Neelesh Misra (born 4 May 1973) is an Indian journalist, author, radio storyteller, scriptwriter and lyricist.[1] He hosted Yaadon Ka IdiotBox on BIG FM 92.7. He is co-founder and editor of Gaon Connection, a rural newspaper.[2][3] He is working on "The Neelesh Misra Show" on Red FM 93.5 and "Kahaani Express" on Saavn.
Neelesh Misra | |
|---|---|
 Misra recording his poem | |
| Born | 4 May 1973 Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Occupation | Writer, lyricist, script-writer, Storyteller, journalist and entrepreneur |
| Language | Hindi, Urdu, English |
| Alma mater | St. Joseph's College, Nainital Montfort Inter College Kumaun University Indian Institute of Mass Communication |
| Notable works | Yaadon Ka Idiot Box |
| Notable awards | Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards (2007, 2012) Karpoor Chandra Kulish Memorial Award (2009) |
| Spouse | Yamini Misra |
| Children | Vaidehi Misra |
| Relatives | Shiva Balak Misra (father) Nirmala Misra (mother) Shailesh Misra (brother) |
Early life and education
Misra was born on 4 May 1973 to Shiva Balak Misra and Nirmala Misra. He was born in Lucknow and brought up in Nainital, Uttarakhand.[4][5]
Career
As a journalist, he has covered conflict and insurgency over the past two decades in South Asia, traveling deep into the hinterland.[citation needed] His travels have taken him from the rebel heartlands of Kashmir to Naxalite-dominated areas of central and eastern India, to the faraway north-east which is home to some of the world's longest-running insurgencies. For his reportage from India's insurgency lands, he received the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism[6] and the K.C. Kulish Memorial Award in the year 2009.
He has written five books, including The Absent State (2010), which he co-wrote with Rahul Pandita[7]
Neelesh started his career as a Bollywood lyricist, when while researching for a book in Mumbai, he met director Mahesh Bhatt, which led to his debut song Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai for Jism (2003),[4] this was followed by hit songs like Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai for Woh Lamhe (2006), and went on write over 20 songs in over 15 films.[8][9] In 2012, he co-wrote the screenplay for Salman Khan starrer, Ek Tha Tiger, along with film's director Kabir Khan.[10]
He was the creative director, singer and songwriter in the India's first writer-led band, Band Called Nine, with singer Shilpa Rao and composer Amartya Rahut, working with traditional Indian craft of Qissa Goi (storytelling).[11][12] The band was launched in 2010 at the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai.[8] In 2011, the band released its debut album, Rewind, consisting of songs and storytelling, put together with narrative recited by Misra.[10][12]
He is also a blogger.[13] His blog contains his experiences during his days as senior roving editor, his thoughts on various issues, and the poems he has written. He hosts a radio show, Yadoon Ka Idiotbox on BIG FM 92.7, set in fictitious small town, Yaad Sheher, and which started its second season in 2012. He also hosts " The Neelash Mishra" show on 93.5 RED FM.[14][10] In late 2012, he along with Karan Dalal, started a rural newspaper, Gaon Connection, based in Kunaura, a village near Lucknow.[15][16]
Since Nov 2018, he hosts The Slow Interview With Neelesh Misra show on Youtube.[17]
Books
Non-fiction
- The Absent State (Hachette, 2010), a book on insurgency co-written. ISBN 9350093669.[18]
- 173 Hours in Captivity, Harper Collins, 2000. ISBN 8172233949.,[19]
- End of the Line: The Story of the Killing of the Royals in Nepal. (Penguin, 2001). ISBN 9780143027850.[20]
Fiction
- Once Upon a Timezone. Harper Collins, 2006. ISBN 8172236646.[21]
- Neelesh Misra ka Yaad Sheher Volumes-I and II. (Westland Books). ISBN 9382618376.[22][23]
As editor
- India Yatra (Harper Collins, 2009, with a foreword by Nandan Nilekani)[24]
- Inspired India: Ideas to Transform a Nation, Harper Collins, 2010, with a foreword by APJ Abdul Kalam. ISBN 978-81-7223-782-0
- Dream Chasing ,One Man's Remarkable True Life Story, a book by his father, Dr. S.B.Misra.(Roli Books, 2011,with a foreword by Sam Pitroda. ISBN 8174368191.[25]
Awards
Journalism
- Ram Nath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism[6]
- Karpoor Chandra Kulish Award
- Karpoor Chandra Kulish Merit Award
Entertainment
- Mirchi Music Award for Album of The Year at 3rd Mirchi Music Awards for Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai - Nominated[26]
- Mirchi Music Award for Album of The Year at 4th Mirchi Music Awards for Bodyguard - Nominated[27]
- Mirchi Music Award for Lyricist of The Year at 4th Mirchi Music Awards for "Teri Meri" from Bodyguard - Nominated
- Mirchi Music Award for Album of The Year at 10th Mirchi Music Awards for Jagga Jasoos - Nominated[28]
- Mirchi Music Award for Listeners' Choice Album of the Year at 10th Mirchi Music Awards for Jagga Jasoos[29]
Personal life
Misra married Nidhi Razdan, a news anchor and editor, in 2005.[30][31] The couple divorced in 2007.
Misra married Yamini Misra in 2008 and they have a daughter. Yamini also writes some stories for the Neelesh Misra Show.[32]
Filmography
Screenwriter
- Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
- Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
Lyricist
- Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai – Jism (2003)[33]
- Chalo Tumko Lekar Chalein – Jism (2003)
- Bepanah Pyaar hai – Krishna Cottage (2004)
- Maine dil Se Kaha – Rog (2005)
- Khoobsoorat Hai Vo Itna – Rog (2005)
- Guzar Na Jaaye – Rog (2005)
- Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai – Woh Lamhe (2006)
- Lamha Lamha – Gangster (2006)
- Khwahishon Se – Holiday (2006)
- Tu hai Bhatakta Jugnu Koi – Holiday (2006)
- Neele Neele Aasmaa Taley – Holiday (2006)
- Bolo Na Tum Zara – Fight Club – Members Only (2006)
- Gulon Mein Rang Bhare – Tribute to Faiz – Sikandar (2009)
- I am in love – Once Upon A Time in Mumbai (2010)
- Anjaana Anjaani ki Kahani – Anjaana Anjaani (2010)
- Abhi Kuch Dinon Se – Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (2011)
- Humko Pyaar Hua – Ready (2011)
- I Love You – Bodyguard (2011)
- Dil Mera Muft Ka – Agent Vinod (2012)
- Khudaaya – Shanghai (2012)
- Banjaara – Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
- Kyon – Barfi! (2012)
- Dhichkyaaon Doom Doom – Chashme Badoor (2013)
- Ishq Mohallah – Chashme Badoor (2013)
- Aala Re Aala - Shootout at Wadala (2013)
- Capuchino - I, Me Aur Main (2013)
- Zindagi (Reprise) – Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)[34]
- Jhumritalaiyya-Jagga Jasoos (2017)[35]
- Phire Faqeera - Pagglait (2021)
- Thode Kam Ajnabi - Pagglait (2021)