Ravi Kishan recalls dreaming of buying makeup, not a house or car during struggling days
Mumbai, July 4
Actor-politician Ravi Kishan recalled the difficult years of his career, revealing that during his struggling days he never dreamt of owning a house or a car.
He revealed that all he wished for was the chance to wear makeup and own it some day.
Appearing on the Diamond Jubilee special of 'Indian Idol', Ravi reflected on his 43-year journey while encouraging contestants to never lose hope.
The actor recalled his early years in the industry, and shared that there was a time when he hardly had any work and that he would keep a makeup box inside his car.
Sharing an emotional anecdote, he said, "Bahut saare log mujhe pyaar karte hain iss desh mein, kalakaar ke roop mein. Mere bahut saare fans meri struggle ki kahaani sunna chahte hain, lekin main yeh saari baatein batata nahin hoon. Jab mere paas kaam nahin hota tha, toh meri gaadi mein makeup ka dibba rehta tha. Main do-teen mahine uss makeup ke dibbe ko soongh ke rota tha ki, 'Bhagwan, yeh makeup kabhi milega?' Diwaangi thi mujh mein. Main paisa nahin dhoondhta tha ki mere paas paise aayenge toh gaadi khareed loonga aur ghar loonga. Main kehta tha, 'Mujhe makeup kab lagega?'"
(Many people in this country love me as an actor. A lot of my fans want to hear my struggle story, but I rarely speak about it. There was a time when I had no work, and I kept a makeup box in my car. For two to three months, I would simply smell that makeup box and cry, praying, "God, when will I get to wear this makeup again?" That was my obsession. I never chased money. I never dreamt of buying a car or a house. I would only ask myself, "When will I get to wear makeup?")
Reflecting on how that unwavering passion changed his life, Ravi added, "Wahi deewaangi mujhe meri film 'Laapataa Ladies' ke saath Oscars tak pahunchayi. Aur main wahi kalakaar, Oscars tak jaakar, pehle saal saare Best Actor Awards jeet gaya. Yeh diwaangi 43 saal lage uss yatra mein. Mere bahut saare juniors hain, unke liye sirf itna hi kehna chahta hoon, don't give up. Ek din suraj aapke liye bhi ugega."
(That very obsession took me all the way to the Oscars with 'Laapataa Ladies'. The same actor went on to be part of that journey and won several Best Actor awards. It took me 43 years to complete this journey. To all my juniors, I have just one message, don't give up. One day, the sun will rise for you too)
— IANS
Reader Comments
Very inspiring story. But honestly, it also makes me think about the privilege in our industry. So many struggling actors never get that break even after decades. Ravi ji is blessed, but we should also remember the countless artists who give up because they can't afford basic needs. Still, respect for his dedication.
This is what true artistry looks like. Not about money or fame, but pure love for the craft. Ravi Kishan's journey from smelling a makeup box to walking the Oscars red carpet is incredible. His message "don't give up" hits different when you hear his story.
Yaar yeh story sunke aankhen bhar aayi. 😭 Main bhi struggle kar raha hoon as a writer in Mumbai. Jab koi kaam nahi hota to lagta hai sab khatam. But Ravi ji's words gave me hope. "Suraj aapke liye bhi ugega" - yeh line mere dil mein utar gayi.
Honestly, this is the kind of content I love to see. Not just another celebrity talking about their luxury lifestyle. Ravi Kishan's humility and passion are rare. That obsession to practice his art, even when no one was watching, is what made him reach the Oscars. Pure dedication.
So beautiful to hear this from a senior artist. But I wish we heard more such stories from our heroes. Struggle is real, but success stories like this keep the dream alive for millions of small-town kids who come to Mumbai with nothing but passion.
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