Ravi Kishan
| Ravi Kishan | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 17 July 1969 (age 56) Bombay, Maharashtra, India (now Mumbai) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actor, Politician, Film Producer, Television Personality |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Known for | Acting in Bhojpuri & Hindi cinema Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur |
| Notable works | Laapataa Ladies, Jala Debh Duniya Tohra Pyar Mein, Race Gurram, Hebbuli |
| Awards | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor Sansad Ratna Award (2025) |
| Spouse | Priti Shukla (m. 1993) |
| Children | 4 (including Riva Kishan) |
| Parents | Shyam Narayan Shukla (father) Dhaneshwar Shukla (mother) |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Constituency | Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla, known professionally as Ravi Kishan (born 17 July 1969), is an Indian actor, film producer, and politician. He currently serves as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Gorakhpur, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[1]
Ravi Kishan is widely regarded as one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema, having appeared in over 300 films across Bhojpuri, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil languages. His performance in Laapataa Ladies (2023) earned him major critical acclaim, including the Filmfare Award and IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor. In recognition of his outstanding parliamentary performance, he was honored with the Sansad Ratna Award (2025).
Early Life and Education
Ravi Kishan was born on 17 July 1969 in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India, into a traditional Brahmin family. His parents, Shyam Narayan Shukla and Dhaneshwar Shukla, originally hailed from Kerakat in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
He spent part of his childhood in Jaunpur before returning to Mumbai, where he attended Rizvi College, Bandra West. During his teenage years, Kishan developed a passion for acting, inspired by the works of Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna.
Film Career
Ravi Kishan began his acting career in the early 1990s, gaining prominence in Bhojpuri cinema. His expressive style and strong screen presence made him one of the industry's most bankable stars.[2]
He became a household name after participating in Bigg Boss (Season 1, 2006), where he finished as the second runner-up. Following this, he hosted several popular television shows, including Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka on NDTV Imagine and appeared in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 (2012).[3]
Bhojpuri and Hindi Cinema
His Bhojpuri film Jala Debh Duniya Tohra Pyar Mein (2010) was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a milestone for regional cinema. He went on to star in several commercially successful Bhojpuri films, becoming one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
In Hindi cinema, Ravi Kishan featured in supporting and character roles in films such as:
- Tere Naam (2003)
- Luck (2009)
- Agent Vinod (2012)
- Batla House (2019)
- Laapataa Ladies (2023) – which won him the Filmfare and IIFA Awards for Best Supporting Actor.
South Indian Films
Ravi Kishan made his Telugu debut with Race Gurram (2014), followed by the Kannada film Hebbuli (2017) alongside Sudeep. He also appeared in Tamil cinema with Monisha En Monalisa (1999). His multilingual performances earned him cross-industry recognition as a versatile artist.
Producer and Television Personality
In addition to acting, Ravi Kishan has produced several films, including Sab Kushal Mangal (2020), featuring his daughter Riva Kishan. He has also been a regular television presence, participating in talk shows, reality programs, and cultural events.
Political Career
Ravi Kishan began his political journey in 2014 with the Indian National Congress, contesting from Jaunpur constituency but losing the election. In 2017, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Gorakhpur constituency and won by a margin of over three lakh votes. He was re-elected in the 2024 general elections, defeating Kajal Nishad of the Samajwadi Party.
As an MP, Ravi Kishan has been an active participant in parliamentary debates and cultural initiatives. He received the prestigious Sansad Ratna Award (2025) for exemplary contribution in the Parliament.
Achievements and Recognition
- Sansad Ratna Award (2025) – Outstanding Parliamentary Performance
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Laapataa Ladies (2023)
- IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor – Laapataa Ladies (2023)
- ETV Bhojpuri Cinema Samman (2008) – Most Popular Actor
- Recognized for promoting Bhojpuri culture and cinema globally
Notable Works
- Jala Debh Duniya Tohra Pyar Mein (2010)
- Race Gurram (2014)
- Hebbuli (2017)
- Batla House (2019)
- Laapataa Ladies (2023)
- Sab Kushal Mangal (2020) – Producer
Personal Life
Ravi Kishan married Priti Shukla on 10 December 1993. The couple has four children – three daughters and one son. His daughter Riva Kishan made her acting debut with *Sab Kushal Mangal* (2020). Another daughter, Ishita, joined the Indian Army in 2023 as an NCC cadet.
He continues to balance his acting and political responsibilities, often participating in cultural outreach programs in his constituency.
Legacy
Ravi Kishan is widely regarded as the face of modern Bhojpuri cinema. His ability to bridge mainstream Bollywood and regional industries has made him a pan-Indian figure. As an actor, orator, and lawmaker, he represents the fusion of entertainment and leadership in Indian public life.