‘Made inappropriate calls after drinking alcohol’: Veteran star opens up about alcoholism

Behind the powerful performances and unforgettable lyrics lies a deeply personal story that few truly know. Veteran actor and writer Piyush Mishra has recently spoken about a phase in his life marked by alcoholism, revealing how addiction can quietly take over judgment, memory, and identity. His reflections go beyond personal regret, offering a stark look at how substance dependence can distort behaviour and blur the line between intention and action, even for someone known for immense creative discipline.

Piyush Mishra is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished names in the Hindi film industry, a figure respected for his versatility across acting, music, and writing. In a recent podcast conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, the 63-year-old revisited a troubling period shaped by alcohol dependence. He described episodes where he would make inappropriate and obscene phone calls to women late at night, only to have no memory of those actions the following day. When confronted, he initially struggled to believe he could have behaved in such a manner, but those around him insisted otherwise. He acknowledged that during that phase, he was not in control of his actions and found himself doing things that went against his own values and sense of self.



His account highlights a critical aspect of alcoholism that often goes unnoticed: the erosion of self-awareness. He spoke candidly about his experience with alcoholism, describing it as a deeply misunderstood and dangerous condition rather than just excessive drinking. He explains that the effects of alcohol can feel subtle and deceptively comforting at first, often helping people momentarily escape stress. Over time, however, this temporary relief can quietly turn into dependence, where drinking shifts from choice to need. He points out that many people, including those struggling with it, fail to recognise when they have become alcohol-dependent.

According to him, alcoholism is not something that can be easily fixed once it takes hold. He highlights how even medical science has limited answers when it comes to treating deep-rooted addiction, comparing it to an injury that doesn’t fully heal. He believes that recovery often requires a deeper, more internal or spiritual approach rather than just medical intervention. Drawing from personal experience, he recalls understanding the intensity of cravings, describing how the body and mind can begin to demand alcohol regardless of mood or situation.


Mishra also reflected on his own relationship with alcohol during his creative journey. While he acknowledged having an “alcoholic mind” at times, he maintained that he never relied on drinking while performing, writing, or working. His reflections underline a larger point: alcoholism is less about the act of drinking and more about the psychological grip it can develop, often without people realising when the line has been crossed.

An actor, singer, lyricist, playwright, musician, and screenwriter, Mishra grew up in Gwalior and graduated from the National School of Drama in 1986. He began his journey in Hindi theatre in Delhi, where he spent over a decade building a strong reputation as a director, performer, lyricist, and singer before moving to Mumbai in 2002. His work in films like Maqbool and Gangs of Wasseypur brought him widespread acclaim.