Actor, lyricist, and playwright Piyush Mishra recently revisited Delhi, returning to the city that played a defining role in shaping his artistic journey. During his visit, he stopped by the National School of Drama (NSD), but for the celebrated theatre veteran, it is Mandi House that continues to hold the deepest emotional significance.
Emotional Connection with Mandi House
Reflecting on his years in the Capital, Piyush said, "I worked there for three years, besides that I lived in Delhi for 20 years. I love Mandi House more than NSD. In Mandi House, I have spent 20 years, 20 long years working, working just doing theater. So there are very, very terrible memories, I mean not small memories. I have rehearsed in every nook and cranny there. Mandi House is like a pilgrimage for me."
Theatre Days and Bengali Market Memories
For Piyush, memories of Delhi are closely intertwined with his theatre days, a period he remembers as one of immense passion and creativity. Looking back, he spoke fondly of spending time at Bengali Market and the unmatched satisfaction he derived from his work in theatre.
"Bengali Market was our favorite hangout. I miss Delhi in only one way: that I could not do work like I did while living there. The work I did there for 20 years, with no expectation of going into cinema, no expectation of name, fame, money, that work was very enthusiastic and very productive. Because of that work, I am whatever I am. I mean, after coming here, I got work in cinema so quickly, the reason was that I had done so much work before. So memories are only of work, I don't have any romantic memories. It's another matter that I met my wife there."
Personal Milestone: 31 Years of Marriage
The actor's visit also coincided with a personal milestone. Earlier this week, Piyush and his wife, Priya Narayanan, celebrated 31 years of marriage. Recalling the beginning of their love story, he shared, "Priya (Narayanan) studied at the School of Planning and Architecture, her college was at ITO. I went there in 1992 to direct a play. We met, fell in love. We dated from 1992 to 1995 and got married in 1995."
Current State of Delhi's Theatre Culture
Asked whether Delhi's theatre culture still retains its vibrancy, Piyush expressed optimism. According to him, the passion for live performances remains very much alive among aspiring actors and theatre enthusiasts.
"Yes, yes, I keep going. Even now, people are crowded. Even if they are crowded out of greed for cinema, they are engrossed, they are continuously doing theatre, it's a good thing."
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