This renowned actor, who is now hailed as one of the best actors, currently present in our film industry, once stepped away from acting and worked on dhaba just for his survival.
Published: September 28, 2025 9:59 PM IST
In the journey from struggle to success, some stories stand out for their grit. There’s one veteran actor who once stepped away from films entirely, taking on a humble job, washing cups at a dhaba for just Rs 150 a day, during a low point in his life. That chapter, once filled with hardship, now contrasts sharply with where he stands today: owning a sea-facing luxury apartment in Mumbai’s sought-after Madh Island.
Who is this actor?
That actor is Sanjay Mishra. During tough times, he left Mumbai and went to Rishikesh, where he made omelettes at a roadside eatery and washed 50 cups daily in return for Rs 150. He later revealed that this period followed severe personal and health challenges, his father’s death and a serious illness. The tide turned when director Rohit Shetty offered him a small role in All the Best, pulling him back into cinema. Since then, Mishra has appeared in over 200 films, theater productions and carved out a reputation for depth and range in character roles.
Sanjay Mishra and his filmography
Sanjay Mishra is one of the most respected and versatile actors in Indian cinema, known for his effortless blend of comedy, drama, and emotional depth. A graduate of the National School of Drama, he began his career in the 1990s with small roles in films and television, gaining early recognition through the popular TV show Office Office. Over time, he became a familiar face in Bollywood with supporting roles in films like Satya and Dil Se.
Mishra later reinvented himself with critically acclaimed performances in films such as Ankhon Dekhi, Masaan, Kaamyaab, Vadh, and Kadvi Hawa, proving his range as a serious actor. His filmography also includes titles like Newton, Bahut Hua Sammaan, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, and Phas Gaye Re Obama.
Sanjay Mishra’s lavish house
Sanjay Mishra recently bought a luxurious sea-facing flat in Raheja Exotica Cyprus, Madh Island, for Rs 4.95 crore. Registered on July 11, 2025, the 15th-floor apartment spans over 1,900 sq ft including a deck. He paid Rs 28.5 lakh in stamp duty and Rs 30,000 in registration fees, joining a celeb-filled neighborhood with actors like Kartik Aaryan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Ronit Roy.
Story Highlights
- Veteran actor once worked at a roadside dhaba in Rishikesh, washing cups for Rs 150 a day.
- Sanjay Mishra made a powerful comeback to cinema after Rohit Shetty cast him in All the Best.
- He has since acted in 200+ films, including Ankhon Dekhi, Masaan, Kaamyaab, and Vadh.
- Recently purchased a sea-facing luxury apartment in Madh Island worth Rs 4.95 crore.
Sanjay Mishra’s journey is a powerful tale of resilience and reinvention. From facing personal and financial struggles to earning respect in Indian cinema and owning a luxurious home, his life proves that talent, humility, and persistence can rewrite even the hardest scripts.
Also Read:
