Ravi Kishan: My aim is to find a script that can win Bhojpuri films a National Award

Ravi Kishan is arguably in one of the strongest phases of his career. With Laapataa Ladies and Maamla Legal Hai, the actor is enjoying some of his most impactful roles. However, there was a time when, faced with a lack of meaningful opportunities in Bollywood, he chose to step away and build a formidable space for himself in Bhojpuri cinema, eventually rising to become one of its biggest stars.

Today, as regional cinema commands nationwide attention and respect, Ravi reflects on the journey of Bhojpuri cinema and his role in shaping its perception. He says, “Mere Hindi cinema ke struggle ke baad, main intezaar kar raha tha aur chahta tha ki Bhojpuri cinema ko bhi sammaan mile. Mujhe usko izzat dilvaani thi, aur yahaan ke kalaakaron ko bhi izzat mile. We worked very hard on this, and today my juniors are benefiting from it.”



He adds, “The destination I had in mind was to gain appreciation and not be called downmarket, koi dekhega nahi, and aaj woh sab ho raha hai. Aaj main dekh raha hoon ki woh log aage badh rahe hain. Kyunki ek beej boya tha, aur main uss khet ka kisaan tha. I am not surprised because I saw this coming. Now my aim is to bring a script that can get us a National Award.”

Speaking about his decision to move away from Bollywood at a time when Bhojpuri cinema lacked acceptance, Ravi admits it was a risk many advised against. He says, “Everybody told me that I would be finished, and no one would cast me in Hindi films. But I had faith in my God. Karo ya maro. I also had no choice. It’s not that I was getting many offers in Bollywood or earning well. So, I decided to take a chance, and things started falling into place.”

On whether the content and perception of Bhojpuri cinema have evolved over time, Ravi believes the change has been gradual but significant. He shares, “Yes, after a lot of planning, the perception changed. Aaj bahut sammaan se dekha jaa raha hai, and I am very happy. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Abhi bhi dilli door hai and the focus has to remain on making good films. There is a shortage of good writers and directors. People need to be trained, writers need to be paid better, and more attention has to be given to music again. The industry has gone through a low phase, and there is a need to revive it. I will soon make a Bhojpuri film, possibly a musical.”