Actor-writer Piyush Mishra has spoken candidly about his long struggle with alcoholism, calling it a “deadly disease” that slowly took over his life and behaviour.

In a recent conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, he explained how addiction builds gradually before completely taking control.

“At one point, you start feeling that drinking alcohol is necessary. Your body craves it. Whether you want to or not, you need alcohol,” he said.

Mishra admitted that during that phase, he often lost control over his actions and later struggled to recognise himself. “After drinking, I did many things that made me feel, ‘This is not me,’” he said. 

He also shared deeply personal and uncomfortable truths about how alcohol affected his behaviour.

“I made many inappropriate and obscene phone calls to women, and the next morning I would not even remember them,” he revealed.

Speaking about his family, he added, “I had issues with my mother and said many hurtful things to her while drunk, even when I knew I should forgive her.”

Despite the turmoil in his personal life, Mishra maintained discipline in his professional space. He said he never drank on set or performed under the influence, including during projects like ‘Gulaal’ (2009).

However, he acknowledged that his thinking was still impacted. “I had an alcoholic mind,” he said.

The effects of his addiction extended to his work relationships as well. Mishra admitted that colleagues began to see him as difficult and unpredictable. “People were scared of me. That perception still exists. I get tired of explaining that I have changed,” he said.

A major turning point came in 2009 when he suffered a brain stroke that affected the right side of his body. The incident forced him to confront his condition more seriously and rethink his life.

Following this, Mishra turned to spiritual practices such as Vipassana meditation, which he says helped him control his cravings and regain balance.

He clarified that while he has not completely quit alcohol, he has significantly reduced his dependence. “Alcoholism never goes away. You can control it, but can’t eliminate it,” he said, describing recovery as an ongoing process.

Looking back, Mishra acknowledged how close he came to losing everything. “I had become antisocial. The things I did, people could have killed me,” he said, adding that his work played a crucial role in helping him stay grounded.

Today, Mishra continues to remain active across films, theatre, and music, with recent projects like ‘Rahu Ketu’, ‘Crazxy’ (2025) and ‘Azaad’ (2025), even as he carries the lessons of a past shaped by addiction.