Actor, lyricist and playwright Piyush Mishra recently visited Delhi, returning to the city that played a crucial role in shaping his artistic journey. During his visit, he stopped by the National School of Drama (NSD), but for the famous theater veteran, it is Mandy House that still holds deep emotional significance.Reflecting on his years in the capital, Piyush said: “Kaam kiya hai 3 saal wahan par, iske alaawa main 20 saal raha hoon Dilli mein. NSD se zyaada Mandi House mujhe pyaara hai. Mandi House mein I have spent 20 years, 20 long years working, working only on stage. Toh usmein jo hai uski bahut, memories bahut bhayankar Hain, memories matlab choti moti nahi hain wahaan par har chapi mein, har zari zara mein rehearsal ki hai mein.
“Mandy’s House is like a pilgrimage for me.”For Piyush, memories of Delhi are closely intertwined with his theatrical days, a period he remembers as one of immense passion and creativity. Looking back, he spoke fondly of spending time in the Bengali market and the unparalleled satisfaction he derived from his work in theatre.“Bengali market bada pre ada tha humara. Delhi ko ek hai tarik se mais karta hoon ki waisa wala kaam mein dobara nahi kar paya jaisa mein wahan rehti hoi kya.
20 Saal Mein Jo kaam Kiya Maine Wahan Par, with no expectation of going to the movies, no expectation of name, fame or money, Toh Woh Jo hai Maine Wahan Par Jo Kiya Woh Bahut hi enthusiastic Aur Bahu hi producer kaam tha. Uss kaam ki wajah se hi main hoon jo kuch bhi hoon.
Matlab ab yahan aane ke baad itna jaldi kaam mil gaya mujhe cinema mein, kaaran yahi tha ki itna kaam karke aaya tha main. Memories toh jo hai kaam ki hai hain aur koi aisi koi romantic memories nahi hain meri.
“Woh alag baat hai ki meri biwi se meri wahin mulaqaat hui thi.”The actor’s visit also coincided with a personal event. Earlier this week, Piyush and his wife Priya Narayanan celebrated 31 years of marriage. Recalling the beginning of their love story, he said, “Priya (Narayanan) badte thi school of planning and architecture maine, ITO pe uska College tha. Wahan main 1992 mein play direct karne gaya tha. Unse mulaqaat hui, ishq ho gaya.”
Home 1992 se 1995 tak date kiya aur 95 mein shaadi kar li.
“Asked if Delhi’s theater culture still retains its vitality, Piyush expressed optimism. According to him, the passion for live performances is still very much alive among aspiring actors and theater enthusiasts.“Hai hai, main jaata rehta hoon. Ab bhi log bhide hue hain. Bhale hi woh cinema ke laalach mein bhide hue hon, lekin engrossed hain woh log, lagaatar kar rahe hain, achhi baat hai.”