On the occasion of Ravi Kishan’s birthday, here’s a look at his inspiring journey. From running away to Mumbai with just ₹500 to becoming a Bhojpuri superstar and Member of Parliament, Ravi Kishan’s story is a true example of hard work and determination.
Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan
Bhojpuri superstar and Member of Parliament, Ravi Kishan, who celebrates his birthday on July 17. Ravi faced a lot of struggles in his early life. At the age of 17, he ran away from home with just Rs.500 in his pocket to chase his dreams of becoming an actor in Mumbai. He had no support from the film industry and began his journey by living in a small chawl, sharing space with several people and barely managing to survive.
His struggling days
His initial days in the film industry were full of hardship. His first film role earned him just ₹5000, and the movie did not even do well. When he asked the producer for his payment, the producer insulted him and said he should be grateful for even being included in the film. He also threatened to reduce his screen time. These kinds of discouragements did not break Ravi Kishan's spirit. He kept pushing forward and soon found his breakthrough in the Bhojpuri film industry, where he became a household name. In fact, many people started calling him the “Amitabh Bachchan of Bhojpuri cinema” because of his stardom and popularity.
Over the years, Ravi Kishan worked in not just Bhojpuri films, but also in Bollywood, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil movies. Apart from films, he also gained attention through reality TV shows like Bigg Boss Season 1 in 2006 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 5 in 2012. He even hosted several television shows.
He was elected as the member of parliament
Later, Ravi Kishan entered politics. He first contested elections in 2014 with the Congress party but did not win and got only a small percentage of votes. In 2017, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 2019, he was elected as the Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, with a huge winning margin of over 3 lakh votes. His transition from cinema to politics was smooth, and he has been actively raising important issues in Parliament.
About his personal life
Today, Ravi Kishan is not only a successful actor and politician but also a wealthy man. According to reports, he owns 11 luxurious properties across cities like Mumbai, Pune, and his hometown.
Ravi Kishan married Preeti Shukla in 1993. The couple has four children, one son and three daughters. His daughter Riva Kishan made her Bollywood debut in 2020, and another daughter Ishita joined the Indian Army as an NCC cadet in 2023. His journey has been full of ups and downs, but he has never given up. In 2025, he was even honoured with the Sansad Ratna Award for his performance as a parliamentarian.
From starting with ₹500 and no support to becoming a star with multiple properties and political achievements, his story continues to inspire many across the country.
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Read MoreThe TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.
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