Ravi Kishan says he is unhappy with current state of Bhojpuri industry, blames juniors for spoiling Bhojpuri cinema's reputation
Ravi Kishan, the celebrated actor-politician, has long been recognized for his immense contribution to the Bhojpuri film industry. However, in a candid reflection during a special session at Sahitya AajTak in Delhi, the 55-year-old actor expressed his unhappiness with the current state of the industry, particularly its newer generation of actors.
In a moment of vulnerability, Ravi shared his thoughts on how these juniors have negatively impacted the reputation of Bhojpuri cinema.
Ravi, who is often credited with heralding the "third phase" of Bhojpuri cinema, spoke with palpable disappointment about the younger crop of actors who, in his view, failed to capitalize on the foundation he laid.
"Unfortunately, I feel a bit unhappy with my juniors. They have spoilt Bhojpuri cinema’s reputation. Bhojpuri is a language spoken by Rs 25 crore people, and I am very proud of it," he remarked. His sentiment underscores his frustration with the industry's direction, despite his own significant contributions to its evolution.
The actor-turned-politician further elaborated on how Bhojpuri cinema had not only created a platform for regional storytelling but also provided employment to thousands.
"I am the man who heralded the third phase of Bhojpuri cinema, and today, it employs over 1 lakh people," he said proudly.
Ravi's efforts, according to him, gave the industry a much-needed boost. However, his frustration lies in the fact that the younger generation of actors, who came after him, failed to build on that momentum. "By the time actors junior to me moved to Bombay, I had already set the stage for them," Ravi added, hinting that they could have elevated the industry further, but instead, they seem to have veered it off course.
Apart from his critique of the current state of Bhojpuri cinema, Ravi Kishan also shared a personal anecdote about his humble beginnings. Born into a Brahmin family, Ravi revealed that his father had initially opposed his decision to enter the film industry.
"I am a priest's son. I had nothing, just the spirituality and honesty that my father had taught me," Ravi said.
His father’s disapproval was harsh, often expressing frustration with his son’s aspirations to become an actor. "He used to say 'nachaniya banbe' (you'll become a dancer)," Ravi recalled, alluding to the traditional caste-based prejudices that prevailed in the 80s and 90s, which made it difficult for his father to comprehend his son's passion for performing arts. Despite these challenges, Ravi continued to pursue his dreams, finding solace in his early experiences with theatre, where he played Sita ji in Ram Leela as a child.
Ravi’s debut in Bhojpuri cinema in 2002 marked the beginning of his ascent to stardom. Over the years, he has not only dominated the Bhojpuri industry but also branched out into Hindi, South Indian films, and television. His dynamic screen presence, combined with his ability to portray larger-than-life characters, made him a household name across various regions. His most recent role was in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, where he played the role of a cop in a rural setting.
His call for greater respect for Bhojpuri cinema and language—one that represents millions—echoes a larger sentiment of preserving the authenticity and dignity of regional cinema. "I have even presented a bill to give it greater importance," Ravi said, indicating his continuous commitment to elevating the status of Bhojpuri and ensuring its legacy.
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