The journey of a person often takes unexpected turns, and something similar happened to me. A friend, who was producing a film, invited me to help during its shooting. However, during the process, a disagreement between the director and my friend stopped the project. Amidst this, the director challenged me, saying no one could succeed in the film industry, and mocked me by saying I wouldn't become a big filmmaker like Mehboob Khan or K. Asif. With folded hands, I replied that while I am nowhere close to such legends, one day, I would achieve something. Years later, the same director watched my first film as a director, Aadhi Raat, and praised my work. This film, which I also edited, became an important milestone in my journey.

Unlike many others, I didn't face too many struggles to enter the film industry. An editor noticed my potential early on and, appreciating my nature, took me under his guidance. I started as an assistant editor and worked on films like Jungle Beauty (Hindi), Lakha (Hindi), Gangapur Ki Geeta (Hindi), and Gauri (Rajasthani). Over almost a decade, I learned editing and the entire post-production process, which gave me a solid foundation for the next phase of my career. I later became an assistant director and worked on films like Lakha (Hindi), Gangapur Ki Geeta (Hindi), Gauri (Rajasthani), Kabza (Punjabi), Vidroh (Punjabi), and Saath Hamar Tohar (Bhojpuri), gaining hands-on experience in filmmaking.

As a director, I got the chance to lead several projects across languages, including Khooni Jaljala (Hindi), Prem Ki Ganga (Bhojpuri), Nyay (Marathi), Zila Kannauj (Hindi), and Part-Time Job (Hindi). I directed notable works for Shemaroo, such as Honeymoon in Rajasthan, Miss Use, and Compromise. I also wrote and directed films like Use and Throw (Hindi) and Midnight Romance (Hindi), exploring a variety of themes. With the growth of OTT platforms, I expanded into digital storytelling, creating successful projects like Mirror: The Truth, Raaz, Revenge, Murder, Sanki, Dhokha and Banjh for Namastey Flix.

Now, with over 34 years of experience in the film industry, I continue to work as a writer and director, creating stories that connect with audiences from all walks of life. My journey from an eager assistant editor to an experienced filmmaker is a reflection of dedication, hard work, and love for cinema.

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Hirday Shankar Mishra

Director

Writer

Actor

Second Unit or Assistant Director