Ravi Kishan

Ravi Kishan – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

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Dive into the journey of Ravi Kishan (born July 17, 1969) — Indian actor turned politician — from humble beginnings to Bhojpuri cinema icon to Member of Parliament. Explore his biography, film legacy, and personal insights.

Introduction

Ravi Kishan Shukla, commonly known as Ravi Kishan, is an Indian actor, television personality, and politician whose career spans hundreds of films across multiple languages. Born on July 17, 1969, he emerged from modest origins to become one of the leading stars of Bhojpuri cinema and later made a transition into national politics as a Member of Parliament for Gorakhpur. His life demonstrates resilience, versatility, and the merging of art and public service in contemporary India.

Early Life and Background

Ravi Kishan was born Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla on 17 July 1969 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is the youngest of five siblings. His family originally hails from Kerakat in the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

He completed his schooling up to 12th grade at Rizvi College, Bandra West, Mumbai. At age 17, he left home and moved to Mumbai to pursue acting, reportedly with just ₹500 in hand.

Kishan has often spoken candidly about his early struggles. In interviews, he has recalled living in a mud hut, dealing with extreme poverty, and sharing meager meals among many family members.

Career and Achievements

Film & Television Career

Ravi Kishan’s acting career is remarkable in its scope. According to IMDb, he has worked in 750+ films across Hindi, Bhojpuri, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and other regional industries.

He has had notable roles in mainstream Hindi cinema as well:

• In Tere Naam (2003), Kishan played Rameshwar (a priest role) which brought him wider visibility beyond regional films.

• He also appeared in Phir Hera Pheri (2006) and Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008).

In regional cinema, particularly Bhojpuri, he became a leading star, with frequent releases (sometimes ~10 films per year).

On television, he has participated in reality shows:

• Bigg Boss (2006), where he ended as second runner-up.

• Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 (2012).
  He has also hosted shows and appeared in dramas and episodic series.

Political Career

In 2014, Kishan joined the Indian National Congress and contested general elections, though unsuccessfully. In 2017, he switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he was elected Member of Parliament for Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, winning by a large margin. He succeeded Praveen Kumar Nishad.

In 2025, he is set to be honored with the Sansad Ratna Award, recognizing his contributions in parliamentary duties.

Throughout his political career, Kishan has often spoken of balancing his film work with “serving the people,” and the tension and rewards of that dual life.

Historical & Cultural Context

• Kishan’s rise coincides with the increased national visibility of regional cinema, especially Bhojpuri, which traditionally catered to a large linguistic audience but had limited prestige.

• His career blends cultural influence and politics, reflecting a trend in Indian society where film stars move into public office.

• His trajectory also embodies stories of urban migration, ambition, and reinvention, themes common in many Indian success stories.

Personality, Values & Style

• Resilience: Kishan’s persistence through hardship and persistence in multiple industries marks him as a tenacious figure.

• Versatility: He has taken roles across genres and languages, refusing to be boxed in by one market.

• Relatability: His personal stories and openness about struggle contribute to his appeal as someone who “rose from nothing.”

• Dual identity: Kishan continues to walk the line between entertainer and public servant, which shapes his public persona.

• Ambition with humility: Though he has attained fame and office, he still frequently references his roots, the sacrifices, and his gratitude.

Notable Quotes

Here are some quotations and statements attributed to Ravi Kishan:

“I fractured my hand while shooting for Bullet Raja.”
“I suffered initially because I think most of the people working in the industry only care about themselves.”
“I have done many films and I do around 10 films a year in Bhojpuri industry.”
“If there can be Muslim and Christian countries, why can’t there be a Hindu country?”
“I connect with people, but after sometime I need to be on my own.”
“I am the man who has risen from rags to riches.”
“I think I can strike a balance in politics and acting.”

Additionally, he has shared personal reflections:

• On values:

  “If we want our kids to learn about the true essence of life, we have to take time out of our busy schedule and teach them the values before it is too late.”

• On inspiration:

  “I am very much inspired by the life of Modi ji.”

Lessons from Ravi Kishan’s Journey

1. Persistence matters — Kishan’s decades-long grind shows how consistent effort can break barriers.

2. Be multilingual (in skill and language) — His ability to perform in multiple film industries widened his reach.

3. Embrace risk — Moving from acting to politics carried risks to reputation, but he navigated it.

4. Stay connected to roots — His identification with humble origins gives authenticity to his persona.

5. Balance identities — He demonstrates that one can be more than what a single career defines you to be.

6. Speak truth from experience — His quotes often stem from personal struggle rather than abstract idealism.

Conclusion

Ravi Kishan’s story is a testament to transformation. From a youth who left home to pursue his dreams, enduring hardship along the way, he emerged as one of the defining faces of Bhojpuri cinema and later transitioned into national politics. His life weaves together perseverance, versatility, and public ambition.