In a world where fame often hinges on formulas and facades, Lisa Mishra stands tall as a powerful exception—a self-made, soulful force of nature who has gracefully bridged continents, cultures, and creative disciplines. Born in Berhampur, Odisha, and raised in Chicago, Lisa is not just an artist; she is a movement—an emblem of perseverance, authenticity, and female empowerment.
From uploading her first cover on YouTube at just 13 years old to lending her vocals to Grammy-winning albums, Mishra’s journey is more than just an ascent in the music industry—it’s a masterclass in passion, persistence, and purpose.
Lisa Mishra: From Humble Beginnings to Harmonious Heights
Lisa Mishra’s early life story reads like a classic underdog tale with a modern twist. Growing up in Chicago after being born in India, she carried a dual identity—Indian at heart, American by upbringing. This fusion became her superpower, allowing her to effortlessly blend the soul of Indian classical influence with the edge of Western pop and R&B. With a double major in economics and religion from Illinois Wesleyan University, Lisa wasn’t just about melodies—she was deeply intellectual, thoughtful, and fiercely self-aware.
While working on prestigious research projects with the Andrew Mellon Foundation and Harvard’s Pluralism Project, Lisa was also crafting music, teaching herself guitar, audio engineering, songwriting, and even video editing. She wasn’t waiting for a break—she was building her destiny with her own hands.
Viral Stardom and the ‘Tareefan’ Turning Point
In 2018, Lisa Mishra posted a simple Instagram mashup of “Tareefan” and “Let Me Love You.” She didn’t have a big label backing her or a viral marketing strategy in place. What she had was a voice so honest, raw, and captivating that even Bollywood royalty couldn’t ignore it. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja saw the video, and Lisa was soon flown to India to record the reprise version of Tareefan for the hit film Veere Di Wedding. That moment wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a cultural reset.
Suddenly, here was an Indian-American woman not only being embraced by Bollywood but setting new standards with her global appeal and original sound.
Breaking Boundaries: Bollywood to Global Collaborations
Lisa Mishra’s voice—melodic yet powerful—resonated with listeners across the world. Soon, she was singing and writing for iconic names like Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, and DJ Khaled. Featured on tracks like “All We Got” from the Grammy-winning album Coloring Book, and songs like “Single No More” and “I Love You So Much,” Lisa carved out a space for herself in both the Indian and international music scenes.
Her music credits span from upbeat Bollywood party anthems like The Wakhra Song and Chandigarh Mein, to soul-stirring tracks like Nadaaniyaan from The Sky Is Pink. Each song, each note, reflects her unique ability to connect with emotions, whether she’s making you dance or pulling at your heartstrings.
Owning Her Story: Advocacy Through Art
For Lisa Mishra, music isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about empowerment. She passionately champions the idea that women should write their own lyrics and tell their own stories.
“If I want to sing a song about heartbreak as a woman,” she says, “I want women to hear it and feel a sense of themselves in my story.”
In an industry historically dominated by male narratives, Lisa Mishra’s bold stance on female agency is revolutionary. She’s not just singing—she’s creating emotional safe spaces for women through her art. By encouraging girls to be the authors of their emotions and expressions, she’s building a legacy far beyond music charts.
Crossing into Acting: ‘Call Me Bae’ and Beyond
In 2024, Lisa Mishra made her acting debut in Call Me Bae, a series produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. A natural performer, she infused the screen with the same authenticity that defines her music. Her transition into acting signals yet another expansion of her artistic universe, proving that Lisa Mishra is not bound by roles—she is here to redefine them.
‘Sorry, I’m Late’: A Love Letter to Evolution
Her debut album Sorry, I’m Late, released in May 2024, is a stunning blend of Indian and Western pop, traversing genres like R&B, trap, drill, and drum & bass. It’s not just an album—it’s a declaration of artistic freedom.
Lisa Mishra doesn’t believe in boxes. Her creative choices reflect that: she lets her intuition guide her, her heart shape her lyrics, and her heritage enrich her sound. The album’s title itself is a nod to the years she spent growing, learning, and perfecting her craft before stepping fully into the spotlight.
Rooted in Gratitude, Fueled by Self-Belief
Despite her accolades and high-profile collaborations, Lisa’s humility remains her hallmark.
“I credit my success to me,” she says. “I think we all need to be thankful to ourselves regularly.”
That powerful statement isn’t arrogance—it’s a reminder for every woman, every artist, every dreamer: you are the architect of your own life. Lisa’s journey is a celebration of self-reliance, courage, and gratitude. Lisa Mishra openly thanks her parents for allowing her creativity to flourish, but she also honors the grit and dedication it took to get where she is.
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