Commercial film, according to Piyush Mishra, is art created for profit

Piyush Mishra has performed on stages before. He laments leaving behind his career as a theater artist, even if he loves it. “We have a theater that is five or six saal. Don’t devote fifteen to twenty years to it like I did,” Mishra advises as he gets ready to present his musical performance Gagan Damama Bajyo in Pune at a location honoring the late Dr. Shreeram Lagoo. The actor-poet spent two days in the city, starting his two-day stay with a concert with his band Ballimaaran before taking the stage for his play.

He covered both kinds and more in our conversation. Take-outs:
“Happy with the response from the younger generation”
Husna, Ik Bagal Mein, and Aarambh are the tunes that first spring to mind when you hear the name Mishra. Of course, they are also the songs that the audience loves to hear him sing live. “Poora nahi hota in gaano ke bina show.” We have interactive shows, and I’m happy with the responses I get. Looking back on the period he penned these songs, Mishra recalls that it was a different moment in his life. “About thirty years before these songs became popularity, I penned them. We were then inspired by this mentality that “jo kar rahe hai desh ke liye kar rahe hai,” iske badle mein paise ki expectation nahi karni hai, which is why tab likh ke bhool bhi gaye thay. Having said that, I never thought these songs would become so well-known. I’m inspired to write more since the younger generation finds them appealing,” he adds.
Piyush Mishra The film industry is an art form created for profit.
Shashank Sane (picture: Piyush Mishra)
“A film’s ultimate goal is to entertain viewers”
The actor from Gangs of Wasseypur believes that entertaining is the main goal of every film, regardless of the subject matter. “Godfather is a renowned movie that is both timeless and relatable. Any film must include populist components in order to be sustained. Because arthouse film lacked popular characteristics, it failed. Raju Hirani is a fantastic example of how to make a picture enjoyable while conveying a message. Films like this one, which are more realistic than others, are hard to watch and may be quite moving. To be honest, I think commercial film is art created for the market,” he remarks.
“I want to make a movie before I pass away.”
After experimenting with acting, writing, poetry, music, and theater, we ask Mishra whether there is anything left on his bucket list, to which he responds, “Film direct karni hai.” My acquaintances and friends advise me to par ab khada nahi hua jata yaar. At sixty years old, I like to remain in one location. Think about it, Kar Leta Hu. That’s nice. I know I can create a good picture; I don’t want to prove I can make one. Merely dimag mein, marne se pehle ek flick banani hai. Mazedaar film banani hai, kab hota hai ye dekhte hai.