Neelesh Misra

You know how some voices don’t just tell stories, they become a part of your life? For me, and honestly, for millions of us, that voice has always been Neelesh Misra.

I still remember the first time I tuned into Yaadon Ka Idiot Box on BIG FM. The fictional town of Yaad Sheher felt more real than the city outside my window. His words had this magic. They could take you back to your childhood lane, remind you of your first heartbreak, or make you believe in love again. Who else can do that so effortlessly?

The Voice That Holds a Generation Together

Neelesh ji isn’t just a storyteller; he’s a bridge. From journalism in conflict zones to penning Bollywood lyrics like “Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai” and “Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai”, he’s lived a thousand lives. And we, his listeners, have lived them with him.

And oh, his Slow Interview! Where else do you get to hear celebrities and thinkers open up like they’re sitting in your living room over a cup of chai? That’s the trust his voice carries.

The artist

He’s not just spoken to us; he’s written to us. His books, 173 Hours in Captivity, The Absent State, and the dreamy Yaad Sheher series are reflecting mirrors. You can see yourself in them.

And yes, the poetry! His recent collection Main Aksar Sochta Hoon feels like he plucked questions right out of my late-night musings.

Beyond Stories...

What makes me proudest as a fan is that Neelesh ji isn’t just about art; he’s about change. He founded Gaon Connection, India’s first rural media platform, giving villages a voice the mainstream often ignores. Millions read and listen to stories of rural India today because he believed they mattered.

And then there’s The Slow Movement. His beautiful rebellion against the fast, noisy world. Slow content, slow living, slow love. Isn’t that what we all secretly crave?

Global Recognition 

Whenever he wins awards, whether it’s the Ramnath Goenka Award for Journalism or his shows getting nationwide love, it feels like a win for us, his listeners. Because in some way, his recognition validates the emotions we’ve felt with every story, every lyric, every pause in his narration.

Why We’ll Keep Listening

Neelesh Misra has taught me, and so many of us, that stories aren’t just entertainment. They are therapy. They heal, they connect, they remind us that we’re not alone.

So here’s to the man who turned a mic into a companion, a storyteller into a movement, and listeners into a family.

Neelesh ji, thank you for being the heartbeat in our headphones. We’re still listening. We always will.

If you’ve ever smiled, cried, or paused while listening to him, share this post. Because somewhere, someone needs to know that a story can still change their life.