Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 24: Renowned Bhojpuri star and Hindi film actor Ravi Kishan recently opened up about his journey from the slums of poverty to stardom, recalling painful memories of growing up in dire conditions where 12 family members shared a small 10x12 room and slept “on top of each other.”

Speaking on the Raj Shamani Podcast, the actor-turned-politician revealed how the hardships of his early life shaped his fierce determination to succeed.

"I have seen such poverty that I was disgusted by it," he said, recalling how the family survived on watery khichdi and shared an outdoor toilet. "I didn’t want to die an anonymous man. Once I made up my mind, I was ready to do whatever it took."

Kishan said he faced humiliation and taunts due to his background, which pushed him harder to earn recognition. Addressing questions about caste, he stated with confidence, “Ravi Kishan would have still been Ravi Kishan no matter the caste. I was blessed by Lord Shiva and driven by fire within.”

He shared his life philosophy: “You are not here just to raise children or buy a bungalow. Recognition matters — money will follow. Choose ‘name’ over ‘price’. Once you earn a name, everything chases you.”

Now an MP and a celebrated actor, Ravi Kishan also stressed on discipline and physical fitness, urging young people not to make excuses.

"If you don’t have gym money, run on the road. Soak chana overnight, eat it in the morning. Even the poor can access this from government schemes. Wake up before sunrise and watch the sun rise — that will change your life,” he said.

Kishan, who debuted in 1992 with Pitambar, continues to feature in major films like Mission Raniganj, Singham Again, and the upcoming Son of Sardaar 2 alongside Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt.

His inspiring tale stands as a testament to resilience, proving that poverty may be a circumstance, but the will to rise can change destiny.