Rishabh Shetty – Dedicated to the craft of Filmmaking

Rishabh Shetty - Dedicated to the craft of Filmmaking - Hashtag Magazine

While the movie Kantara continues to make and break records at the box office, the lead actor and director Rishabh Shetty is grabbing eyeballs for all the right reasons. 

When some Government officials visited actor Rishabh Shetty to invite him to be a guest at an upcoming function and asked him how he was feeling, his answer was simple, “normal.” And this is exactly how this exclusive conversation with Bindu Gopal Rao flowed. The actor is amicable and has no baggage of being the face of the highest-grossing film in Karnataka, earning over Rs. 400 crores beating KGF: Chapter 2.  Born Prashant Shetty, he grew up in Kundapura and studied in Bengaluru. Doing all kinds of jobs from a mineral water business to dabbling in real estate and hotels, he armed himself with a diploma in film direction from Bengaluru’s Government Film and TV Institute.After acting in movies like Thuglak, Lucia, Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Harikathe Alla Girikathe among others, he has also directed movies like Kirik Party, Katha Sangama and Shivamma. His recent release that has been bankrolled by Hombale Films, Kantara which he has both acted and directed in, has made him a household name, and with the right reason. The movie that straddles a social issue using a traditional, spiritual practice strikes the right chords and gives the message without being preachy or trying too hard. And this is something that gives the audience an insight into Shetty’s deep-rooted love for the art and craft of filmmaking.

How do you look back at your decade plus journey in films?

It is just a journey – every film teaches you something and adds to your experience. We try to correct mistakes of the past and make new ones (laughs). It is a learning process for me as each movie teaches me an aspect of filmmaking.

It is just a journey – every film teaches you something and adds to your experience. We try to correct mistakes of the past and make new ones.

For someone who struggled with odd jobs to make it in the industry, what kept you motivated?

I do not think too much about anything and while I had a goal to do something in the film line, there is also a need to survive which means that I had to do odd jobs. While I come from a middle-class home, we are from a reputed family erstwhile Panchayat family. We lost a lot of agricultural lands but had enough to lead a comfortable life. But we all need to work for survival, and I saved a portion of what I earned so that I could make a career in the movies. I think my goal was clear, so I also happened to meet people from the industry.

How did you get your first break? Were you nervous or excited?

I never felt it was a break, for me it was just like the other job ended and this one started. I feel that is how things must be and while everyone is saying Kantara is a big success (we have a Tulu language release pending), for me it’s a job done, and I look at what next. You should not have baggage and in films as I know, neither success nor failure is permanent and it’s all about that one Friday.

In films as I know, neither success nor failure is permanent and it’s all about that one Friday.

As you dabble being an actor, director, writer, and producer, have you felt it is a lot to do or you like doing everything?

I do not look at it like that. I came to be an actor but there were different situations created. I thought of starting through the route of an assistant director and became enamoured by the filmmaking process that gave me a lot of happiness. This was also the time when I faced failures as an actor and in business and looking for a job was my job. At that time all I asked God was to give me so much work that I would not have time to even scratch myself. I just love being busy. When I met Rakshit (Shetty), there was a turning point as we had a good exchange of ideas being technical and I learnt a lot. This is when I started writing as well and had also made up my mind to direct. When I worked with Rakshit on Ulidavaru Kandante in 2014, it was a collaborative effort and he would make all the shot divisions and it gave me immense confidence about film making. And I like direction as I like stories and controlling the narration.

When writing Kantara, did you ever imagine that it would become so successful?

When I narrated the film to Ajaneesh Loknath (music composer), I told him, something will happen, I don’t know what but it will be something and will connect with the audience. I told him we must put our best efforts for the movie as this is something that is once in a lifetime. We started in April 2021, wrote in May 2021, and started shooting in parallel sets in September 2021. I felt there was some energy but never imagined it would become so big.

The subject of Kantara is very unusual. While you have said you grew up watching the Bhoota Kola performance, how did you prepare for the role?

The first thing when doing such a film is that you must believe in it, and I believe in Daiva Aradhane (the worship of spirits also called Bhoota Aradhane). I have seen the same growing up in Kundapara and it extends across Tulu Nadu (Dakshina Kannada district) till Kasargod and beyond. This is not an art form but a belief and a ritual and I had to do it under the lens of spirituality. I went to Dharmasthala and offered prayers to Manjunatah Swamy and Annappa Swamy. I went to the community of the daivaka nartakas (divine dancers), told them the story and had them with me when I did the movie. They were happy and they guided me through the movie until the release. When I was doing these scenes, I abstained from non-vegetarian food and would eat the prasad and start shooting through the night. Once I applied the paint, I would not eat anything till I removed it. 

I never felt it was a break, for me it was just like the other job ended and this one started. I feel that is how things must be and while everyone is saying Kantara is a big success, for me it’s a job done, and I look at what next.

Can you share some experiences you had when shooting this film?

I had many experiences that I will keep to myself but all I will say I had a protected feeling. There was an energy that protected us through the shooting.

Does the blockbuster success of the movie put unconscious pressure on you?

When the movie was about to be released, I had a sense of heaviness. When people saw the movie, some of them started seeing me differently. One of the women who is part of the family of the artists, fell on my legs and I did the same, but it felt too heavy, so I stopped visiting theaters after that. I do not want to be seen as God.

How do you choose scripts to act/direct?

When I am acting, if I like the story and character, I will say yes. When directing, I like social issues and when it is layered with storytelling and anything that talks of our culture. With Kantara also this is what I wanted to do, and I like to create new genres and work on different issues every time. 

What do awards mean to you?

Awards are good appreciation and there is always an attraction about it. Just like in our childhood when we were given a cup when we won something, there is always a good feeling when your work is appreciated.

What next for you?

As of now, I am not working on anything as I am on a break (half of which is done). I have spent time with my family on a holiday and am continuing with some temple runs. I will start in January next.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 Future Stars of Indian Cricket: Young Talents to Watch

Indian cricket has always been a powerhouse of extraordinary talent, consistently producing legends who have left an indelible mark on both national and international stages. The era of Sunil Gavaskar laid the foundation for batting excellence, while Kapil Dev’s leadership brought India its first World Cup glory. Then came Sachin Tendulkar, whose unmatched brilliance inspired generations, followed by the calm resilience of MS Dhoni, who redefined captaincy, and the fiery passion of Virat Kohli, who has set new benchmarks in modern cricket. Together, these icons have cemented India’s status as a cricketing giant. At the core of this success is a steady pipeline of young talent, nurtured through grassroots programs, domestic leagues like the IPL, and a deep love for the game across the nation. Today, anticipation surrounds the vibrant new generation of Indian cricketers. These young players, showing promise on domestic and international platforms, are poised to carry forward the legacy of excellence. Their fearless approach and adaptability to modern formats highlight their readiness to make an impact on cricket’s biggest stages. The growing interest extends to fans engaging with the sport in unique ways, such as exploring the top betting sites in India, where they follow the matches and support their favorite players by betting on them. This article will spotlight the top 10 emerging talents from India, exploring their journeys, achievements, and potential to shape the future of Indian cricket. Let’s take a closer look at the stars of tomorrow. Shubman Gill: Shubman Gill, hailed as the “prince of Indian cricket,” represents the future of India’s batting lineup. With a composed technique, Gill thrives as an opener, seamlessly transitioning between formats. By 2025, his ODI average exceeds 60, backed by seven centuries, including a stunning 208 against New Zealand. He was the Player of the Series during

Nimrat Kaur Talks About Her Latest Web Series “Kull”

Nimrat Kaur is back with a powerful role in Kull: The Legacy of the Raisinghs, a family drama that dives deep into generational wounds and societal facades. The actor, known for her intensity and grace, brings a haunting vulnerability to her character Indrani. In an exclusive chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Nimrat discusses the show’s themes, her artistic journey, and the emotional tribute she recently paid to her father. On the title, “Kull”- Yes, absolutely, kull is an interesting word, right? Kul-dosh, kul-ko-aage-badhane-wala. It symbolizes lineage, burdens, responsibilities. I really liked the title when Ekta chose it. I hoped it would stay. For me, Kull represents generational trauma and the weight we carry forward. On Indrani, her character-I feel incredibly grateful that people have embraced Indrani Rai Singh’s part and they have been able to relate to her circumstances, not necessarily her as a person, which I think was my intention in any case in the first place. Behind the sarees, the pearls, the carefully curated perfection, there’s a broken woman barely holding it together. By the end, she becomes so lost in her own delusions, she can’t even tell what’s real anymore. On doing justice to all the characters–Meryl Streep once said, you don’t become someone else entirely—you bring bits of yourself into every role. And that’s so true. I live on my own, I make my own decisions, I have a certain kind of independence in how I think and move through the world. That probably seeps into the women I play. Every character has a journey, a heartbeat—I always try to tap into that. Working with Ekta Kapoor- Ekta gave me my first web series, “The Test Case,” before OTT platforms even existed. That was a bold move. She gave me a platform when the space was still

Aamir Khan Exclusive Interview With Lipika Varma

I’m a Loyalist of Cinema: Aamir Khan Fresh off the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan opens up about his enduring love for cinema, why he champions children’s stories, and how he balances personal evolution with creative instincts. In an exclusive interaction, he also speaks candidly about declaring his relationship with Gauri and the stability she brings into his life. In this heartfelt conversation, Aamir reflects on movies, meaning, and moments, with LIPIKA VARMA capturing it all. Excerpts- How do you feel when your film is on the verge of being released? Whenever my film is on the verge of being released, the feeling is like a father of a newborn child, though we cannot compare our feelings to a mother of a newborn child. But when my films are released, I feel the same nervousness and excitement as a father. The more excited you are, the more you contemplate whether your film is good, and then the nervousness grows if people will like it or not. I always get nervous whenever my films are on the release. Why are children’s films made in lesser numbers in Bollywood? Yes, it’s sad that the Hindi film industry is making very few children’s films. According to my thought process, the industry feels there is no market for children’s films. I disagree with this. We have so many children in this country, of course, they watch films! But sadly, many end up watching Western films dubbed in Hindi. We must take responsibility as filmmakers and create more meaningful stories for our children. Will you make more children’s films? I have decided to make children’s films even in the future. Kids are the future pillars of our country. They need to be sensitive, caring, and empathetic. Our films touch them in ways to

Top 5 Indian Shows Everyone Is Binge-Watching in 2025

From royal drama to twisted reality, here’s what India is watching (and obsessing over) this year. In the ever-evolving world of Indian entertainment, 2025 has delivered a goldmine of binge-worthy content from palace intrigue and dysfunctional families to comedy classics and reality chaos. With OTT platforms upping the game and audiences craving variety, these five shows have emerged as the biggest must-watch of the year. Here’s what’s streaming, what’s trending, and why you’ll want to clear your weekend watchlist immediately: The Royals – India’s Glamorous New Obsession Streaming on: NetflixCast: Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat, Dino Morea, Milind SomanGenre: Romantic Comedy Drama | Royalty Meets Modern Hustle What’s It About?Set in modern India, The Royals follows a once wealthy royal family trying to reinvent themselves after financial ruin. When the charming heir (Ishaan Khatter) teams up with a driven entrepreneur (Bhumi Pednekar) to convert their ancestral palace into a luxury resort, sparks and scandals fly. Why Everyone’s Bingeing It: Ishaan Khatter shines as the reluctant prince with charm and depth. Bhumi Pednekar brings fire as the modern businesswoman challenging royal traditions. Zeenat Aman and Sakshi Tanwar add multigenerational richness. Nora Fatehi is a comic delight in a glam role. Opulent visuals, witty writing, and a perfectly chaotic royal family setup. USP:Think Downton Abbey meets Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. It’s lavish, light, emotional, and incredibly stylish, easily Netflix India’s most buzzed-about show this year. Rana Naidu – Season 2 Streaming on: NetflixCast: Rana Daggubati, Venkatesh Daggubati, Surveen Chawla, Suchitra PillaiGenre: Action | Family Dysfunction | Crime Noir What’s It About?Rana Naidu is a high-powered fixer for India’s elite but this season, his biggest mess is at home. As his criminal past catches up with him and his father’s release from jail threatens his empire,

You May Also Like

Connect with us