Sanoj Mishra
Sanoj Mishra is an Indian film director and screenwriter known for his work in Hindi films such as Gandhigiri, Ram Ki Janmabhoomi and The Diary of West Bengal. In April 2025, Mishra was arrested on the charges of raping a 28-year-old aspiring actress over four years, allegedly luring her with film roles and marriage promises, forcing her into a live-in relationship, and making her undergo multiple abortions.
Early life
Sanoj Mishra was born and raised in Haidergarh, Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh. He holds a master's degree in sociology from Shia PG College, Lucknow, according to his official website.Career
Mishra's directorial debut in Hindi cinema was Betaab in 2014. Subsequent directorial efforts include Gandhigiri, Ram Ki Janmabhoomi, Lafange Nawab, Srinagar, Ghaznavi, Shashank and The Diary of West Bengal. He has also served as writer on several of his films, including the latter.Controversies
Ram Ki Janmabhoomi, which revolves around the Ram Mandir issue, faced a legal challenge prior to its release. A petition was filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking to stall the film's release, claiming it would interfere with ongoing mediation in the Ayodhya land dispute case. In March 2019, the Delhi High Court first, and the Supreme Court of India, ultimately refused to block the release, stating there was no connection between the mediation and the film. The film also faced a fatwa issued by the All India Ulama Board.The Diary of West Bengal, which deals with alleged forced conversions, sparked controversy and led to an FIR being filed against Mishra. Kolkata Police summoned Mishra for questioning in connection with the film but Mishra stated that the film was based on well-researched facts.
Arrest for alleged rape
On March 31, 2025, he was arrested in Ghaziabad, following the rejection of his bail by the Delhi High Court. He faces charges of raping a 28-year-old aspiring actress over four years, allegedly luring her with film roles and marriage promises, forcing her into a live-in relationship, and making her undergo multiple abortions. A First information report was filed on March 6, 2024, supported by medical evidence and the complainant's statement.Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | References |
| 2014 | Betaab | Director | ||
| 2016 | Gandhigiri | Director, actor | ||
| 2018 | Tarana – The Black Story | Director | ||
| 2019 | Ram Ki Janmabhoomi | Director | ||
| 2019 | Lafange Nawab | Director | ||
| 2022 | Srinagar | Director, writer | ||
| 2023 | Ghaznavi | Director, writer | ||
| 2023 | Shashank | Director, writer | ||
| 2024 | The Diary of West Bengal | Director, writer | ||
| 2025 | Kashi to Kashmir | Director, writer | Completed |