Rishab Shetty

**Prashanth Shetty** (born 7 July 1983), known professionally by his screen name **Rishab Shetty**, is a highly acclaimed Indian actor, film director, writer, and producer who primarily works in Kannada cinema. Known for deeply rooting his cinematic storytelling in the rich folklore and culture of coastal Karnataka, he has emerged as one of the most visionary and influential filmmakers in the country.

Born in Keradi in the Kundapura region of Udupi district, Karnataka, Shetty developed an early passion for Yakshagana and traditional theater. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Vijaya College in Bengaluru. Determined to pursue a career in cinema, he subsequently obtained a diploma in film direction from the Government Film and TV Institute in Bengaluru.

Shetty began his film career working backstage as an assistant director and clap boy before making his acting debut in the 2012 film *Tuglak*. He gained initial recognition for his supporting role in the cult classic *Ulidavaru Kandanthe* (2014) alongside Rakshit Shetty. He made his directorial debut with *Ricky* (2016) and immediately followed it with the massive college comedy blockbuster *Kirik Party* (2016). He continued his directorial streak with the critically acclaimed *Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai* (2018), which won a National Film Award.

As a lead actor, he delivered standout performances in the retro-comedy *Bell Bottom* (2019) and the intense gangster drama *Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana* (2021). However, it was his 2022 magnum opus *Kantara* that catapulted him to unprecedented pan-Indian stardom. Writing, directing, and starring in the film, Shetty masterfully blended high-octane action with the region's spiritual Bhoota Kola folklore, creating a massive cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.

His immense contributions to Indian cinema have earned him multiple prestigious accolades. For his work on *Kantara*, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor. He is also the recipient of the National Film Award for Best Children's Film (for *Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale*) as well as numerous Filmfare and SIIMA Awards for Best Director.