Rishab Shetty Biography
Biography
Rishab Shetty is an acclaimed Indian actor, director, writer, and producer predominantly working in the Kannada film industry. Born on July 7, 1983, in Keradi village, Kundapura, Karnataka, he developed a passion for acting and cinema early in life. A graduate of Government Film and TV Institute, Bangalore, Rishab began his career as an assistant director before venturing into acting and filmmaking. Known for blending strong storytelling with cultural depth, he gained national recognition with Kantara (2022), a blockbuster that he directed and starred in. His work reflects the traditions, folklore, and essence of rural Karnataka with authenticity and power.
Career Life
Rishab Shetty started his career assisting director Arvind Kaushik and made his acting debut in Tuglak (2012). His directorial debut, Ricky (2016), showcased his storytelling vision, followed by the hit Kirik Party (2016), which brought him major recognition. He later acted in and directed acclaimed films like Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai (2018). However, Kantara (2022) became a cultural and cinematic phenomenon, earning him international fame. The film’s success established Rishab as one of the most versatile and visionary talents in Indian cinema, known for merging folklore, spirituality, and raw human emotion in his storytelling.
Personal Life
Rishab Shetty was born into a middle-class family in Keradi, Udupi district, Karnataka. Deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, he often draws inspiration from his upbringing and native traditions for his films. He married Pragathi Shetty, and the couple has two children. Rishab values simplicity and remains connected to his rural roots despite his stardom. Known for his humility and grounded nature, he actively participates in local cultural events and festivals. Apart from cinema, he is passionate about nature, folk traditions, and spirituality, which are reflected in his lifestyle and artistic expressions both on and off screen.