Premlata Mishra

Dr. Premlata Mishra “Prem” (born 29 September 1948) is one of the most admired living legends of Maithili theatre. An accomplished actor, writer, and radio artiste, she has spent over five decades shaping the Mithila culture and inspiring women to find their voice on stage and in literature.

She has authored three books including Shekhar Prasang (based on her Ph.D. thesis) and the memoir Ego Chhalih Sneh. She is the founder-host of the monthly literary gathering Sandhya-Goshthi and edits a magazine of the same name, giving a platform to emerging and established writers.

She has worked in Hindi, Maithili and Bhojpuri films such as  Damul, Mamta Gavay geet,  Sasta jindagi mahag sindur, Babua Hamaar, and National award winner Mithila Makhan, and been on air as a long-time Akashvani Patna artiste.She has also worked on Doordarshan Patna seriel ‘Parv bhara Mithla.  Honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2022–23), Mithila Vibhooti Award (twice), Bhikhari Thakur Senior Award, Noor Fatima Award, Patliputra Award, and many other recognitions, Dr. Mishra continues to be a vital force in preserving and renewing the cultural and theatrical traditions of Mithila. 

Though she is not a professional singer, in Mithila every voice carries music. With effortless grace, she recorded a series of songs for us in a single sitting — each rendered in the pure, traditional style, with the sole purpose of keeping the cultural legacy alive.