The journey that began with poverty and walking across Mumbai has now reached 750+ films and Parliament.
A boy who grew up in a mud house, with his family struggling to make ends meet, once had just one pot of khichdi to feed 12 people. His family’s farmland was mortgaged, and when he moved to Mumbai, he survived on vada pav and tea. For nearly 15 years, he says, he was not paid well for his work. Ravi Kishan still remembers those difficult days.
From struggling to find work to becoming a Bhojpuri star, making a mark in Hindi films and OTT, and later entering politics, Ravi Kishan has come a long way. He has worked in more than 750 films and is now serving his second term as the Lok Sabha MP from Gorakhpur.
Today’s success story looks at some lesser-known facts about Ravi Kishan’s life and career.
A childhood marked by poverty
Ravi Kishan was born on July 17, 1969, in Mumbai, then known as Bombay. However, because of his family’s financial problems, he spent his childhood in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. The family was struggling financially, their farmland had been mortgaged, and household responsibilities were growing.
Ravi Kishan has recalled that there were days when one pot of khichdi had to feed 12 people. Water was added to make it enough for everyone. In a conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, he recalled, “We witnessed extreme poverty. We were extremely poor. A single pot of khichdi was being prepared, and 12 people were eating from it, with it filled with water.” He has said that these experiences shaped his personality and stayed with him.
Left home at 17 to pursue acting
Ravi Kishan developed an interest in acting at a young age. During Ramleela in his village, he once played Sita and wore his mother’s sari for the role. His priest father was furious when he saw him dressed as Sita and beat him with a belt.
His mother eventually gave him ₹500 and told him to leave to avoid further violence. Ravi Kishan then boarded a train to Mumbai. He was just 17 at the time.
‘People walk here, but I came crawling’
Mumbai showed Ravi Kishan the reality behind the glamour of the film industry. He had neither a film background ntrsor financial support or industry connections.
Recalling those early days, he said, “People walk here, but I came crawling.” He also recalled that his father was against his decision to become an actor.
His family wanted him to farm, get a government job or sell milk. But Ravi Kishan was drawn to dancing and acting. He believed his talent was God-given and continued pursuing his dream despite the difficulties.
Worked in Hindi films but struggled for recognition
Ravi Kishan began his acting career with Hindi films in the 1990s. He appeared in films including Peetambar, Aag Ka Toofan, Rani Aur Maharani, Zakhmi Dil, Udhar Ki Zindagi, Aatank, Koi Kisi Se Kam Nahin and Agni Morcha.
However, these early films did not bring him major recognition or financial success. Ravi Kishan has said that he spent nearly 15 years in the industry without receiving what he considered respectable payment for his work.
‘Tere Naam’ brought recognition
Ravi Kishan gained wider attention in Hindi cinema after playing Pandit Rameshwar in Tere Naam. He got the role after meeting director Satish Kaushik and readily agreed to change his look for the character.
Faced humiliation for years
Despite getting work, Ravi Kishan struggled for recognition. He has said he was humiliated thousands of times and learnt that talent alone is not enough in the film industry.
Bhojpuri cinema changed his career
In 2003, Ravi Kishan entered Bhojpuri cinema with Saiyan Hamar. The film became a turning point, and he soon became a major Bhojpuri star. He began receiving several offers and established a strong fan base across North India.
Worked across languages
After Bhojpuri success, Ravi Kishan continued working in Hindi as well as Telugu, Tamil and Kannada films. He appeared in films including Phir Hera Pheri, Tanu Weds Manu, Mukkabaaz, Batla House and Race Gurram.
OTT showed another side of him
Ravi Kishan also made his mark on television and OTT with projects such as Rangbaaz, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter and Maamla Legal Hai. His role in Laapataa Ladies further showcased his ability to handle character-driven roles.
More than 750 films
Ravi Kishan has said that he has worked in more than 750 films across multiple languages. Despite the number of films and his stardom, he says his early struggles remain with him.
Still prefers simple food
Even after achieving success, Ravi Kishan says he feels hesitant about spending heavily on himself. He has revealed that at seven-star hotels, he still prefers ordering simple food like khichdi.
Entered politics
Ravi Kishan joined politics after his film career took off. He lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Jaunpur on a Congress ticket. After joining the BJP in 2017, he won the Gorakhpur seat in 2019 and retained it in 2024
Still Searching for Characters Even Today
Ravi Kishan’s story is one of rising from poverty, rejection, and struggle to reach Bhojpuri cinema, Bollywood, OTT, and Parliament. Today, he remains present among audiences through diverse characters such as Shyam Manohar in ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ VD Tyagi in ‘Maamla Legal Hai,’ and Babban Babua in ‘Mirzapur: The Movie.’ The actor who once spent his days surviving on vada pav and tea turned his struggles and humiliation into strength rather than weakness.
