This boy once used to sell water bottles on the streets, won 2 National Awards for a film, has a 9.5 rating on IMDb, he is...

India.com

23-07-2025

world after a tough struggle. From Thalaiva Rajinikanth to Nawazuddin Siddiqui, many artists worked as bus conductors and mechanics during their struggling days, but today they are ruling the film world. The story of struggle of this actor seen in the photo is no less inspiring. Till 13 years ago, no one knew this actor and today he is among the top stars of the South film industry. He made a film in a budget of 16 crores, which surprised everyone by collecting more than Rs 400 crores worldwide and made a record in terms of earnings. But, there was a time when he used to make a living by selling water on the streets. Could you recognize this boy seen in the photo? Who is this actor who started as a spotboy?
The boy seen in the photo is none other than 'Kantara' star Rishab Shetty, who has acted in this National Award-winning film, directed it and is also its writer. Rishab Shetty entered the film world as a spotboy and it took him 22 years to make his mark. But today, Rishab is at the peak of fame and is soon ready to knock in front of the audience once again with 'Kantara: Chapter 1'. Apart from this, he will also be seen in 'Jai Hanuman'. Made a living by selling water on the streets
Rishabh Shetty belongs to a middle-class family. His real name is Prashant Shetty, but an astrologer advised him to change his name and he changed his name from Prashant to Rishabh Shetty. Rishabh was very serious from the beginning and also understood the situation of his family very well. In such a situation, he started selling water on the streets to make a living and never troubled his parents for money. He also worked as a receptionist in a hotel and even sold tea leaves. Rishabh used to make his living with the money he got from doing this work. But, he always wanted to do something different, something that could give him recognition worldwide. Rishabh also used to perform in Yakshagana
Rishabh Shetty joined the theatre during his college days and used to perform in Yakshagana, a traditional folk dance form. It was here that he developed a liking for acting. But, Rishabh was from a non-filmy background and had no connection with the film world, so it was very difficult for him to enter films. He did a diploma in direction and then entered the film world as a spotboy. During this time, he did whatever work he got, from a clapper boy to an assistant director. Rishabh Shetty got his first chance to act in 2012. He appeared in the role of a villain in 'Tughlaq'. After this, he did small roles in many films and it took many years to make his first film as a director. Rishab Shetty's film won National Award
Rishab Shetty directed two Kannada films 'Ricky' and 'Kirik Party' in 2016, out of which Kirik Party was a superhit. At the same time, 'Koduge: Ramanna Rao' made under his direction won the National Award for Best Children's Film and 'Kantara' released in 2022 made Rishab Shetty's name famous all over the world. Kantara was released pan India on public demand and it collected 407 crores worldwide. His film has got a rating of 9.5 on IMDb and for this film he won two National Awards at the 70th National Film Awards.