Ravi Kishan

Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla, widely known as Ravi Kishan, is a prolific Indian actor, politician, and television personality born on July 17, 1969, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He spent his early childhood in Mumbai before moving to his ancestral village in Kerakat, Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, for several years after his father’s dairy business faced difficulties. He eventually returned to Mumbai to pursue his dreams of acting, completing his education up to the 12th standard at Rizvi College of Arts, Science, and Commerce in Bandra West. His early years were marked by significant struggle; he famously arrived in Mumbai with only ₹500 given to him by his mother and initially worked as a background artist and performed in local Ramleela plays to sustain himself.
Kishan’s acting career began in the early 1990s, with his film debut in the 1992 Hindi movie Pitambar. While he appeared in several supporting roles in Bollywood during the 1990s, including films like Army and Keemat, his major breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with the 2003 hit Tere Naam, where his performance as Rameshwar earned him widespread recognition. Simultaneously, he emerged as a dominant superstar in the Bhojpuri film industry, often referred to as the "Amitabh Bachchan of Bhojpuri cinema." His work in films such as Saiyaan Hamar, Ganga, and the National Award-winning Kab Hoi Gawna Hamaar helped modernize and expand the reach of regional Bhojpuri content, making him a household name across Northern India.
Television played a crucial role in expanding his pan-Indian popularity, beginning with his stint as the second runner-up in the first season of Bigg Boss in 2006. His unique catchphrases and charismatic personality on the show made him a national favorite. He later participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 and hosted several successful reality programs, including Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka and Bathroom Singer. Over the years, he has successfully transitioned into a versatile character actor in multiple languages, making a notable Telugu debut in Race Gurram (2014) and appearing in major Kannada and Tamil productions. His performance in the 2024 film Laapataa Ladies received immense critical acclaim, earning him the Filmfare and IIFA Awards for Best Supporting Actor.
In addition to his entertainment career, Ravi Kishan has established himself as a prominent political leader. After an initial run with the Indian National Congress in 2014, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Gorakhpur constituency in 2019 and was re-elected in 2024 with a significant margin. For his active participation in parliamentary proceedings and legislative duties, he was honored with the Sansad Ratna Award in 2025. He maintains a strong digital presence with millions of followers on social media, where he frequently interacts with fans and provides updates on his films, such as the 2025 releases Son of Sardaar 2 and Daaku Maharaaj, as well as his ongoing political initiatives.