Ravi Kishan’s Rise: From Village Drama to Bollywood Fame and Parliament

Ravi Kishan, whose full name is Ravindramohan Kishan Shukla, entered the world on July 17, 1969, in Mumbai, though his family hailed from the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The son of a temple priest, he grew up with limited financial means. From childhood he was fascinated by theatre, joining local Ram‑leela troupes and often playing women’s parts—a practice his father frowned upon, insisting on formal studies and a stable career. Determined, Kishan moved to Mumbai, enduring years of small roles and unpaid work while chasing a break. He finally appeared in the 1992 Hindi movie “Pitambar.” The 1990s saw him in titles such as “Army,” “Jakhmi Dil,” and “Aag Aur Chingari.” His career‑defining moment arrived in 2003 with “Tere Naam,” where his portrayal of a priest won popular approval. Capitalising on this, Kishan entered the Bhojpuri film industry, achieving star status with “Saiyya Hamaar.” He later expanded to Telugu and Kannada cinema and provided the Bhojpuri voice‑over for “Spider‑Man 3.” His filmography includes “Firse Hera Pheri,” “Lak,” “Ravan,” “Agent Vinod,” “Bullet Raja,” “Mukkabbal,” “Baatla House,” and the critically praised “Laptara Ladies,” which fetched him Filmfare and IIFA awards for best supporting actor. On TV he featured in reality series like “Big Boss” and hosted multiple shows. In 2019, Ravi Kishan entered the political arena, winning the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat, and he retained it in the 2024 elections. He now juggles his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament with an ongoing acting career.