Sanjay Mishra recalls Irrfan Khan’s praise after watching Ankhon Dekhi: ‘He said I have some competition’

Sanjay Mishra first gained fame after he appeared in the television show Office Office but over the last few decades, he has become one of the few actors who is celebrated for his comic roles just as much he is applauded for his dramatic roles. In a recent interview, the Vadh actor recalled one of his fondest memories of Irrfan Khan and shared what the late actor told him after watching his career-defining performance in Rajit Kapoor’s Ankhon Dekhi.

In a conversation with Rajshri Unplugged, Sanjay shared, “After Irrfan Khan watched Ankhon Dekhi, he said, ‘Now I have some competition.'” He recalled that Rajit Kapoor had initially asked him if he should write a film for him during the shoot of one of their other movies. “Rajit Kapoor asked me, ‘Shall I write something for you?’ I thought he was just trying to be nice and friendly. I said, ‘Of course,'” he shared.

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Months later, Rajit had actually written Ankhon Dekhi but since Sanjay Mishra was not available then, Rajit took this script to Naseeruddin Shah. Later, when Sanjay called Rajit and Naseeruddin heard about it, he said that Ankhon Dekhi could be a “milestone” for Sanjay’s career. “Naseer saab said if Sanjay does it, it would be a milestone for him,” he shared.

Sanjay was recently seen in the film Guthlee Ladoo. In 2023, he has appeared in films like Jogira Sara Ra Ra and Bholaa. His movies Giddh and Vadh will be a part of the Indian Panorama section at the 54th Indian International Film Festival.