Odisha has so much to offer; more filmmakers should explore it: Sanjay Mishra

Bhubaneswar: Sanjay Mishra, one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile character actors, believes Odisha has immense potential to emerge as a preferred shooting destination for filmmakers. From its picturesque mountains and pristine beaches to magnificent temples and remarkable architecture, the state offers a diverse range of locations that deserve greater visibility on the cinematic map.

“Odisha has so much to offer — beautiful mountains, pristine beaches, magnificent temples and remarkable architecture. More filmmakers should explore the state as a shooting destination,” says Mishra, who is making his Odia cinema debut with Madhumallati.

The actor was recently in Bhubaneswar for the film’s post-production work. His experience of shooting across different parts of Odisha has left him impressed by the state’s natural beauty and visual diversity. A boat sequence filmed with veteran Odia actress Mahasweta Ray remains one of his favourite moments from the shoot.

For Mishra, Madhumallati is more than an opportunity to work in another film industry. It has introduced him to a new language, a different cultural setting and a fresh creative challenge. Known for his memorable performances in films such as Ankhon Dekhi, Masaan, Phas Gaye Re Obama, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Kaamyaab and Vadh, the National School of Drama alumnus has built a reputation for bringing authenticity and individuality to diverse characters.

“I am very happy to be a part of Madhumallati and have had a wonderful experience working with the team, especially Mahasweta Ray ji, who helped me learn my dialogues in Odia. It is a unique love story, and I feel fortunate to have been chosen for this role, as I do not often get offered such characters,” he says.

Learning Odia has been one of the most interesting aspects of the experience. Mishra is making a conscious effort to pronounce his dialogues correctly and connect with the character through the language.

Acknowledging that he is still learning, the actor hopes audiences will appreciate his efforts.
“This is my first Odia film, and I am doing my best to speak the language correctly. If I make any mistakes, I hope the audience will forgive me and appreciate my efforts,” he adds.
Mishra’s interest in regional cinema comes at a time when films made in different Indian languages are reaching wider audiences.

He believes the expansion of OTT platforms and the growing visibility of regional productions have created more opportunities for actors to explore unconventional roles and demonstrate their range.
“Definitely, actors today have more opportunities to explore diverse characters. These platforms have also allowed us to witness the brilliance of many gifted actors, including Pankaj Tripathi, Jaideep Ahlawat and several others. It is a wonderful time for actors to experiment, grow and be recognised for their craft,” he says.

For Odia cinema, such opportunities could help bring new collaborations and wider attention to local stories. Mishra, however, is clear that the strength of a project ultimately lies in its story, characters and creative vision rather than the industry to which it belongs.
He is keen to return to Odia cinema if he finds roles that offer meaningful creative possibilities. His experience with Madhumallati has encouraged him to consider further projects in the language, while he also hopes to improve his fluency in Odia.

“It has been a wonderful experience, and I would love to be part of more Odia films, provided I get interesting and meaningful roles. I also want to improve my command of Odia so I can deliver my dialogues more naturally,” he says.

Mishra’s journey in Hindi cinema has been defined by patience and a willingness to take up roles of different sizes. Before becoming a widely recognised character actor, he spent years playing supporting parts, never making lead roles the sole measure of his progress.
“I never focused only on lead roles. I accepted whatever came my way because I wasn’t in a position to be selective. However, I never thought of giving up, because acting is the one thing I truly love,” he says.

His advice to aspiring actors is to believe in themselves, remain patient and continue working hard. For him, the ability to explore different characters is at the heart of the profession, and he considers the director’s vision the most important guiding force in a film.

“I love exploring different characters. For me, the director is the most important person in a film because it is their vision that shapes the story. Whenever I take up a role, I try to understand that vision and work accordingly to bring it to life,” he explains.

He also believes that actors must remain open to the many experiences life offers. Drawing from different people, situations and emotions helps performers understand the complexities of human behaviour and bring greater depth to their portrayals.

“I believe actors should be like sadhus, embracing life with an open mind and experiencing its many dimensions. Being an actor is deeply rewarding because, through my performances, I get to bring happiness to people and touch their lives in my own way,” he says.

Despite the critical appreciation he has received for several performances, Mishra does not measure success solely through box-office collections. He believes an actor’s responsibility is to give the best possible performance, leaving the commercial outcome to the audience.

“What matters most to me is that I am happy with the film and the role I have played. Once I have given my best, I don’t worry about the box office. That is not in my control,” he says.
As he looks back on his career, Mishra hopes to be remembered for the diversity of characters he has portrayed rather than any single performance or achievement. His approach to acting remains rooted in curiosity, dedication and a willingness to move beyond familiar territory.

With Madhumallati, the actor has taken his first step into Odia cinema and discovered a state he believes deserves greater attention from the film fraternity. His message to filmmakers is simple: Odisha’s landscapes, heritage and cultural richness offer an abundance of possibilities, and its potential as a shooting destination should not be overlooked.