Actor, politician and singer Ravi Kishan of the Oscar-nominated film Lapata Ladies lit up the stage on the last day of Sahitya Aaj Tak. Ravi has made 750 films and contributed to many types of cinema. Ravi said that I am the son of a priest, I used to do theater and I used to play the role of Sita in Ramlila. His father also hit him. It is thanks to the love of the people that we have achieved this position.
Ravi said that in his 34-year career he fought for my identity. Movies seen in all languages and also on television. Then Kiran Rao came into my life, who gave me Missing Ladies. Now it is visible that Ravi Kishan is fighting a lot for this. Now I have explored the streets of Bombay, which you call Mumbai, in slippers. Many young people meet and ask what will happen to us? I would like to tell you that there is no sponsor, no one helped me. But I knew that one day the sun would rise for me too. Mahadev has kept me here, Missing Ladies has taken me to the Oscars and now I am sitting on the stage of Sahitya Aaj Tak.
Kiran Rao opened different departments
Ravi said, “I am revealing it for the first time, people say where are you from so organic? Every time you come on screen, you give new scenes.” So let me tell you that I learn from you, I just read you. That’s what works for me. Then I met an officer in Bihar, he was like that. I adopted her character in Missing Ladies, I had her in my mind. He used to talk the same way I talked with a betel leaf in my mouth after becoming a police officer. It is said that a director is very important in life, whether she is a wife or mother, she is necessary, she is good. If any man had been there, he would have told me to slap him and become a hero. But not Kiran Rao, she had so much influence that she was within the ambit of the law.
Bhojpuri needs to be respected
Apart from this, Ravi Kishan has also done commentary for IPL Bhojpuri. Here he was also highly praised. Ravi said: He had done all that knowingly. When I added a fun Bhojpuri element to what was considered a classy place, I received applause. When I was in Mumbai, people used to say that he is a vegetable and milk seller. So I thought that one day I would give him respect. I was the one who started the third phase of the Bhojpuri industry. But the Bhojpuri actor said that he is very unhappy with his young actors these days. They have lowered their level. Bhojpuri is a dialect spoken by 25 million people. Very proud of this. I have also introduced a bill to give it a different importance.
“Before I had no money, I worked hard day and night, I made money, I created an industry. I did Tere Naam with Salman Khan. But otherwise I would have remained a character artist. I didn’t want to die anonymously. I want the neighbors to know me but also the rest of the people. I don’t want to die without any identity. It is also important to give back what you have taken from nature. So learn, earn and give back. I also took knowledge from my father, he is my guru. By becoming a deputy, I help people, do politics selflessly, and run my house with money from shootings. This is what we have learned from Prime Minister Modi ji and Chief Minister Yogi ji.
What is the meaning of the motto if you unite you will remain, if you are divided you will be divided?
Ravi Kishan said: Why did they only tell us that you are a Brahmin, be a Kushwaha, be it this or that, why don’t you tell the rest of the community? If I am an MP, I can say that I avail the benefits of Ayushman Yojana by submitting a letter. I receive treatment according to the Prime Minister’s plan. So, when it’s time to vote, why doesn’t a single one show up? I don’t even know why this happens with votes? Then Yogi ji said: Maharaj ji said that if you remain united, you will be safe; If you divide, you will be destroyed. Why just talk about riots? When you vote, do it as a Hindu, it is no different from this. We must not disperse among ourselves. We have to take India forward.
Ravi Kishan also answered questions from the audience and said that in 2047 it will be seen how much development India has achieved. Never fall prey to caste, never fall into any fear. Respect everyone, you are neither Pandit nor Pasi, so don’t fall into the trap of any caste. Be united and respected as one. My only wish is that the missing women get an Oscar.
