Veteran actor Sanjay Mishra recently shared his experiences with being typecast in the Bollywood film industry, admitting that he sometimes feels irritated by the repeated offers of similar roles.

Mishra, who made his debut in the 1995 film Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India!, acknowledged that producers often slot him into comedic roles due to his previous work. He explained this industry practice using a metaphor: "You have to typecast, boss. You keep spices in the kitchen, right? If you are making something which doesn't require sugar, then you won't add sugar or something like that. Producers really liked it. Boss, it's comedy, Sanjay Mishra will do it in one take. Call him".

Despite his irritation, Mishra recognizes the practical side of typecasting, stating, "I get irritated, but at least there was work when I had nothing. So, this is also the situation". This suggests a sense of gratitude for the opportunities he has received, even if they haven't always been the most creatively fulfilling.

Mishra gained initial recognition for his character Apple Singh, created for the promotions of the 1999 Cricket World Cup. This success paved the way for comedic roles in films such as Golmaal, Dhamaal, All the Best, and Phas Gaye Re Obama. However, he has also demonstrated his versatility in films like Ankhon Dekhi, Kadvi Hawa, Masaan, Vadh, and Bhakshak.

In Ankhon Dekhi and Phas Gaye Re Obama, directors Rajat Kapoor and Subhash Kapoor allowed Mishra to explore diverse roles. In 2020, he was also appreciated as the leading man in Kaamyaab.

Neena Gupta, who co-stars with Mishra in the upcoming film Vadh 2, shared a contrasting perspective on typecasting. She suggested that having a consistent image can be beneficial for actors in securing opportunities. Gupta stated that, "Sometimes I feel that having one image is better... If I become a good typecast, then everyone will think about me. So there is a little benefit of typecast". She also cautioned young actresses against taking comedy roles early in their careers, as it may limit their chances of being cast as heroines later on.

Mishra's journey reflects the complexities of an actor's career in Bollywood, where typecasting is a common practice but also where opportunities exist to break free and showcase diverse talents.

Vadh 2, starring Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, is set to release in theaters on February 6, 2026. The film is written and directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg's Luv Films. The cast also includes Kumud Mishra, Akshay Dogra, Amitt K Singh, Shilpa Shukla, and Yogita Bihani.