Rishab Shetty’s career is soaring to new heights. Before the phenomenal success of Kantara, he was regarded as one of the most talented yet underappreciated actors in the Kannada film industry. In addition to his acting prowess, he has earned recognition as a successful director within Karnataka. Kantara catapulted him to nationwide fame, transforming him into a star. Now, his upcoming projects have everyone eagerly anticipating what’s next.
The actor has taken on iconic roles, including Lord Hanuman and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Rishab Shetty is steadily establishing himself as a pan-India star by carefully selecting the right scripts without faltering. Following the massive success of Kantara, he could have easily opted for a mass-action entertainer or a commercial potboiler to boost his national image. However, his choices reflect a clear and thoughtful vision for his career.
Rishab Shetty is set to portray Lord Hanuman in Prashanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman. Films with devotional themes and a touch of mythology have recently resonated well with Bollywood audiences, as seen in several successful examples, including Kantara. The character of Hanuman has been widely embraced across the country, and Jai Hanuman has the potential to further endear Rishab to households within the Bollywood audience.
Today, it was officially announced that Rishab Shetty will portray the titular role in the biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, directed by Sandeep Singh. Shivaji Maharaj commands a devoted following across Maharashtra, many parts of northern India, and even some regions in the south. While his story has been retold by numerous filmmakers over the years, Rishab taking on this iconic role is a prime example of talent aligning perfectly with opportunity.
Although Shivaji Maharaj’s origins are rooted in the North, the decision to cast a South Indian actor like Rishab Shetty in the role highlights his exceptional talent and the impressive lineup of projects he has chosen to expand his visibility nationwide.
With these distinctive choices, Rishab Shetty is not merely chasing pan-India stardom and success but is strategically building a career with lasting impact. It’s evident that Rishab is poised to become the next big star in 2025.
Meanwhile, production for Kantara: Chapter 1 is currently underway.
