Rishab Shetty is a Kannada actor, writer, director and producer who became a national sensation with Kantara (2022). He wrote, directed and starred in the film, which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor and became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films ever.
Before Kantara, he had already made a mark as the director of the hit Kirik Party and the National Award-winning children’s film Sarakari Hi. Pra. Shaale. Its prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025), was an even bigger worldwide success.
Rishab Shetty Quick Facts
| Birth Name | Prashanth Shetty |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Producer |
| Date of Birth | 7 July 1983 |
| Age | 43 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Keradi, Udupi district, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
| Directorial Debut | Ricky (2016) |
| Breakthrough | Kirik Party (2016) as director; Kantara (2022) as actor |
| Known For | Kirik Party, Bell Bottom, Kantara, Kantara: Chapter 1 |
| Spouse | Pragathi Shetty (m. 2017) |
| Children | Two |
| Education | B.Com, Vijaya College, Bengaluru; diploma in film direction |
Rishab Shetty Career in Numbers
Here is a snapshot of Rishab Shetty’s career.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Films Directed | 6 |
| National Film Awards | Best Actor (Kantara); Best Children’s Film (Sarakari Hi. Pra. Shaale) |
| Kantara Franchise | Over ₹1,300 crore worldwide combined (reported) |
| Biggest Hit | Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025) |
Early Life and Family
Rishab Shetty was born Prashanth Shetty on 7 July 1983 in Keradi, a village in Udupi district, Karnataka, into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family. He completed a B.Com at Vijaya College in Bengaluru and a diploma in film direction from the Government Film and Television Institute.
To support himself while chasing films, he sold water cans, worked in real estate and hotels, and then worked his way up from clap boy to assistant director in Kannada cinema.
Rishab Shetty Career Journey
Early Acting and Directing (2012–2018)
Rishab made his acting debut with a small role in Tuglak (2012). He directed Ricky (2016) and then the college comedy Kirik Party (2016), starring Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna, which became a blockbuster. Sarakari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu (2018) won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film.
Lead Actor (2019–2021)
He played a detective in the retro thriller Bell Bottom (2019), a hit, and won praise for Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021).
Kantara (2022)
Kantara, rooted in coastal Karnataka’s Bhoota Kola tradition, was written, directed by and starred Rishab Shetty. It became a pan-India phenomenon, was dubbed into several languages and won him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Kantara: Chapter 1 and Beyond (2025–Present)
The prequel Kantara: Chapter 1, released on 2 October 2025, in which he played multiple roles, crossed ₹700 crore worldwide and pushed the franchise past ₹1,300 crore combined. He is set to play Lord Hanuman in Prasanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman.
Rishab Shetty Movies: Complete Filmography
Below is Rishab Shetty’s filmography as actor and director.
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Tuglak | Supporting role | Acting debut |
| 2016 | Ricky | Director | Directorial debut |
| 2016 | Kirik Party | Director | Blockbuster; launched Rashmika Mandanna |
| 2018 | Sarakari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu | Director | National Award for Best Children’s Film |
| 2019 | Bell Bottom | Divakara | Retro detective comedy |
| 2021 | Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana | Shiva | — |
| 2022 | Kantara | Shiva / Guruva | Also writer-director; National Award for Best Actor |
| 2025 | Kantara: Chapter 1 | Multiple roles | Also writer-director; over ₹700 crore worldwide |
| TBA | Jai Hanuman | Lord Hanuman | Directed by Prasanth Varma |
Rishab Shetty Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | National Film Award for Best Children’s Film | Sarakari Hi. Pra. Shaale (director) |
| 2024 | National Film Award for Best Actor | For Kantara |
| 2023 | IFFI Special Jury Award | For Kantara |
| Career | Filmfare and SIIMA Awards for Best Director | For Kantara |
Rishab Shetty Personal Life
Rishab married Pragathi Shetty in 2017, and the couple have two children. Pragathi has also worked on costume design for his films.
He remains deeply connected to his village Keradi, where Kantara was shot, and to the folk traditions of coastal Karnataka.
Rishab Shetty Net Worth
Rishab earns from acting, writing and directing fees and from his production work, with the Kantara films greatly increasing his market value.
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately ₹50–100 crore (estimates vary).
Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly reported information, including entertainment industry reports and media estimates. These are not audited financial statements and may not account for liabilities, family holdings or changes in asset values.
Lesser-Known Facts About Rishab Shetty
- His birth name is Prashanth Shetty.
- He sold water cans and worked in real estate before films.
- Kantara was shot in his home village of Keradi.
- Kirik Party introduced Rashmika Mandanna to films.
- He played multiple roles in Kantara: Chapter 1.
Legacy and Impact
Rishab Shetty showed that a deeply local Kannada story could become a national blockbuster. The Kantara films put coastal Karnataka’s culture on India’s cinematic map.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rishab Shetty
How old is Rishab Shetty?
Rishab Shetty was born on 7 July 1983, making him 43 years old as of 2026.
Did Rishab Shetty win a National Award?
Yes, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Kantara.
How much did Kantara: Chapter 1 collect?
It crossed ₹700 crore worldwide, according to box-office reports.
What is Rishab Shetty’s next film?
He is set to play Lord Hanuman in Jai Hanuman, directed by Prasanth Varma.
What is Rishab Shetty’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at approximately ₹50–100 crore, with estimates varying across reports.
Final Summary
From selling water cans to winning a National Award, Rishab Shetty’s story is one of Indian cinema’s most inspiring. Kantara has made him one of the most important filmmakers in the country.