Early Beginning

Manoj Mishra hails from the culturally rich town of Sambalpur, Odisha, where his formative years were steeped in the traditional arts. Immersed in an environment vibrant with local theater and folkloric performances, Mishra’s fascination with acting ignited early. This artistic upbringing laid the groundwork for his eventual foray into the performing arts.

Pursuing his passion, he attended the illustrious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, an institution known for producing some of India’s finest actors. There, he meticulously refined his craft, delving into various performance methodologies that would become the cornerstone of his acting career. His education at NSD gave him a profound understanding of acting’s intricacies.

To further sharpen his skills, Manoj underwent additional training at the Television Institute of India. This further tutelage prepared him for the complexities of the film and television industry, propelling him toward a fruitful and dynamic career.

Notable Works

Manoj Mishra’s filmography spans multiple industries and languages, illustrating his remarkable versatility. Here are some of his most noteworthy roles:

Hindi Cinema

Mission Kashmir (2000): A supporting role in this action-packed drama helmed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Drishyam (2015): Manoj made his mark in this widely lauded thriller alongside Ajay Devgn and Tabu.
One Day: Justice Delivered (2019): He contributed to this gripping crime thriller headlined by Anupam Kher and Esha Gupta.
The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story (2019): In this biographical drama, Manoj portrayed a pivotal character in the story of the Australian missionary, Graham Staines.

Odia Cinema

Tumaku Paruni Ta Bhuli (2007): Manoj delivered an exceptional performance, cementing his stature in the Odia film industry.
Aa Jahnare Lekhiba Naa (2008): Another significant contribution to the Odia cinematic tradition.
Ashok Samrat (2013): His work in this film garnered positive responses from critics and audiences alike.
Bhaunri (2015): Manoj’s role in this critically acclaimed film was a high point in his Odia film career.
Abhay (2017): His performance further solidified his reputation in the regional industry.
Tu Mo Love Story (2017): This film once again demonstrated Manoj’s dexterity as an actor.
Mindgame (2023): Based on the infamous Patnagarh parcel bomb blast case. Manoj Mishra played the pivotal role.

Tamil Cinema

Aanjaan (2014): Manoj appeared in this Tamil film, showing his ability to cross language barriers and adapt to diverse cinematic landscapes.

Television

Behenein: His lead role in this popular Star Plus daily drama earned him widespread recognition.
Anthony (2022): He played a central role in this OTT series.
72 Hours – Life or Death (2020): Yet another notable contribution to the OTT medium.

English Cinema

The Warrior: Manoj showcased his linguistic flexibility and international appeal with his role in this English-language film.

Upcoming Projects

Prachand (2024)
Kali Gita (2025)
Gurudev (In Production)
Rendo Majhi (In Production)

Manoj Mishra’s expansive career reflects an actor capable of transcending geographical and linguistic boundaries, continually taking on diverse and challenging roles.

Controversies

In recent times, Manoj Mishra has found himself at the center of numerous disputes within the Odia film industry. Some key controversies are as follows:

1. Industry Ban: Mishra faced a two-year ban from the Odia film industry, imposed by a group of producers accusing him of inciting protests against the film R.A.M in Sambalpur. This ban has stirred considerable debate and caused division among the film fraternity.
2. Political Overtones: His situation has attracted political attention, with both Congress and BJP representatives coming to his defense. Critics argue that the ban exemplifies regional prejudices inherent in Odisha’s film industry.
3. Allegations of Fostering Divisions: Fellow actor Jitu Mangaraj has openly accused Manoj of planting seeds of discord within the Odia film industry, asserting that his actions have led to regional divisions.
4. Industry Guild Support: Despite the ban, the Odisha Film Producers & Distributors Guild has expressed solidarity with Manoj, clarifying that they have not imposed any restrictions on him and calling for unity within the industry.
5. Safety Concerns: Amidst these tensions, Manoj has raised concerns over his personal safety, claiming to have received threats from certain industry producers. This has further escalated the situation and added complexity to the unfolding drama.

These controversies underscore the volatility within the Odia film industry and shed light on the significant repercussions of Mishra’s actions and the controversies they have ignited.

Personal Life

Manoj Mishra was previously married to Sweta Mishra, with whom he shares a daughter named Bhabya. However, after their separation, Manoj embarked on a new journey in his personal life. He later married actress Mamata Nanda, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in his life.