'Socha Bhi Nahi Tha': Rishab Shetty Recalls His Struggling Days As Office Boy, Producer's Driver

Kannada actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty, who became a household name with his 2022 blockbuster Kantara, recently opened up about his early struggles in Mumbai. Before rising to fame, Shetty worked behind

the scenes in the film industry, including stints as an office boy and a producer’s driver. Speaking at a press event for his upcoming pan-India release Kantara: Chapter 1, Shetty shared his journey and expressed deep gratitude for the love and recognition he has received over the years.

Rishab Shetty on his early days

Recounting his Mumbai days, Shetty said, “Mumbai is very special for me because in 2008, Andheri West mein ek production house ka office boy tha main, ek producer ka driver tha. Toh hum soch sakte, cinema kya kar sakta hai. Ek film karke itna reputation, love, blessing mila, aisa socha bhi nahi tha. Us cinema production house ki road par vada pav khate waqt kabhi soch bhi nahi sakta tha ki yahan tak aaunga. Bohot bohot abhaari hoon main.”

He translated his feelings for the audience, adding, “I used to be an office boy at a production house in Andheri West and a producer’s driver. So you can imagine what cinema can do. I never even thought that making one film would bring me so much reputation, love, and blessings. While eating vada pav on the road near that production house, I could never have imagined I would come this far. I am extremely grateful.”

Kantara: Chapter 1 Pre-Release Event Postponed

The makers of Kantara: Chapter 1 had planned a promotional event in Chennai ahead of the film’s release. However, following the tragic stampede during Tamil actor Vijay’s rally in Karur, the event was called off. Hombale Films, the production house behind the film, released a statement:

“In view of the recent unfortunate incident, we have decided to cancel our Kantara: Chapter 1 promotional event scheduled in Chennai tomorrow. We believe this is a time for reflection and solidarity with those affected. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families impacted. We are grateful for your understanding and support, and we look forward to meeting our audience in Tamil Nadu at a more appropriate time.”

About Kantara: Chapter 1

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 hit, exploring the origins of the mythological traditions and ancestral conflicts introduced in the original film. Rishab Shetty reprises his role and shares the screen with Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles. The film is scheduled for release on 2 October and will clash at the box office with Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.

About Rishab Shetty

Rishab Shetty, is an Indian actor, director and film who works in Kannada cinema. Shetty’s acting debut was with Tuglak (2012). He next played an important role in Ulidavaru Kandante (2014). and made his directorial debut with Ricky (2016). His next directorial Kirik Party (2016) was a commercial success and fetched him Filmfare Award for Best Director, and SIIMA Award for Best Director.

He has since appeared in Bell Bottom (2019), Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021) and Kantara (2022), the lattermost being his highest grosser and fetched him the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.