Maninee De pivots to voice coaching, animal communication; TV return conditional on 'good project'
Synopsis
Maninee De isn't stepping away from acting — she's recalibrating on her own terms. After 20 years anchoring Indian television's biggest shows, she's now studying animal communication and training voices, and will only return to the screen for projects that spark genuine creative joy. It's a career reset driven by curiosity, not desperation.
Key Takeaways
Actor Maninee De is studying animal communication and psychodrama modalities alongside voice coaching work.
She has worked in television for 20 years , featuring in shows like Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin , CID , Pavitra Rishta , and Sanjivani .
De will return to television only if offered a project that aligns with her creative interests and brings her genuine enjoyment.
She maintains respect for the television medium but prioritizes personal fulfillment over medium-specific commitments.
De was previously married to actor Mihir Mishra and has a daughter; the couple divorced after over a decade of marriage.
Actor Maninee De has stepped back from active television work to pursue voice coaching and animal communication studies, signalling a deliberate career recalibration rather than a retreat from the medium. In an exclusive interview, the veteran television actor revealed that she will return to the small screen only if offered a project that aligns with her current creative priorities.
New pursuits beyond television
De told IANS that she is currently immersed in studying animal communication and psychodrama modalities. "At this point in my life, I am exploring and learning a lot of new things. I have always been a very curious student. Right now, I am studying animal communication and also a modality of psychodrama," she said. Alongside these studies, she works as a voice coach and conducts voice training sessions, leaving limited bandwidth for traditional acting commitments.
Two decades in television
De has built a substantial television career spanning 20 years, anchoring roles in marquee shows including Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, CID, Left Right Left, Baat Hamari Pakki Hai, Adaalat, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Pavitra Rishta, and Sanjivani. She maintains deep respect for the medium, acknowledging the skill required to master television's unique grammar and pacing demands.
On returning to acting
Rather than ruling out a television comeback, De has set a clear criterion: enjoyment and creative resonance. "If something good comes my way, I will definitely take it up, whether it is television, theatre, films, or web, it doesn't matter to me. What matters is that I should enjoy it. If I don't enjoy something in life, I simply don't do it," she explained. For her, the medium is secondary to the quality of the role and her personal investment in the project.
Life beyond the screen
De was previously married to actor Mihir Mishra, with whom she shares a daughter. The couple separated after more than a decade of marriage and subsequently divorced. Her current focus on skill-building and teaching reflects a broader shift toward mentorship and personal growth in her professional life.
Point of View
She inverts the typical power dynamic — no longer chasing roles, but waiting for roles that match her intellectual curiosity. Her simultaneous pursuit of animal communication and voice coaching suggests a deeper question: whether the traditional television grind, with its punishing schedules and formulaic narratives, ever aligned with her creative instincts. In an era of creator-led platforms and niche content, her selectivity may prove prescient.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maninee De currently studying?
Maninee De is studying animal communication and psychodrama modalities. She is also working as a voice coach and conducting voice training sessions.
Will Maninee De return to television?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. She has stated that she will return to television if a good and solid project comes her way that aligns with her creative interests and brings her genuine enjoyment.
How long has Maninee De worked in television?
Maninee De has worked in television for 20 years, appearing in popular shows such as Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, CID, Left Right Left, Baat Hamari Pakki Hai, Adaalat, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Pavitra Rishta, and Sanjivani.
What is Maninee De's personal background?
Maninee De was previously married to actor Mihir Mishra. The couple has a daughter together but separated and divorced after being married for over a decade.
Does Maninee De respect the television medium?
Yes, Maninee De has expressed deep respect for television, acknowledging the skill required to master the medium's grammar and pacing. She stated that she salutes anyone who can work in or understand television.
