Today, we celebrate the birthday of a Bollywood mainstay, Mukesh Rishi! Born on April 19, 1956, in Jammu, Rishi's career path is as interesting as the characters he portrays.
The Unexpected Journey of Mukesh Rishi
Rishi's path to acting wasn't a straight shot. After graduating from Government College, Chandigarh, he ventured out to explore the world. He worked in Mumbai for two years before heading to Fiji, where fate intervened. There, he met his wife and discovered a successful career path in managing his in-laws' departmental store and building a lucrative investment portfolio.
However, the creative spark within Rishi couldn't be ignored. He moved to New Zealand with his wife and embarked on a modeling career. While modeling offered a glimpse into the world of entertainment, Rishi yearned for more. After seven years, he returned to India with a burning desire to act. He enrolled in Roshan Taneja's acting school, determined to make his mark in Bollywood.
From Just Villain to Fan's Favorite Villain
Rishi began his film career in 1988, primarily playing villainous roles. He quickly carved a niche for himself, joining the ranks of talented non-Telugu speaking actors like Amrish Puri and Paresh Rawal who made their mark in Telugu cinema. From the menacing Billa in "Gardish" (1993) to the unforgettable "Bulla" in "Gunda" (1998), Rishi brought depth and charisma to his villainous characters that audiences both loved and loathed.
Rishi's talent extends beyond villainous roles. He has showcased his versatility in films like "Sarfarosh" (1999) and "Koi... Mil Gaya" (2003). He has also made his mark in regional cinema, appearing in Malayalam, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Telugu, Punjabi, Marathi, Odia, and Tamil films.
Mukesh Rishi: A man of talent
Even today, Rishi remains active in the industry. His latest release, the 2024 action thriller "Two Zero One Four," is a testament to his enduring passion for cinema.
Here's to wishing Mukesh Rishi a very happy birthday and many more entertaining performances to come!
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