In a poignant moment that bridged past and present, acclaimed actor Sanjay Mishra teared up remembering Irrfan Khan during a trip back to the National School of Drama (NSD). The actor, celebrated for his nuanced portrayals in Bollywood, was there promoting ‘Vadh 2’ with fellow NSD graduates Neena Gupta and Kumud Mishra.
The institution holds a special place in their hearts, having nurtured talents who redefined Indian cinema. Sanjay reflected on his formative years, revealing, ‘Classroom lessons were secondary; the real education was watching giants like Irrfan and others.’
Delving deeper into Irrfan’s influence, he marveled at the legend’s effortless brilliance. ‘His acting was beyond technique—it was existence itself. Sometimes, you’d sit there thinking, ‘When does the performance even begin?’ That subtlety was pure magic, a masterclass in observation.’ Sanjay’s words painted a vivid picture of awe and apprenticeship.
He fondly mentioned inspirations such as Veerendra Saxena, Ankur Ji, Robin Das, and Anup Da, crediting them for his evolution as a performer. This emotional reunion underscored the enduring bonds of NSD’s alumni network.
On the film front, ‘Vadh 2’ arrives under the banner of Luv Films by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, helmed by writer-director Jaspal Singh Sandhu. Sanjay embodies the stoic jail guard Shambhunath, while Neena Gupta shines as inmate Manju Singh. The plot thickens with the baffling disappearance of a prisoner, unraveling a web of suspense.
The trailer’s release, coupled with its celebrated premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, has fans eagerly awaiting its February 6 theatrical debut. Sanjay’s tribute to Irrfan reminds us why his small roles leave massive impacts, cementing his status as a storytelling maestro.