Famous Bollywood actor Mukesh Rishi who has to his credit many Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Punjabi, Kannada films was born in Jammu. After completing his studies from Chandigarh and working for a while in Mumbai, he went to New Zealand where he started his career as a model. Then after few years, he returned back to Mumbai and took acting classes. Rishi began his career in 1993 with the film Gardish and post that, there has been no looking back for the accomplished actor.

The immensely talented and versatile actor has worked in films such as Kalank, Khiladi 786, Force, Asambhav, Garv, Koi Mil Gaya, Tumko na Bhool Payenge, Jodi No. 1, Sarfarosh, Gunda, Gupt, Judwaa, Ghayal and many others. He has also worked in TV shows.

Rishi who is renowned for his performance as ‘Bulla’ in Gunda says that “talent is not something which is in-born, it is something you create.” You follow your instincts and then achieve your goals. For instance, it’s not like Virat Kohli knew that he has to play cricket when he was born. He took that decision, his parents supported him and that’s how his journey began, and today he has reached great heights in his career.

Atmosphere is very important at home like if the parents know about their child’s interest, what does he/she want to do, if the child has an interest in studies or extra-curricular activities or sports. Parents are the ones who can pick all this up and then they can motivate the child and guide him accordingly. That’s where the journey begins, you just need to work on yourself, polish your skills and keep working hard.

Importance of Luck

For Mukesh, Luck isn’t that important, It comes later, what matters the most is hard work.

You need to work hard and be prepared for the outcome no matter what. If you aren’t ready then how will you be able to take up orders? You need to be prepared.

Staying Motivated

Mukesh says, "If there is a downfall in your career then you question yourself that why did it happen? Where do I lack as an actor? Is it because of my talent or is it because of my fitness level? Being an actor doesn’t mean that you will be accepted always no matter how you look or what role do you play. You have to gauge how people like you and what are the areas in which you need to work. So, you need to maintain both, your fitness levels and your talent."

Suggestions for Aspirants

Just work hard and don’t think that just because you have come here to act, you will become an actor. It involves a lot of things, you need to take up acting classes, learn things. Earlier, such things weren’t there, even acting classes used to be government owned but now the scenario has changed. There are private acting classes. It is also important that you maintain relations and be cordial with people as you don’t know whose help you may need in future. At the same time, you need to focus on your fitness too. For instance, if you are a good rider and an actor but the requirement is of a rider foremost so that will play an important role. But if you are an actor and not a rider then maybe you aren’t there. Also, if there is a role for an army officer but you don’t look like an army guy then it won’t work. That’s why it is important to be disciplined physically as well.

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