“Sanoj Mishra: 5 Powerful Controversies That Shaped His Cinematic Journey”

Sanoj Mishra is an Indian filmmaker known for directing bold and politically charged films like The Diary of West Bengal and Kashi to Kashmir. With over three decades in the industry, he has faced controversies, legal challenges, and media scrutiny, yet remains committed to storytelling that explores social and political realities.

Sanoj Mishra, a seasoned filmmaker with over three decades in the Hindi film industry, has recently been at the center of significant media attention due to both his professional endeavors and personal controversies. Born on August 11, 1977, in Haidergarh, Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, Mishra pursued a master’s degree in sociology from Shia PG College, Lucknow. Throughout his career, he has been associated with journalism and writing, contributing to numerous Bollywood projects as an assistant before establishing himself as a director. His filmography includes titles such as “Kashi to Kashmir,” “Shashank,” “Lafange Nawab,” “Ghaznavi,” and the contentious “The Diary of West Bengal.”

Controversy Surrounding “The Diary of West Bengal”

In 2024, Mishra directed “The Diary of West Bengal,” a film set against the backdrop of the 1971 Bangladesh genocide. The narrative follows Suhasini, a Hindu widow who, after losing her husband in the genocide, migrates to West Bengal. There, she faces challenges, including falling victim to “love jihad” and witnessing political exploitation. The film’s portrayal of sensitive issues sparked significant controversy, leading to allegations that it defamed the state of West Bengal. In response, the Kolkata Police issued a legal notice to Mishra, summoning him for questioning.

Mysterious Disappearance

Following the legal notice, Mishra traveled to Kolkata on August 14, 2024, to address the summons. However, upon arrival, he became uncontactable, with his phone switched off. His family, particularly his wife, Dwiti Mishra, expressed deep concern, fearing for his safety due to the threats he had received post the film’s trailer release. After several days of uncertainty, Mishra was located in Varanasi. Reports indicated that his mental state was unstable at the time of his discovery.

Collaboration with Monalisa Bhonsle

In early 2025, Mishra announced a new project titled “The Diary of Manipur.” For this venture, he cast Monalisa Bhonsle, a young girl who gained media attention during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Monalisa’s viral images and videos led to widespread recognition, prompting Mishra to offer her a role in his upcoming film. He visited her residence in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, to finalize the contract, expressing his commitment to support her budding career in the film industry.

Allegations and Defense

Despite the positive developments, Mishra faced allegations from Jitendra Narayan Singh Tyagi, formerly known as Syed Waseem Rizvi and the ex-chairman of the Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh. Tyagi accused Mishra of exploiting Monalisa for personal gain, questioning his credibility as a filmmaker. In response, Mishra refuted these claims, emphasizing his genuine intentions to mentor and support Monalisa. He highlighted her family’s financial struggles and his role in providing her with a platform to showcase her talent.

Current Endeavors

As of February 2025, Sanoj Mishra continues to focus on “The Diary of Manipur,” aiming to shed light on the region’s traditions and challenges. Despite facing controversies and personal challenges, he remains dedicated to his craft, striving to produce films that address pertinent social and political issues.

In summary, Sanoj Mishra’s journey reflects a blend of artistic ambition and resilience in the face of adversity. His commitment to storytelling, even amidst controversies, underscores his unwavering dedication to the cinematic portrayal of complex societal narratives.

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