A novel bioactive Schiff base (HL) named 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐5‐((5‐nitrosalicylidene)amino)pyrazole was prepared by condensing 5‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenylpyrazole with 5‐nitrosalicyldehyde in methanol on a heating mantle in refluxing condition for 1 h. Some transition metal complexes of the ligand in (1 : 1) and (1 : 2) have also been prepared by condensing the metal acetate salt with the synthesized Schiff base. The Schiff base and metal complexes were characterized by different physiochemical techniques, i. e., 1H‐NMR, InfraRed, mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis, Ultraviolet‐Visible, Cyclic voltammetry, electronic spectra and Electron spin resonance. The presence of water molecules in the complexes have been calculated with the help of thermogravimetric analysis. Kinetic parameters such that entropy change, enthalpy change and activation energy have been calculated with the help of Coats‐Redfern equations. Fluorescence spectra showed enhancement in the fluorescence signal of the metal complexes. Square planar geometry for the copper complexes and octahedral geometry for the other metal complexes have been proposed with help of various methods. Biological activities of all the compounds have been carried out and the results disclosed that the metal complexes have high biological activity than the Schiff base having MIC value in the range 25–3.12 μg/mL and mycelial growth inhibition 60.82–96.98 %.