From reporting insurgencies to writing Bollywood hits: the dual life of Neelesh Misra
In short: How does a journalist who covers the world's longest-running insurgencies also become a Bollywood lyricist? Neelesh Misra bridges the gap between gritty reportage and poetic storytelling, moving from the rebel heartlands of Kashmir to the high-glamour sets of Mumbai cinema.
Neelesh Misra's career is defined by a unique duality between hard-hitting journalism and creative artistry. For over two decades, he has traveled deep into the Indian hinterlands to cover conflict and insurgency. His reporting has taken him to the rebel heartlands of Kashmir, Naxalite-dominated areas in central and eastern India, and the remote north-east. His reporting on Indian insurgencies garnered major accolades, such as the K.C. Kulish Memorial Award and the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism. These honours were bestowed upon him during 2009.
While documenting these conflicts, Misra simultaneously built a prolific career in the Indian film industry. His entry into Bollywood began in 2003 when he met director Mahesh Bhatt while researching a book. This connection led to his debut as a lyricist for the film Jism, followed by hits in movies like Woh Lamhe and Holiday. By 2012, his influence expanded to screenwriting, where he co-wrote the screenplay for the Salman Khan starrer Ek Tha Tiger.
Beyond the newsroom and the film studio, Misra is a pioneer of 'Qissa Goi'—the traditional Indian craft of storytelling. In 2010, he launched the band Nine, which focused on narrative-driven music. He has also cultivated a distinct radio presence, hosting shows that transport listeners to the fictitious town of Yaad Sheher. Whether through his rural newspaper, Gaon Connection, or his various books on insurgency and travel, Misra consistently seeks to translate complex human experiences into accessible narratives.
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