Piyush Mishra: The revolution must eventually become internal, a refinement of one’s own consciousness

Piyush Mishra, a renowned actor, writer, and lyricist, has evolved from a voice of youthful rebellion to an artist focused on internal refinement. Visiting Kathmandu for the Kalinga Literary Festival, Mishra presented a reflective demeanor, a stark contrast to the energetic defiance of his early years in Delhi's theatre scene and his gritty film roles.

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Art is essentially a manifestation of humanity. Whether one is engaged in politics or the creative arts, an approach rooted in our shared human experience transcends all boundaries.

Mishra now speaks of the "internal theatre of the self," prioritizing the written script over stardom in an industry often fixated on curated images. He maintains an unfiltered approach, addressing questions directly and emphasizing the supremacy of art. In a candid conversation, he discussed his artistic journey, his complex relationship with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, the profound impact of raw art, and his current belief that internal revolution offers deeper peace than the act of creation.

Discussing the role of art in connecting Nepal and India, Mishra stated that art, as a manifestation of humanity, transcends all boundaries. He views music not just technically but as something saturated with human essence. His song 'Aarambh Hai Prachand,' initially written for a college election sequence requested by Kashyap, became a universal anthem because it conveyed human language, melodies, and emotions. He recalled an Oscar-winning artist who choreographed a piece to the song without understanding its lyrics, moved solely by its power, illustrating art's global resonance when it captures universal humanity.

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It was not specifically for Nepal, India, or America. It was for everyone because it contained human language, human melodies, and human emotions. Such elements resonate globally.

Mishra also expressed admiration for Kathmandu's theatre scene after meeting Nepali theatre pioneer Ashesh Malla. He learned about the culture's vibrancy, with frequent sell-out performances, about six or seven dedicated theatre groups, and numerous auditoriums. This discovery highlighted the rich artistic landscape present in the city.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Nepali theatre pioneer Ashesh Malla, through whom I discovered the extraordinary richness of the theatre culture here.