Neelesh Misra (born 4 May 1973) is an Indian journalist, author, radio storyteller, scriptwriter and lyricist.[1] He hosted Yaadon Ka IdiotBox on BIG FM 92.7. He is co-founder and editor of Gaon Connection, a rural newspaper.[2][3] He is working on "The Neelesh Misra Show" on Red FM 93.5 and "Kahaani Express" on Saavn.
As a journalist, he has covered conflict and insurgency over the past two decades in South Asia, traveling deep into the hinterland.[citation needed] His travels have taken him from the rebel heartlands of Kashmir to Naxalite-dominated areas of central and eastern India, to the faraway north-east which is home to some of the world's longest-running insurgencies. For his reportage from India's insurgency lands, he received the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism[6] and the K.C. Kulish Memorial Award in the year 2009.
He has written five books, including The Absent State (2010), which he co-wrote with Rahul Pandita[7]
Neelesh started his career as a Bollywood lyricist when while researching for a book in Mumbai, he met director Mahesh Bhatt, which led to his debut song Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai for Jism (2003),[4] this was followed by hit songs like Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai for Woh Lamhe (2006) and went on write over 20 songs in over 15 films.[8][9] In 2012, he co-wrote the screenplay for Salman Khan starrer, Ek Tha Tiger, along with film's director Kabir Khan.[10]
He was the creative director, singer and songwriter in the India's first writer-led band Called Nine, with singer Shilpa Rao and composer Amartya Rahut, working with traditional Indian craft of Qissa Goi (storytelling).[11][12] The band was launched in 2010 at the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai.[8] In 2011, the band released its debut album, Rewind, consisting of songs and storytelling, put together with narrative recited by Misra.[10][12]
He is also a blogger.[13] His blog contains his experiences during his days as senior roving editor, his thoughts on various issues, and the poems he has written. He hosts a radio show, Yadoon Ka Idiotbox on BIG FM 92.7, set in fictitious small town, Yaad Sheher, and which started its second season in 2012. He also hosts " The Neelash Mishra" show on 93.5 RED FM.[14][10] In late 2012, he along with Karan Dalal, started a rural newspaper, Gaon Connection, based in Kunaura, a village near Lucknow.[15][16]
Since Nov 2018, he hosts The Slow Interview With Neelesh Misra show on Youtube.[17]
Books
Non-fiction
The Absent State (Hachette, 2010), a book on insurgency co-written. ISBN9350093669.[18]
India Yatra (Harper Collins, 2009, with a foreword by Nandan Nilekani)[24]
Inspired India: Ideas to Transform a Nation, Harper Collins, 2010, with a foreword by APJ Abdul Kalam. ISBN978-81-7223-782-0
Dream Chasing ,One Man's Remarkable True Life Story, a book by his father, Dr. S.B.Misra.(Roli Books, 2011, with a foreword by Sam Pitroda. ISBN8174368191.[25]
