Lisa Mishra Makes Enthusiastic Return to Theatre After a 15-Year Hiatus

Post by : Mina Rahman

Embarking on a vibrant return to her theatrical roots, singer-actor Lisa Mishra graced the stage once again at the Prithvi Theatre Festival after an impressive 15-year hiatus. Following her film debut in Call Me Bae and her role in The Royals, she performed in a musical directed by Akarsh Khurana.

“It’s incredibly overwhelming as it involves a lot of effort,” Lisa noted. “Returning to this setting, I realized just how much work goes into staging a live performance. While I was eager to dive back in, I felt a touch of fear. It’s a significant challenge, merging my acting and music careers in this manner.”

Despite a long absence from stage acting, she credits her musical expertise with providing a sturdy platform for her performance. “My comfort on stage comes naturally as a musician. Unlike on film, where multiple takes are possible, theatre allows for no do-overs. Yet, this is something I’m prepared for since I’m accustomed to live performances. My musical journey has been a great preparation for this moment.”

Reflecting on what she missed most about theatre, Lisa expressed, “I've longed for the thrill of executing a live, extended piece. My concerts last around 90 minutes, encapsulating songs I've perfected over time. The challenge of juggling a play that lasts an hour and a half—delivering new music while memorizing lines precisely—is what I’ve truly missed.”

Having previously participated in musical theatre, Lisa acknowledges that stepping back into it amidst her acting career brings additional pressure. “While I’ve had experience in musical theatre, it feels more daunting now, given my established identity as an actor. The stakes to perform well are higher,” she admitted.

Looking back on her professional path, Lisa describes it as a “blueprint for anyone dedicated to hard work.” She remarked, “Many believe that achieving a breakthrough leads to effortless success. But in a demanding city like Mumbai, continual reinvention is essential for survival. Opportunities won’t find you; you must seek them relentlessly.”

In her near future, Lisa is gearing up for Call Me Bae Season 2. “Filming starts soon; we recently held a table read with the entire cast, which went exceptionally well. Season 2 promises to be amazing with a well-crafted script and beautifully evolved characters,” she shared. Regarding The Royals Season 2, she added, “It’s in early development stages. Pre-production has started, but we’re still figuring out the trajectory of our characters.”