanted to cast him as a hero, but Mishra denied it. An underrated gem in Hindi cinema now, Mishra's journey on the big screen took off with 'Rockstar' in 2011. "So, you never wanted to be a hero?" we ask him. In his effortless style, he laughed it off.
"No, if it was meant to happen, it would have happened. Now, we can think about it and be cynical. But then, I lived my life my way. The way I have lived my life, I think, I have done something right," smiled the 'Article 15' and 'Lust Stories 2' actor.
In 2026, he already had four releases, including 'Vadh 2', 'Assi', 'Hathras' and now 'Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel' on 'Zee5'. In 'Satrangi', he plays antagonist Sona Singh, the powerful patriarch of the Singh family. 'Satrangi', like several web shows, are set in the Hindi heartland where power politics, rural tension, caste and humiliation rule supreme. For Mishra, it's always the script that pushes him to choose a project. In 'Satrangi', the actor felt that the story was layered.
"The show deals with topics which should be discussed," he said.
It doesn't matter whether he plays an antagonist or a good-hearted man, Mishra always manages to stand out for his performance.
"Whenever I play a negative character, I don't look at it pessimistically. I look for positivity in the character. A person who is doing something wrong doesn't do it thinking that he is an evil person. So, when I approach such roles, I look for the person in it. I focus on his reasons and actions and then I try to add more layers to the character," he said.
Also, for the multifaceted actor, the length of the role has never been a concern.
"It's a director's choice. If I like the script, I become a part of the film. Also, there are a lot of reasons we do work… to run our family. Everyone wants to do a big role, but you might not always get that. I look for my happiness in my role," he said.
Glance through his 'Instagram' feed and you would notice his updates on various plays he keeps doing despite his busy schedule as a Bollywood actor. In fact, to think, 'theatre is a necessity'.
Ask him if training in theatre provides longevity to a film actor and he instantly said, "I don't like to see it that way. I think you do theatre because you need it. I am talking about myself. Theatre is a completely different space for me. Theatre definitely has an effect on your work because it demands a certain discipline and commitment and you need that for any kind of work," he said.
Mishra is married to talented actor Ayesha Raza and believes in staying rooted. In an industry that is obsessed with visibility and virality, he remains away from the spotlight when it is not necessary.
"I have to work and I find other things unnecessary, like selling yourself on social media. I don't judge who is doing that, but I never felt the need. I work and then I go into my cave. If your work is good, you will get work. If not, no matter what you do on social media, you won't be recognised," smiled the 'M S Dhoni: The Untold Story' and 'Tiger Zinda Hai' actor.