Director

Riteish Deshmukh

Riteish Deshmukh is that rare Bollywood guy who's mastered the art of making people laugh while quietly building an impressive resume across multiple mediums. Starting his acting career in 2003 with *Tujhe Meri Kasam*, he quickly became the go-to comedy hero with a string of massive hits like *Masti*, *Kyaa Kool Hai Hum*, and the beloved *Dhamaal* franchise. But Deshmukh proved he's got serious range too—his chilling turn as a serial killer in *Ek Villain* and more recently as a corrupt politician in *Raid 2* showed audiences he's way more than just comic relief. With five IIFA Awards, a National Film Award, and a Filmfare Award Marathi under his belt, he's firmly established himself as one of Hindi cinema's most versatile entertainers. What really sets Deshmukh apart is his commitment to Marathi cinema, where he's not just acting but actively building its future as a producer and filmmaker. His directorial debut, *Ved* (2022), became a game-changer for the industry, breaking box office records and proving that Marathi films could compete at the highest level. His filmmaking style brings the same energy and entertainment value that made his acting career successful, while his choice of roles—whether it's the *Housefull* comedies or grittier dramatic turns—shows an artist who refuses to get pigeonholed. Whether he's on screen making us laugh or behind the camera crafting stories, Riteish continues to remind us why he's become one of Bollywood's most bankable and beloved figures.