Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 23: The latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati turned into an endearing exchange between two cinematic powerhouses — Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and Kantara creator Rishab Shetty. The conversation was filled with warmth, humility, and mutual admiration.
Rishab fondly recalled his earlier, unsuccessful attempt to meet Bachchan years ago while promoting his National Award-winning children’s film Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai. “I had come to discuss a possible Hindi adaptation with you. Unfortunately, I couldn’t meet you that day, but I did see Jaya ji from a distance. I remember being mesmerised by the room full of your awards — there were so many!” he said.
On the show, Rishab once again expressed awe at Bachchan’s array of awards. The megastar smiled and clarified, “Those are not all of mine. There are three to four people in the house whose awards are there.”
Rishab also mentioned he had heard about Bachchan’s habit of writing letters to actors after watching their performances. “It would be a blessing if one day you wrote one for me,” he said.
Amitabh Bachchan responded with characteristic grace, revealing he hadn’t yet seen Kantara but had heard high praise from his daughter, Shweta. “I must apologise for not having seen your films yet — you know how our schedules are. But my daughter Shweta went to see Kantara, and she couldn’t sleep for a few days. She was blown away by your performance, especially the last scene,” he shared.
Rishab went on to recall his memorable meeting with superstar Rajinikanth after Kantara’s release. “He wanted to meet me after the film, but I didn’t know when. The production house informed me suddenly, and I didn’t even get a chance to wear a veshti. I still regret that he was in veshti and I was in jeans,” he laughed, later mimicking Rajinikanth’s signature walk to the delight of the audience.
He also spoke briefly about his wife Pragathi, sharing that they met online when he sent her his IMDb rating as part of a voting campaign. “Within a year, we got married. I have two kids now, and she’s been my biggest support,” he said.
Currently, Rishab Shetty is basking in the success of Kantara: Chapter 1, a mythological action drama serving as a prequel to his 2022 blockbuster. Set in pre-colonial Karnataka, the film explores the origins of Daiva worship (Bhuta Kola) and portrays the eternal struggle between nature, faith, and human greed. Shetty stars as Berme, a fierce guardian of the land, alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram.
The KBC episode marked a full-circle moment for Shetty, coinciding with the film’s extraordinary box-office run. According to Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 has grossed around Rs 809 crore worldwide, surpassing Chhaava’s lifetime collection of Rs 807 crore and becoming the second-highest-grossing Kannada film ever, behind KGF: Chapter 2. Trade trackers estimate its India collection at Rs 547 crore, with a global total ranging between Rs 775 crore and Rs 809 crore.
An English-language release later this month is expected to boost its international earnings further. On India’s 2025 box-office chart, Kantara: Chapter 1 currently leads alongside Chhaava, followed by Saiyaara, Coolie, and War 2.
From a young filmmaker once trying to meet his idol to sharing the stage with him as one of India’s most celebrated directors, Rishab Shetty’s journey has truly come full circle — a blend of talent, tradition, and triumph.