I feel the daivas had a huge hand in blessing me with this award: Rishab Shetty

Rishab Shetty is on a whirlwind tour of Bengaluru even amidst being busy with his next movie — the prequel of Kantara — in his hometown, Kundapura. The actor and director has just won big at the 70th National Awards, including Best Actor and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment awards. Rishab has previously won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film for his directorial Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shale Kasaragodu, which released in 2018.
‘My long-time dream to win a national award has finally come true’
The excitement in Rishab’s voice is palpable when he shares how bagging a national award has always been on his wish list, ever since he entered the industry two decades ago.“As one of the foremost awards of the country, it is definitely a trophy I have wanted on my shelf,” shares Rishab. “It’s a wholesome feeling when you win a national award, because of the prestige associated with it,” he tells us.
‘I dedicate this prestigious award to my team, the people of Keradi and the daiva nartakas’
Rishab says, “Kantara was a film that came straight out of my hometown and my roots. And I’m so grateful that the maker of the film, Vijay anna (Vijay Kiragandur), believed in a subject like this. Most importantly, I thank the people of my village, Keradi, who stood by me through the entire filming process of this big film. I feel the daivas also had a huge hand in blessing me with winning this award.”
‘If you want people to visit theatres, you need to make it a memorable experience’
“Amidst all the talk of people not coming to theatres, I would like say just one thing: give them an experience they will remember. You just have to make engaging content. It doesn’t have to be mounted on a large scale. All people want is to walk out of theatres feeling good and satisfied,” suggests Rishab.