*Recognized by the J&K Government for cinematic achievements
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 28: Renowned Bollywood actor Mukesh Rishi, hailing from Jammu, is gearing up for his role in the highly anticipated mythological drama, Kannappa. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and envisioned as a dream project by Manchu Vishnu, the film is being produced on a grand scale and is already generating significant buzz among audiences.
With a star-studded cast that includes Bollywood heavyweights like Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal, as well as celebrated actors Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, Sarath Kumar, Madhoo, Brahmaji, and Preethi Mukundan, Kannappa promises to deliver an extraordinary cinematic experience. The production is a collaboration between Manchu Vishnu and Mohan Babu, under the banners of 24 Frames Factory and AVA Entertainments. Boasting a budget of over Rs 100 crores, the film features high-quality visual effects and a soundtrack composed by Stephen Devasi, with a release date set for April 25.
Born on April 19, 1956, in the picturesque expanse of Jammu, Mukesh Rishi has made a name for himself as an accomplished Indian actor and producer, primarily working in Hindi and Telugu cinema, but also appearing in films across Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, and Tamil languages. His Bollywood debut came in 1993 with Gardish, and he has since carved a niche as a prominent actor, often taking on villainous roles.
After graduating from Government College, Chandigarh, Mukesh initially ventured into the Mumbai film scene before moving abroad to Fiji and New Zealand for modeling. However, his passion for acting led him back to India, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Roshan Taneja. He made his debut in the Malayalam film Gandharvam in 1993 and gained significant recognition in Bollywood with his performance in Gardish the following year.
With a powerful on-screen presence and a diverse range of performances, Mukesh has established himself in Indian cinema, becoming particularly well-known for his memorable portrayals of antagonists in films such as Sarfarosh (1999) and the Telugu hit Indra (2002). Despite his strong on-screen persona, he is respected for his humility and commitment to his craft.
In acknowledgment of his substantial contributions to Indian cinema and his roots in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory Government honored Mukesh with a prestigious award during the celebrations of the 76th Republic Day, recognizing his inspiring journey from the scenic valleys of Jammu to becoming a cultural icon in the film industry.
