When Theatre Brought Them Together: Kumud Mishra & Ayesha Raza Love Story

Kumud Mishra and Ayesha Raza Mishra are one of those couples in Bollywood whom every Hindi film viewer might recognise. Their diverse yet impactful roles over the years have made them household names. And yet, amidst their glamorous lives as actors lies a simple, sweet love story that feels straight out of a storybook.

Born in 1968, Kumud Mishra hails from a village in Allahabad. His father loved performing in Ramlila plays, which inspired Kumud to pursue acting. He began acting at just 16 and later joined the National School of Drama. Even after working in films for over 30 years, Kumud still says theatre is his true comfort, like daal chawal.

Ayesha Raza grew up in a family deeply rooted in theatre. Her mother, Salima Raza, started acting with the Delhi-based theatre group Yatrik in 1950 and continues to act to this day. Ayesha is also the grandniece of the legendary actress Zohra Sehgal. She made her screen debut as a newsreader in the comedy film Raghu Romeo, but many remember her as the boisterous aunty, Indoo Mehra, in Dil Dhadakne Do.

When Kumud Met Ayesha: A Journey Rooted In Theatre

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The two met in 2004 while working on the play Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane by Manav Kaul. Ayesha was helping promote the play and caught Kumud’s attention, even though she had just a few lines. They began talking regularly and started dating after two months, describing their bond as both deep and effortless. To their surprise, they also discovered they shared the same birthday, August 16. By the time Kumud turned 40, he was sure Ayesha was the one. He proposed, and Ayesha, already head over heels, said yes without a second thought.

Kumud comes from a Hindu family, while Ayesha is Muslim. They both knew an interfaith relationship might invite resistance. Ayesha’s family, having seen many interfaith marriages, wasn’t surprised. But Kumud’s family was hesitant, his mother objected, and his father remained silent. Trying to lighten the mood, Kumud joked, “I’m 40. If not Ayesha, then who? No one wants to marry a 40-plus guy.” That line broke the ice, and after a 2–3 hour conversation, the family finally gave their blessing.

They were married on February 9, 2008, in a simple ceremony that respected both faiths. Ayesha’s familiarity with Hindu customs and rituals delighted Kumud’s family.

Seventeen years later, Ayesha says she still admires how grounded and honest Kumud is. Kumud continues to cherish Ayesha’s boldness and her fearless voice, both in life and in work. They named their son Kabir, saying, “Kabir belonged to all, and no single religion could claim him.”