As Rishab Shetty prepares to receive the Best Actor award at the 70th National Film Awards, he recently shared his heartfelt reflections with Doordarshan about his celebrated film Kantara. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur’s Hombale Films, this Kannada film has not only connected with local audiences but has also achieved remarkable success across India, showcasing Rishab’s powerful performance as well as direction.

Talking to Dooradarshan on Kantara’s incredible journey, Rishab expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception from audiences, especially in Karnataka. “We do not create films just for awards. The ultimate goal is to connect with viewers,” he emphasized. “It’s truly a great honour to be recognized by award juries, but what matters most is the bond we form with our audience.”

While he is excited about the upcoming award, Rishab is quick to credit the entire team behind Kantara. “I am just the face of Kantara receiving this award, but the credit goes to the entire team — co-writers, cinematographer, costume department, art director, supporting artists, and especially the production team, whose support was invaluable,” he stated with humility.

Opening up about the challenges encountered during filming, Rishab shared, “Every sequence, every shot was challenging. We faced injuries and obstacles throughout the process, but we persevered. We always felt blessed by divine guidance.” His words reflect not only his resilience but also the collective spirit of the crew who brought the film to life.

Rishab, who believes that recognitions like this can inspire the next generation of filmmakers, also highlights the important contributions of the Kannada film industry to Indian cinema. “Many legends from Kannada cinema have enriched the Indian film landscape, and that legacy continues today,” he noted.