Actor
Rishab Shetty
Based In
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Origin
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Years Active
2012 – present
Rishab Shetty Biography
Rishab Shetty Full Information
- Full Name: Rishab Shetty
- Profession: Actor, Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer
- Industry: Indian Film Industry
- Primary Industry: Kannada Film Industry (Sandalwood)
- Other Industries Worked In: Pan-Indian cinema
- Date of Birth: 7 July 1983
- Age: 42 years
- Birthplace: Keradi village, Kundapura Taluk, Udupi district, Karnataka, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Active Years: 2012 – present
- Debut Film (Actor): Tuglak (2012)
- Debut Film (Director): Ricky (2016)
- Breakthrough Film: Kantara (2022)
Education:
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
- Studied at Vijaya College, Bengaluru
Career Highlight
| Year | Movie Name | Career Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Tuglak | Acting debut; marked his entry into Kannada cinema |
| 2014 | Lucia | Gained recognition as a strong supporting actor |
| 2014 | Ulidavaru Kandanthe | Breakthrough as director and actor; critically acclaimed |
| 2016 | Ricky | First mainstream directorial venture |
| 2018 | Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu | Established himself as a socially relevant storyteller |
| 2021 | Hero | Expanded his image as a commercial lead actor |
| 2022 | Kantara | Career-defining blockbuster; nationwide recognition |
| 2023 | Kantara (continued success) | Won National Film Award for Best Actor |
Recent Activity
- Rishab Shetty’s recent activity is primarily centered on Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel to Kantara.
- Kantara: Chapter 1 is scheduled for release in late 2025 or early 2026.
- The film explores events that take place before the original Kantara story, deepening its mythological and cultural roots.
- In 2026, Rishab Shetty is expected to focus more on acting rather than directing.
- He is associated with Prashanth Varma’s film Jai Hanuman, marking a significant pan-Indian acting project.
- Rishab Shetty has shown interest in directing a cinematic adaptation of Randamoozham, a renowned literary work.
- Alongside films, he actively participates in cultural events and traditional celebrations, reflecting his deep cultural engagement.
- He regularly interacts with fans through public appearances and events.
- Rishab Shetty frequently shares project updates and cultural insights on social media.
Awards List
| Year | Award | Category | Award Name | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Karnataka State Film Awards | Best Family Entertainer | Karnataka State Film Awards | Kirik Party | Won |
| 2017 | Filmfare Awards South (64th) | Best Director – Kannada | Filmfare Awards South | Kirik Party | Won |
| 2017 | IIFA Utsavam (2nd) | Best Director | IIFA Utsavam | Kirik Party | Nominated |
| 2017 | SIIMA Awards (6th) | Best Director – Kannada | SIIMA Awards | Kirik Party | Won |
| 2018 | National Film Awards (66th) | Best Children’s Film | National Film Awards | Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai | Won |
| 2018 | Karnataka State Film Awards | Best Family Entertainer | Karnataka State Film Awards | Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai | Won |
| 2018 | Filmfare Awards South (66th) | Best Film – Kannada | Filmfare Awards South | Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai | Nominated |
| 2018 | Filmfare Awards South (66th) | Best Director – Kannada | Filmfare Awards South | Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai | Nominated |
| 2019 | SIIMA Awards (8th) | Best Director – Kannada | SIIMA Awards | Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai | Nominated |
| 2019 | SIIMA Awards (8th) | Best Film – Kannada | SIIMA Awards | Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai | Nominated |
| 2022 | SIIMA Awards (10th) | Best Actor – Kannada | SIIMA Awards | Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana | Nominated |
| 2022 | Filmfare Awards South (67th) | Best Actor – Kannada | Filmfare Awards South | Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana | Nominated |
| 2022 | International Film Festival of India (54th) | Special Jury Award | IFFI Awards | Kantara | Won |
| 2023 | SIIMA Awards (11th) | Best Director – Kannada | SIIMA Awards | Kantara | Won |
| 2023 | SIIMA Awards (11th) | Best Actor (Critics) | SIIMA Awards | Kantara | Won |
| 2023 | Filmfare Awards South (68th) | Best Director – Kannada | Filmfare Awards South | Kantara | Nominated |
| 2023 | Filmfare Awards South (68th) | Best Actor – Kannada | Filmfare Awards South | Kantara | Won |
| 2024 | National Film Awards (70th) | Best Actor in a Leading Role | National Film Awards | Kantara | Won |
| 2024 | National Film Awards (70th) | Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment | National Film Awards | Kantara | Won |
| 2024 | National Film Awards (70th) | Best Actor – Kannada (Silver Lotus Award) | National Film Awards | Kantara | Won |
About Rishab Shetty
Rishab Shetty is an Indian actor, director, and screenwriter best known for the blockbuster film Kantara and his rooted, culture-driven storytelling in Kannada cinema.
He gained nationwide recognition for Kantara due to its powerful blend of folklore, spirituality, and performance, earning him major national and international awards.
Kantara (2022) is the film that transformed Rishab Shetty into a pan-Indian star.
Yes, he is set to focus more on acting in 2026, including a key role in Prashanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman.
His deep connection to Indian folklore, realistic performances, cultural authenticity, and ability to balance commercial cinema with meaningful storytelling set him apart.