Rishab Shetty
Rishab Shetty 
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| Born | 7 July 1983 Keradi, Kundapura, Udupi district, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.Com, Vijaya College, Bengaluru Diploma in Film Direction, Government Film and TV Institute |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
| Known for | Kirik Party, Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kantara |
| Spouse | Pragathi Shetty |
| Awards | National Film Award for Best Actor Filmfare Award for Best Director (Kannada) SIIMA Award for Best Director |
Rishab Shetty (born 7 July 1983) is an Indian actor, director, producer, and screenwriter best known for his contributions to Kannada cinema. With acclaimed films such as Kirik Party and the pan-India blockbuster Kantara, Shetty has become one of the most influential voices in regional and national cinema. His works are celebrated for merging traditional cultural narratives with modern cinematic storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Rishab Shetty was born in Keradi village, Kundapura Taluk, Udupi district, Karnataka, into a Bunt family. After completing his schooling in Kundapura, he graduated with a B.Com degree from Vijaya College, Bengaluru. During his college years, he actively participated in theatre and Yakshagana performances, which laid the foundation for his career in acting and direction.
Determined to pursue filmmaking, he earned a Diploma in Film Direction from the Government Film and TV Institute, Bengaluru. His early exposure to theatre and folk art later shaped his cinematic style, deeply rooted in Karnataka’s culture and folklore.
Career
Early Struggles and Acting Debut (2012–2015)
Rishab began his career in the film industry working in multiple roles — as an assistant director, clap boy, and spot assistant. His acting debut came with the Kannada film Tuglak (2012), followed by appearances in Lucia (2013) and Ulidavaru Kandante (2014), the latter earning him recognition for his realistic performance as Raghu.
Breakthrough as a Director (2016–2019)
In 2016, Shetty made his directorial debut with Ricky, featuring Rakshit Shetty. His next film, Kirik Party, became one of the biggest blockbusters in Kannada cinema and earned him the Filmfare Award and SIIMA Award for Best Director.
He continued his success with the critically acclaimed Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai (2018), which won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film. As an actor, Shetty also played the lead in Bell Bottom (2019), a retro-style comedy-thriller, which established him as a versatile performer.
National Recognition and Kantara (2020–Present)
In 2021, Rishab starred as the intense gangster Hari in Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, which received cult status. However, it was Kantara (2022) that catapulted him to national fame.
Directed, written, and acted by Shetty under Hombale Films, Kantara blended folklore, spirituality, and environmental themes, resonating with audiences across India. The film became the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time and earned Shetty the National Film Award for Best Actor and the IFFI Special Jury Award (2023).
He is set to reprise his role in the highly anticipated prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025), where he will explore the origins of the divine folklore that inspired the first film.
Filmography
As Actor
- Tuglak (2012)
- Lucia (2013)
- Ulidavaru Kandante (2014)
- Bell Bottom (2019)
- Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021)
- Kantara (2022)
- Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025)
As Director
- Ricky (2016)
- Kirik Party (2016)
- Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale (2018)
- Kantara (2022)
- Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025)
As Producer
- Katha Sangama (2019)
- Hero (2021)
- Pedro (2021)
- Shivamma Yarehanchinala (2022)
- Laughing Buddha (2024)
Notable Works
- Kirik Party (2016) – Blockbuster debut as director
- Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale (2018) – National Award-winning children’s film
- Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021) – Critically acclaimed performance
- Kantara (2022) – Pan-India success and National Award winner
- Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025) – Upcoming mythological prequel
Achievements and Recognition
- National Film Award for Best Actor (Kantara, 2022)
- National Film Award for Best Children’s Film (Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, 2018)
- SIIMA Award for Best Director (Kirik Party)
- Filmfare Award for Best Director (Kannada)
- IFFI Special Jury Award (2023)
- Credited with popularizing Kannada cinema across India
Personal Life
Rishab Shetty is married to Pragathi Shetty. Known for his grounded nature, he often draws inspiration from Karnataka’s folk traditions, nature, and mythology. Beyond films, he is a cultural ambassador for regional art forms like Bhoota Kola and Yakshagana, often featured in his cinematic works.
Legacy
Rishab Shetty is widely regarded as one of the most innovative storytellers in Indian cinema. Through films like Kantara and Kirik Party, he has blended realism, mythology, and emotion, inspiring a new generation of Kannada filmmakers.