This actor sold water cans for survival, did supporting roles before giving one of Kannada's highest grossing films

From Rajinikanth to Kamal Haasan, superstars in the South made their way up in the film industry with their hard work. These actors used to do odd jobs before entering the industry and are now superstars. One of such actors earlier used to sell water cans for his survival. 

The actor who gave one of Kannada’s highest-grossing films, used to sell water cans, and work at hotels to meet his needs. He started off as a side actor before giving the biggest hit of his career. This actor is none other than Rishab Shetty. 

Born on 7 July 1983 in the Kadri neighborhood in Mangaluru City of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, he completed his schooling in Karnataka and later joined Vijaya College, Bengaluru to pursue a B.Com. He actively participated in plays while in college and was appreciated for his work. 

After completing college, the actor did several odd jobs like selling water cans, working at a hotel, etc. while trying for his chances in movies. He revealed in an interview with Pinkvilla, “Right after the second year degree, I started doing odd jobs as I wouldn't have money for watching movies and couldn't ask for money all the time from dad right? Whatever jobs I got, I did all of them. In 2004, I started and in 2014, I got my first direction so in 10 years I had to survive.” 

The actor also revealed how he did a course on filmmaking and also worked as a side actor and assistant director before venturing into films and said, “I wanted to be an actor but wasn't getting any chance in the industry because no contacts and I had no idea about how to approach. So I read a story about a Kannada actor about how he started off as an assistant director, got a few contacts, did some side characters, and then became a hero. Then, I thought this way seems good for people like us. After my education, I did a short-term course on filmmaking, then worked as an assistant director and after 6-7 years, I diverted into acting.” 

The actor’s first major role was in the movie Tuglak. The actor made his directorial debut in 2016 starring Ricky starring Rakshit Shetty which received an average response from the audience. Later, in the same year, he directed Kirik Party which became an instant hit and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Children's Film at the 66th National Film Awards.

The actor starred in several commercial successes like  Garuda S.  Vrishabha Vahana, Bell Bottom, and others.  In 2021, Rishab Shetty directed and acted in Kantara which went on to become the second highest-grossing Kannada film ever. The movie garnered nationwide appreciation, with numerous movie critics lauding Shetty's performance as the protagonist.

Rishab Shetty reportedly has a whopping net worth of Rs 12 crore and is one of the most bankable actors in the Kannada film industry and he charges Rs 4 crore per film. The actor owns his own production house and a fleet of swanky cars.

Rishab Shetty will be next seen in the movie named Vaghachipani, which translates to Tiger's Pond. The movie's director is Natesh Hegde, best known for the 2021 movie Pedro.