Who is Rishab Shetty?
Rishab Shetty is a celebrated Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer known for his work in Kannada cinema. Rising from humble beginnings, Rishab has become one of the most admired storytellers in Indian regional cinema. He gained nationwide fame with the phenomenal success of Kantara (2022), a film he wrote, directed, and starred in. Blending folklore, mythology, and grounded storytelling, Rishab’s work represents the cultural and spiritual richness of Karnataka.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Prashanth Shetty (professionally known as Rishab Shetty) |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1983 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 41 years |
| Birthplace | Keradi, Kundapura, Udupi District, Karnataka, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Writer, Producer |
| Industry | Kannada Cinema (Sandalwood) |
| Education | B.Com (Vijaya College), Diploma in Film Direction (Govt. Film Institute) |
| Debut Film (Actor) | Tuglak (2012) |
| Debut Film (Director) | Ricky (2016) |
| Breakthrough Work | Kirik Party (2016), Kantara (2022) |
| Notable Works | Kantara, Kirik Party, Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Garuda Gamana… |
| Awards & Honors | National Film Awards, SIIMA, Filmfare, IFFI Special Jury Award |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Pragathi Shetty (m. 2017) |
| Children | Ranvit (son), Raadya (daughter) |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Native Language | Tulu |
| Residence | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Hobbies | Theatre, Folk Art (Yakshagana), Nature Walks, Spiritual Exploration |
| Languages Known | Kannada, Tulu, English |
| Production House | Rishab Shetty Films |
| Known For | Fusing folklore with mainstream cinema, realistic rural storytelling |
Rishab Shetty Early Life
Rishab Shetty was born on July 7, 1983, in Keradi, a small village in Kundapura taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka. Raised in a modest Tulu-speaking Bunt family, Rishab was exposed early to folk theatre, especially Yakshagana, which had a lasting impact on his artistic instincts. Despite financial constraints, he remained committed to his passion for storytelling and performance.
Rishab Shetty Education
Rishab completed his schooling in his native village and later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Vijaya College in Bengaluru. Recognizing his true calling in cinema, he enrolled at the Government Film and Television Institute, Bangalore, where he obtained a diploma in film direction.
During this period, he juggled odd jobs such as delivering water cans and working in hotels to support himself while chasing his filmmaking dreams.
Rishab Shetty Family
Rishab is married to Pragathi Shetty, and the couple has two children: a son named Ranvit and a daughter named Raadya. His parents, Bhaskar Shetty and Lakshmi Shetty, have supported him through his artistic journey. Despite fame, Rishab remains deeply rooted in his family and cultural heritage.
Family Table
| Relation | Name | Details |
| Father | Bhaskar Shetty | Former astrologer |
| Mother | Lakshmi Shetty | Homemaker |
| Sibling | Pratibha Hegde | Sister |
| Wife | Pragathi Shetty | Married in 2017 |
| Children | Ranvit, Raadya | Son and Daughter |
Rishab Shetty Career Journey
Early Career and Struggles
Rishab began his film journey working behind the camera as a clap boy, spot boy, and assistant director. His first acting role came in the 2012 film Tuglak. He then gained small but memorable roles in films like Lucia and Ulidavaru Kandante.
Directorial Breakthrough
- Ricky (2016): His directorial debut starring Rakshit Shetty, blending love and Naxalism themes.
- Kirik Party (2016): A campus drama that became a blockbuster, establishing him as a top Kannada director.
- Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu (2018): A heartwarming children’s film that won the National Award for Best Children’s Film.
The Kantara Phenomenon (2022)
Rishab’s magnum opus Kantara was a game-changer. A deeply rooted story about land, spirit, and justice, Kantara became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films ever and resonated across India. He received Best Actor at the 70th National Film Awards, and the film was lauded for its visual storytelling and cultural depth.
Recent & Upcoming Projects
- Laughing Buddha (TBA): His upcoming directorial venture.
- Kantara Prequel (Kantara: Chapter 1): Officially announced and in development.
Rishab also runs his own production company, Rishab Shetty Films, to back quality cinema.
Rishab Shetty Awards & Achievements
| Year | Award | Category | Work |
| 2019 | National Film Award | Best Children’s Film | Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale… |
| 2023 | National Film Award | Best Actor | Kantara |
| 2023 | IFFI Special Jury Award | Performance | Kantara |
| 2017 | SIIMA & Filmfare | Best Director | Kirik Party |
Rishab Shetty Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Athletic |
| Skin Tone | Wheatish |
| Distinct Features | Thick beard, intense expressions |
Rishab Shetty Net Worth
As of 2025, Rishab Shetty’s estimated net worth is around ₹15 crore to ₹18 crore ($1.8–2.1 million). His earnings come from:
| Source of Income | Estimated Value (₹) | Estimated Value (USD) |
| Acting & Directing | ₹6–8 crore | $725K–$1M |
| Film Production (Own banner) | ₹3–4 crore | $350K–$480K |
| OTT/Satellite Rights (Kantara) | ₹3 crore+ | $360K+ |
| Endorsements & Public Events | ₹1–2 crore | $120K–$240K |
| Total Net Worth | ₹15–18 crore | $1.8–2.1 million |
💡 Following the blockbuster success of Kantara, Rishab Shetty’s valuation as an actor-director has grown significantly.
Rishab Shetty Social Media Presence
Rishab maintains a low-key yet meaningful presence on social media, where he shares updates about his work, culture, and nature.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (Approx.) |
| @rishabshettyofficial | 1.1M+ | |
| Twitter (X) | Not Officially Active | — |
| Limited Activity | — |
Interesting Facts About Rishab Shetty
- He is a trained Yakshagana performer and often draws from it in his films.
- Despite hardships, he worked as a hotel staff and water delivery boy before breaking into cinema.
- He did Kantara without a star cast, relying solely on strong storytelling and raw authenticity.
- Rishab has a deep interest in folklore, nature, and spiritual narratives.
- He is one of the few actors in India to win a National Award for both acting and filmmaking.
- Kantara was made with a modest budget but crossed ₹400 crore globally.
- His storytelling blends mythology, regional traditions, and modern-day socio-political themes.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Rishab Shetty?
Rishab Shetty is a renowned Kannada film actor, director, and writer best known for Kantara.
Q2. What is Rishab Shetty’s age?
He was born on July 7, 1983, and is 41 years old (as of 2025).
Q3. What is Rishab Shetty’s most famous film?
Kantara (2022), a cultural epic that gained national and global acclaim.
Q4. Who is his wife?
He is married to Pragathi Shetty, and they have two children.
Q5. Has he won a National Award?
Yes, for Best Actor in Kantara and Best Children’s Film as a director.
Q6. What is his net worth?
Approximately ₹15–18 crore or $1.8–2.1 million as of 2025.
Q7. Is he working on new projects?
Yes, including Laughing Buddha and a prequel to Kantara.
Q8. What makes his style unique?
His deep integration of folklore, culture, and visual realism in storytelling.
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