Films of epic proportions, a gathering of villains and more… not one to rest on his laurels, actor and producer Mukesh Rishi continues to push boundaries and take on new challenges.

By Amber Dias

Mukesh Rishi, the towering screen presence known for his intense and unforgettable portrayals of villains, reflects on the remarkable journey of his four-decade-long career — spanning Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. From his breakthrough as a menacing figure in ‘Gardish’ (1993) and cult role as Bulla in ‘Gunda’ (1998), to his acclaimed performance as Inspector Salim in ‘Sarfarosh’ (1999), Rishi has continually reinvented himself. Not one to be confined by language or region, he has taken roles in different film industries. In a year that’s packed with new film releases and live shows in Australia, we sat down with the actor for a quick chat about his enduring legacy and the charisma he continues to bring to the screen and beyond.

You’ve had a long and illustrious career in Indian cinema, from Bollywood to regional films. When you look back, what do you think has kept you going and given you such a steady presence across decades?

Whatever you do, if there’s no honesty, it won’t last very long. In my case, I’ve always tried to let my honesty, sincerity and dedication lead the way. Hard work has also played a big role. I believe when you’re disciplined and committed, hard work always pays off. Even today, I live by that — be honest, work hard, and something good will always come of it.

You’ve played everything from villains to father figures across decades. How has your process as an actor evolved?

If you put in the effort and take your work seriously, you start to see gradual improvement within yourself. Sometimes, directors give us valuable feedback and guidance, and we work on that. That’s how growth and progress happen.

You also had the opportunity to work alongside your son in ‘Nidarr’. What was that like for you?

I worked with my son Raghav in ‘Nidarr’ and also produced the film. It was a wonderful experience because I never imagined the two of us would actually do a film together. There was a lot of preparation before the shoot, we rehearsed together, so by the time filming began, Raghav was completely comfortable working with me. As a producer, I learnt so many new things, because producing is a whole different ball game. But the real highlight will always be that I made a film with my son. That will always remain something very special to me.

2025 has been an exciting year for you thus far, with ‘Badnaam’ coming out earlier this year and ‘Kanappa’ coming out this June. Can you talk to us about these films and the characters you play?

‘Badnaam’ is a Punjabi film, it reminded me of the kind of roles where I’ve done a bit of villaingiri — so when I heard about this character, I felt I had to be a part of it. ‘Kanappa’ is a grand film produced by Mohan Babu, with his son Vishnu in the lead. It’s a very special project. It is based on the story of a devotee of Lord Shiva and how his life transforms. When I first heard the full story, I realised there was so much I didn’t know. We shot the film in New Zealand, and it’s a large-scale production that will release across India. I truly hope audiences everywhere will connect with it.

‘Kanappa’ falls into mythology-fantasy territory, which you are not a stranger to. What was it like working with the cast to bring this story to life? Were there any particular challenges you had to deal with while filming a story of this magnitude?

Yes, making ‘Kanappa’ came with a set of challenges because the film required locations that felt pure and untouched. I’m sure the team initially tried to find suitable spots in India, but sometimes those places are too remote or hard to access. Eventually, they shortlisted some breathtaking locations in New Zealand, where many major films have been shot. Even then, the locations themselves presented challenges, the temperature, for one. We shot on a massive property; some days we were filming at the top, and on others, we had to go all the way down into the valley, where it was just 2–3 degrees. Sometimes it rained as well. But despite these challenges, every place we shot in was incredibly beautiful. The producers put in a lot of effort, and I’m sure audiences will appreciate that when they watch the film.

Tell us a little about the role you are playing.

My character, Kampadu, isn’t exactly a villain. The story is set nearly 5,000 years ago, during a time when many different clans existed. Back then, whenever a major issue arose, the clan heads would come together to discuss and find a collective solution. In ‘Kanappa’, there’s a pivotal situation where such a united decision needs to be made. This aspect of collaboration and leadership is central to the story and, in my opinion, one of its greatest strengths.

You recently did a tour in Australia with the live show ‘Villain Night with a Diva’, alongside fellow veterans Gulshan Grover and Ashish Vidyarthi. Can you tell us more about this show?

This was a truly unique concept. When the promoters approached me, they said they wanted to do a ‘Villain Night with a Diva’ — a show celebrating iconic villains. We took the event to Australia and did three shows in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. It was a one-of-a-kind experience, especially sharing the stage with Gulshan Grover and Ashish Vidyarthi. We’ve all worked together in films, but it had been a long time since we last met.

Performing live was a lot of fun, each of us brought our own style and energy to the stage. The audience seemed to really enjoy it: Three villains coming together to entertain in their own way. It was a new format for us, and that’s what made it exciting. I’ve never done a show like this before, and I truly enjoyed myself. Australia was a beautiful place to visit, and I’m grateful to the promoters for bringing this idea to life.

What has the experience of doing a live show tour been like for you? Is this something you are excited to explore further?

Yes, this was a very unique experience. Our promoters were enthusiastic and excited, and they should also feel encouraged by the response and the benefits they gained. Now that the shows are over, they’ll assess how things played out financially and evaluate what it would take to do something like this again. They’re keen on taking this kind of concept to other countries as well, and I’m sure they’ll come up with even more creative ideas. There’s a strong possibility that shows like this will happen again and I truly look forward to it.

You’ve remained physicall y fit and commanding on screen. What goes into maintaining that presence, especially for action-heavy or intense roles today?

Exercise has always been a part of my life. I used to play cricket and other sports and in college, I also trained in karate. I’ve never given up on fitness, it’s in my blood. I always make time for it, and I genuinely enjoy it. Fitness also helps with my performance, especially when playing a villain — there’s running, jumping, and fight scenes, and my physical conditioning gives me an edge in handling all that. The form of exercise may change over time, but I’ve always stayed disciplined about it. I believe everyone should dedicate at least one or two hours a day to themselves. Fitness is something that pays off in the long run.

You’ve seen the highs and challenges of a long career. What advice would you give your younger self if you could go back in time?

Everyone experiences highs and lows in life and we shouldn’t be afraid of that. What matters most is doing work that you truly love. When you’re passionate about what you do, the ups and downs don’t affect you as much. That’s always been my philosophy. The moment I chose this path, I made up my mind to give it everything I had and to accept all the challenges that come with it. No journey in life is ever smooth or without obstacles. But when you love something, you also find the strength to face whatever comes your way.

My advice is simple: If you’re doing something you genuinely care about, don’t worry about setbacks. Just keep working hard, and the rewards will come. Even if you face a downfall, it’s okay, because you love what you do. Whether you’re an engineer, a doctor, or anything else, don’t be afraid of failure. Hard work and honesty will always carry you forward.