Published By: Sayan Paul

Birthday Spotlight: Ravi Kishan, Beyond an Actor - Producer and Politician

The 'Laapataa Ladies' actor received a Sansad Ratna award in 2025 for his performance in parliamentary duties.

To define Ravi Kishan as an actor, the first word that comes to mind is versatile. After all, this is the same actor who can convincingly play a cop in 'Laapataa Ladies', a lawyer in 'Maamla Legal Hai', and the Home Minister in 'Singham Again'. It’s almost surreal how effortlessly he brings each character to life. But if we look beyond the screen, we’ll see that the man is just as versatile in real life. Despite achieving massive success as an actor, he has never limited himself to just that. He’s taken on many other roles and, unsurprisingly, found success there too.

Today, on his birthday, let’s take a look at the many hats Ravi Kishan wears beyond acting, and how he continues to leave a mark in every field he steps into.

The Producer in Him

From Leading Man to Visionary Behind the Camera

In the early 2000s, when Bhojpuri cinema was often brushed off as kitschy or lowbrow, Ravi saw potential in it. Rooted in the culture of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Bhojpuri is a way of life more than a language. And Ravi wanted to reflect that with honesty and cinematic quality. “I wanted to give my people stories they could see themselves in, but with better quality and respect for our language,” he told The Indian Express in a 2019 interview.

Telling Stories That Resonate

As a producer, Ravi has always aimed to strike that delicate balance between entertainment and authenticity. One of his landmark productions, 'Jala Debh Duniya Tohra Pyar Mein', made waves at the India Pavilion of the Cannes Film Festival, taking Bhojpuri cinema to the global stage. Films like 'Satyamev Jayate' and 'Sanki Daroga', on the other hand, carried strong social messages, tackling issues from corruption to morality, all while keeping audiences engaged.

(Credit: T-Series Regional)

He didn’t stop at Bhojpuri. Ravi also dipped into Hindi production with ventures like 'Chai Garam', which, although shelved, showcased his hunger to tell stories across borders and styles. His choices might not always have been commercially safe, but they were bold and deeply rooted in his vision.

Taking on Challenges, Head-On

See, producing regional cinema isn’t a cakewalk. Bhojpuri films often battle budget constraints and the stereotype of being too “vulgar.” Ravi wasn’t okay with that. In 2021, he penned letters to both the Union Information Minister and the Uttar Pradesh CM, urging them to introduce stricter guidelines to clean up Bhojpuri content.

“Our culture is rich; our films should reflect that dignity,” he asserted, earning both praise and backlash. But that’s Ravi, you know, who is never one to sit idle when something matters to him.

His persistence has helped reshape Bhojpuri cinema’s image to a great extent. By focusing on quality storytelling and higher production values, Ravi has helped usher in a wave of fresh talent and wider acceptance. Lyricist Ranju Sinha once said, “Ravi has been diligent in promoting Bhojpuri films on national and international platforms.”

The Politician’s Journey

Losing, Learning, and Finding His Voice

Ravi Kishan’s first step into politics in 2014 was anything but smooth. Contesting from Jaunpur on a Congress ticket, he faced a crushing loss, garnering just 4.25% of the vote. He later admitted he made the wrong choice, citing a lack of support from the party after the defeat.

But Ravi doesn’t dwell on setbacks, and to be precise, he learns from them. In 2017, he switched gears and joined the BJP, setting his political career on an entirely new path. Two years later, he was chosen to contest from Gorakhpur, a prestigious constituency once represented by Yogi Adityanath himself.

Despite being branded an “outsider,” Ravi’s connection with the eastern UP heartland was undeniable. He won the seat in 2019 with a thumping margin of over 3 lakh votes, and repeated the feat in 2024. His 2019 victory also restored the BJP’s hold on Gorakhpur after an unexpected loss the year before.

Championing Gorakhpur’s Growth

As an MP, Ravi hasn’t been content with just making appearances. He has championed development projects, voiced concerns on education, and pushed for cultural initiatives. A Rs 1,500 crore development plan for Gorakhpur, backed by CM Yogi Adityanath, and a 500-bed rest house at AIIMS Gorakhpur are among his proud achievements.

(Credit: POWERGRID)

And his work didn’t go unnoticed. In 2025, he received the Sansad Ratna Award, which is an honor reserved for top-performing parliamentarians.

Weathering the Storms

Of course, politics isn’t without its share of controversies. In 2020, Ravi stirred national debate by speaking out on alleged drug links in Bollywood, which led to threats and Y-plus security. In 2024, he found himself in the news again when a woman from Lucknow claimed he fathered her child, a claim he has largely stayed silent on.

His party switch also drew criticism, with detractors calling him opportunistic. But Ravi stood his ground. “I saw a prime minister talk about toilets for the first time. That passion convinced me,” he told The Economic Times. His blend of star power and grassroots connections has helped him ride out rough patches with surprising resilience.

(Credit: Amar Ujala)

Balancing Both Worlds

The Actor Who Never Left

The best thing is that despite being neck-deep in politics, Ravi never said goodbye to acting. In fact, he thrives in the space where both worlds meet. One day, he is grilling ministers in Parliament; the next, he is filming "Son of Sardaar 2' or starring in 'Clean Up Crew' for Jio Studios.

“I’ve bought a home in Gorakhpur. I’ll set up a studio there to shoot films and serve my people,” he promised in 2019, and he has been working steadily toward that goal.

(Credit: Netflix India)

Politics has shaped his choice of roles, too. His turn in 'Laapataa Ladies', a film that spoke volumes without raising its voice, earned him the IIFA for Best Supporting Role in 2025. With over 750 films across five languages to his credit, Ravi’s cinematic journey adds a layer of gravity to his public life.

Happy Birthday, Ravi Kishan!