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This beloved actor gave up a high-flying job in New York for the Silver Screen, know here

TOI Entertainment Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jun 13, 2025, 08:00 IST
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1/5

Qualified Architect from Mumbai

Before his acting career took off, Riteish Deshmukh was a formally trained architect. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree from the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies (KRVIA) in Mumbai, showcasing a strong academic foundation in design and construction.

2/5

Professional Stint in New York

After completing his architectural studies in India, Deshmukh did indeed venture abroad. He worked for a period as an architect in a firm based in New York City. This experience gave him practical exposure to the field, far removed from the glitz and glamour of the film industry he would later join.

3/5

Concurrent Acting Studies in NYC

While practicing architecture in New York, Riteish wasn't entirely disconnected from his eventual passion. During his time there, he simultaneously honed his acting skills. He pursued formal training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York, a renowned institution, indicating his growing interest in performing arts.

4/5

Transition from Design to Dramatics

His decision to pivot from a stable career as an architect in New York to the uncertain world of films was a significant one. Despite his professional qualifications and experience in a different field, his innate passion for acting ultimately led him to give up his architectural practice and return to India to pursue a career in Bollywood.

5/5

Bollywood Debut and Subsequent Success

Riteish Deshmukh made his acting debut in 2003 with the film Tujhe Meri Kasam, which also marked the debut of his future wife, Genelia D'Souza. While the film had a modest start, his unique blend of charm, comedic timing, and versatility quickly established him as a prominent actor, making his career shift from architecture a remarkably successful one.

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