Why Mukesh Rishi is the Ultimate Bridge Between Hindi and South Cinema!
In the world of Indian action cinema, few actors command as
much screen presence as Mukesh Rishi. Known for his towering physique,
gravelly voice, and intense eyes, he has built a legacy over three decades as a
powerhouse antagonist and character actor. Whether as the feared
"Bulla" in Gunda or the disciplined Inspector Salim in Sarfarosh,
Mukesh Rishi remains an indispensable part of the "Masala" film era.
As of February 2026, he continues to be highly active
across multiple regional industries, recently appearing in the high-budget web
series Indian Police Force and looking forward to major releases like Kannappa.
The Journey of Resilience: Biography
- Born:
April 19, 1956, in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Academic
Background: He graduated from Government College, Chandigarh.
Before entering the film world, he explored diverse paths, including a
stint in a stone-crushing business in Mumbai.
- The
International Connection: In a unique turn of events, Mukesh moved to Fiji
for work, where he met his wife, Keshni Rishi (who is of
Indo-Fijian descent). They later moved to New Zealand, where he started
his career as a professional model.
- Bollywood
Homecoming: After seven years abroad, he realized his passion lay in
acting. He returned to India and enrolled in Roshan Taneja’s acting
school, finally debuting in the TV epic The Sword of Tipu Sultan
(1990) and making a massive impact with the film Gardish (1993).
- Family:
His son, Raghav Rishi, has also ventured into acting, following in
his father's footsteps.
A Filmography of Might: Iconic Roles
Mukesh Rishi’s career is a masterclass in the
"pan-India" transition. He is one of the few actors who commands
equal respect in both Bollywood and the South Indian film industries
(specifically Telugu).
The Bollywood Blockbusters
- Gardish
(1993): His debut as Billa provided a fierce challenge to Jackie
Shroff and established him as the new face of villainy.
- Sarfarosh
(1999): His portrayal of Inspector Salim—a character fighting
both terrorists and domestic prejudice—earned him a Filmfare nomination
for Best Supporting Actor.
- Gunda
(1998): As Bulla, he delivered some of the most viral and
over-the-top dialogues in Indian cult cinema history.
- Koi... Mil Gaya (2003): Displayed his versatility as the strict yet
sympathetic Inspector Khurshid Khan.
The South Indian Titan
In Telugu cinema, he is often the go-to choice for powerful
patriarchs or formidable villains:
- Indra
(2002): A legendary performance alongside Chiranjeevi.
- Okkadu
(2003): Played a pivotal role in this Mahesh Babu blockbuster.
- Srimanthudu
(2015) & Attarintiki Daredi (2013): These films showcased his
shift into more dignified, character-driven father figures.
Current Projects & Future Outlook (2025–2026)
Even at 69, Mukesh Rishi’s work ethic remains unparalleled.
His recent and upcoming slate includes:
|
Title |
Year |
Role/Status |
|
Indian Police Force |
2024 |
Notable role in Rohit Shetty's OTT debut. |
|
Kannappa |
2025 |
High-profile Telugu/Hindi mythological epic. |
|
Two Zero One Four |
2026 |
Spy thriller alongside Cyrus Broacha. |
|
Sridevi Bungalow |
2026 |
Anticipated thriller project. |
|
Salakaar |
2025 |
Web series exploring the world of espionage. |
Awards and Recognitions
- Filmfare
Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Sarfarosh
(2000).
- Filmfare
South: Multiple nominations for Best Villain in Telugu films like Indra
(2003) and Seetayya (2004).
- Iconic
Status: Recognized globally for his contribution to the "Golden
Age of Villains" in the 90s.
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