Neelesh Misra

Neelesh Misra (born 4 May 1973) is an Indian journalist, author, radio storyteller, scriptwriter and lyricist. He hosted Yaadon Ka IdiotBox on BIG FM 92.7. He is co-founder and editor of Gaon Connection, a rural newspaper. He is working on "The Neelesh Misra Show" on Red FM 93.5 and "Kahaani Express" on Saavn.

Early life and education Misra was born on 4 May 1973 to Shiva Balak Misra and Nirmala Misra. He was born in Lucknow and brought up in Nainital, Uttarakhand.

Career As a journalist, he has covered conflict and insurgency over the past two decades in South Asia, traveling deep into the hinterland. His travels have taken him from the rebel heartlands of Kashmir to Naxalite-dominated areas of central and eastern India, to the faraway north-east which is home to some of the world's longest-running insurgencies. For his reportage from India's insurgency lands, he received the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism and the K.C. Kulish Memorial Award in the year 2009.

He has written five books, including The Absent State (2010), which he co-wrote with Rahul Pandita

Neelesh started his career as a Bollywood lyricist when while researching for a book in Mumbai, he met director Mahesh Bhatt, which led to his debut song Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai for Jism (2003), In 2012, he co-wrote the screenplay for Salman Khan starrer, Ek Tha Tiger, along with film's director Kabir Khan. In 2011, the band released its debut album, Rewind, consisting of songs and storytelling, put together with narrative recited by Misra.

He is also a blogger. His blog contains his experiences during his days as senior roving editor, his thoughts on various issues, and the poems he has written. He hosts a radio show, Yadoon Ka Idiotbox on BIG FM 92.7, set in fictitious small town, Yaad Sheher, and which started its second season in 2012. He also hosts " The Neelash Mishra" show on 93.5 RED FM.

Since Nov 2018, he hosts The Slow Interview With Neelesh Misra show on Youtube.

Books

Non-fiction The Absent State (Hachette, 2010), a book on insurgency co-written. . 173 Hours in Captivity, Harper Collins, 2000. ., End of the Line: The Story of the Killing of the Royals in Nepal. (Penguin, 2001). .

Fiction

Once Upon a Timezone. Harper Collins, 2006. . Neelesh Misra ka Yaad Sheher Volumes-I and II. (Westland Books). .

As editor India Yatra (Harper Collins, 2009, with a foreword by Nandan Nilekani) Inspired India: Ideas to Transform a Nation, Harper Collins, 2010, with a foreword by APJ Abdul Kalam. Dream Chasing, One Man's Remarkable True Life Story, a book by his father, Dr. S.B.Misra.(Roli Books, 2011, with a foreword by Sam Pitroda. .

Awards

Journalism Ram Nath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism Mirchi Music Award for Album of The Year at 4th Mirchi Music Awards for Bodyguard - Nominated Mirchi Music Award for Lyricist of The Year at 4th Mirchi Music Awards for "Teri Meri" from Bodyguard - Nominated Mirchi Music Award for Album of The Year at 10th Mirchi Music Awards for Jagga Jasoos - Nominated Mirchi Music Award for Listeners' Choice Album of the Year at 10th Mirchi Music Awards for Jagga Jasoos

Personal life Misra married Nidhi Razdan, a news anchor and editor, in 2005. The couple divorced in 2007.

Misra married Yamini Misra in 2008 and they had a daughter. Yamini also writes some stories for the Neelesh Misra Show.

Filmography

Screenwriter Ek Tha Tiger (2012) Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)

Lyricist Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai – Jism (2003) Chalo Tumko Lekar Chalein – Jism (2003) Bepanah Pyaar hai – Krishna Cottage (2004) Maine dil Se Kaha – Rog (2005) Khoobsoorat Hai Vo Itna – Rog (2005) Guzar Na Jaaye – Rog (2005) Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai – Woh Lamhe (2006) Lamha Lamha – Gangster (2006) Khwahishon Se – Holiday (2006) Tu hai Bhatakta Jugnu Koi – Holiday (2006) Neele Neele Aasmaa Taley – Holiday (2006) Bolo Na Tum Zara – Fight Club – Members Only (2006) Baalam Tera Nakhra – Big Brother (2007) Gulon Mein Rang Bhare – Tribute to Faiz – Sikandar (2009) "I Am in Love" (Male), "I Am in Love" (Reprise), "I Am in Love" (dance version), "I Am in Love" (Female) – Once Upon A Time in Mumbai (2010) Anjaana Anjaani ki Kahani – Anjaana Anjaani (2010) Abhi Kuch Dinon Se – Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (2011) Humko Pyaar Hua – Ready (2011) I Love You – Bodyguard (2011) Dil Mera Muft Ka – Agent Vinod (2012) Khudaaya – Shanghai (2012) Banjaara – Ek Tha Tiger (2012) Kyon – Barfi! (2012) Dhichkyaaon Doom Doom – Chashme Badoor (2013) Ishq Mohallah – Chashme Badoor (2013) Aala Re Aala - Shootout at Wadala (2013) Capuchino - I, Me Aur Main (2013) Zindagi (Reprise) – Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) Jhumritalaiyya-Jagga Jasoos (2017) Phire Faqeera - Pagglait (2021) Thode Kam Ajnabi - Pagglait (2021) Eeja (2025) Mann Ye Mera - Metro... In Dino (2025)