Lisa Mishra's journey from Odisha to Mumbai spotlight: From data analyst to Bollywood's rising star
In an industry where fame comes as fast as it goes, Lisa Mishra is committed to something else: authenticity. Known for her velvety vocals and now her charming on-screen presence, this Indian-American artist has made a unique place for herself.
But her journey began far from the glamorous world of Mumbai or the twinkling lights of L.A.
In a deeply personal conversation with 'Humans of Bombay' Lisa opened up about her unexpected leap from a data analyst to a viral sensation.
L
isa recalled her childhood, growing up in a joint family, in Behrampur, Odisha, before moving to Chicago at the age of six, 'My childhood was simple but my parents wanted more' she shared.
She revealed that it was a fourth-grade school choir audition, where she first stepped into the spotlight to perform a solo song. "I still remember my first performance, my heart was racing, the choir behind me, and my dad in the audience with his recorder. I truly felt, this is where I belong." She shared.
Despite being interested in music, she, like many other immigrant children, chose a practical career path, to make her parents proud.
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She became a data analyst but her passion for music never faded. "Every day during lunch, I'd sneak into my car and record covers," and then one day, everything changed when her cover for Tareefan, went viral on Instagram, during COVID-19. That one post would change everything. Rhea Kapoor messaged her with an invitation: "Come to Mumbai.
Let's record this."
Days later, Lisa was on the set with the Bollywood's very own diva, Kareena Kapoor Khan.
"I had grown up admiring her, and there I was, sharing space with her," she said. The song was an instant hit. Despite all of this, she went back to Chicago but then later realised that her heart and mind were left behind in Mumbai, so she packed her bags and came back to Mumbai.
Her relocation wasn't easy, she faced several issues, even faced rejection, with some even telling her, "You don't sound Indian enough." But she did not lose faith and slowly built a name for herself, working with artists like Badshah and Divine.
5 years later, she's not just a voice behind, she is slaying on the big screen with roles in Call Me Bae, followed by a role in The Royals. 'For some, I'm still the girl who went viral on Instagram. For others, I'm the voice behind Tareefan. But not many people know it all began in a quiet town in Odisha and in a car during lunch breaks," Lisa said, reflecting on her story.
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