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.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
The Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You
Amusement Park Equipment | search ads
Click Here
Undo
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.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shivangi Verma hits back after Govind Namdev reveals the story behind their viral photo: 'Buzurg satiya jaate hain'
Veteran actor , 70, recently broke his silence on the dating rumours involving his 31-year-old co-star Shivangi Verma. He revealed that their viral photo was part of a planned publicity strategy for their upcoming film Gaurishankar Goharganj Wale. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, it appears that is not at all pleased with this revelation. Govind Namdev clarifies the viral photo In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Namdev explained, 'When the film was being prepared, we had a discussion with the director, producer, and Shivangi about planning a strong publicity strategy. I agreed that it was necessary,' he said, adding that they had taken photos during morning workouts and shoot days. Namdev said that Shivangi herself had suggested the idea of projecting them as a romantic pair to generate buzz. 'Shivangi insisted that we should have a romantic pairing, that the images needed to convey a certain chemistry. I agreed, but also asked what kind of content she had in mind,' he explained. 'She said, 'There's a lot. Content matters most.' I thought, fine, let's do it.' However, he said things went south when she proceeded with tagging and posting content without informing him. 'That's where the misunderstanding started. People began speculating about us, and frankly, I didn't appreciate it. That's why I stopped talking to her,' he stated. Shivangi posts a scathing message on Instagram Shivangi didn't take these remarks lightly. On Wednesday evening, she took to her Instagram Stories and posted a scathing message in Hindi: 'Sahi kaha hai kisi ne, buzurg badhti umr mein satiya jaate hain...G***** Tired of too many ads? go ad free now N*****.' The comment, roughly translated to 'Old people lose their senses with age,' was seen as a direct dig at Namdev. The use of his initials left little doubt about whom she was referring to. 'I'm not here to prove anything,' says Namdev In the same interview, Namdev also addressed rumours suggesting that his marriage with wife Sudha Namdev had hit a rough patch due to the controversy. 'There were rumours that my household was affected and me and my wife were considering living separately. I didn't react then, and I don't react now. Everyone can see the truth,' he said. 'The more I raped, murdered, misbehaved onscreen, the more I got close to my family,' says popular villain Govind Namdev He added that the situation forced him to speak up, especially after people close to him expressed concern. 'People had begun feeling sorry for me — not just the audience, but even close friends and family. So yes, as a respected actor, I felt a responsibility to speak up. That's why I shared two posts initially — just to set the record straight.'
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony gets first MLB hit but fans can't stop talking about his sister
It was supposed to be all about Roman Anthony's big moment on the baseball field. The 21-year-old made his Major League Baseball debut with the Boston Red Sox this week. But while he was grabbing headlines for his first hit, someone else from his family was also winning the spotlight. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Fans watching the game couldn't stop talking — but not just about Roman. Roman Anthony hits MLB milestone as family watches from stands Roman Anthony debuted for the Boston Red Sox in his second MLB game at Fenway Park on Tuesday night, June 11, 2025. Promoted from Triple-A only the day before, June 10. The 21-year-old outfielder astonished by hitting a two-run double against the Tampa Bay Rays in a second-round choice from the 2022 draft. Roman didn't know his parents had made it from Florida in time to see the game. 'I didn't even really notice that they were there until I went out for my first at-bat,' he said after the game. His mom, Lori, was seen getting emotional in the stands as she watched her son make his big league breakthrough. Also Read: Lia Anthony , Roman's sister, becomes internet sensation during Red Sox game While Roman made news for his game, it was his older sister, Lia Anthony, who stole the spotlight off the field. Lia, 22, sat with their parents at Fenway Park and was shown several times during the Red Sox vs. Rays broadcast. Cameras caught her cheering in a red dress during Roman's big moment — and social media lit up right after. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) quickly began reacting. One post read, 'I'd like to be the first to welcome Roman Anthony's sister to Boston.' Another user wrote, 'Roman Anthony's sister is a smoke show.' Her Instagram follower count jumped by thousands within hours. She currently has around 9,500 followers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Earlier this year, Lia completed Florida State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. On April 21, she posted on Instagram about her graduation, thanking the university for 'the best 4 years' of her life. After the game, Lia also shared a photo of her family meeting baseball legend David Ortiz on her Instagram stories — showing how big and exciting this night was for the whole Anthony family.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Katy Perry says Los Angeles belongs to Mexico; X users ask her to shut up, remind her she's an 'astronaut', not a historian
Pop star supported the Los Angeles riots and said illegal migrants are being hunted like criminals in their ancestral home while Los Angeles is basically a Mexican city. Social media users asked her to shut up and reminded her that he recent Blue Origin flight into the space makes her an 'astronaut' but not a historian. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a series of Instagram stories, Katy Perry shared what she felt about the riots and how a deep injustice is being done to the people who built the city. "Los Angeles has lived under three flags: Spain, Mexico, and the United States. That land has seen borders shift, power, change, hands, and yet the people, especially the brown and indigenous people, have always been there. Planting roots, building lives, raising families,' the message said. 'And now, in 2025 the descendants of those same communities are being hunted, like criminals and their own ancestral home. ' 'It's more than infuriating, it's a deep injustice. How can a city built on Mexican labor, Mexican history and Mexican culture turn around and criminalize the very people who shaped it?' the post added. 'This was once Mexican land, and the people being targeted today are often descendants of those who have lived here for generations, or who came seeking safety, work, and dignity,' the message said. 'Many undocumented immigrants are quietly holding up the economy with their labor, raising families, paying taxes, and contributing to communities, yet they are vilified and dignity.' "REMINDER: Katy Perry is an astronaut, not a historian," one post mockingly said. "@katyperry thinks Mexico and Spain are the same place.," another wrote. "A reminder that Hollywood airheads are just that. Clueless #KatyPerry, or her media flack, doesn't know that in 1781, there was no such thing as Mexico. It was New Spain (the Virreinato de Nueva España), part of the Spanish Empire," a third user said.
