Kantara actor-director Rishab Shetty invites fans to celebrate his birthday with him

It would be an understatement to say that Kannada actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty is grateful to audiences for making his film Kantara, the success and phenomenon it became last year. Rishab, who has been holed up in his hometown Keradi to write the script of the next instalment in the Kantara franchise, as well as to prepare for his role by training in horse riding and kalaripayatu, will be in Bengaluru to celebrate his birthday.

This year, though, the celebrations are special, as Rishab will ring in his big day with his fans. Taking to social media with a special video message, he said, “From a small-town called Keradi, as someone with dreams of being in showbiz, you have shown me immense love and brought me to where I am today. In fact, when you showered me with so much love, I was not sure how to handle this affection. And then, when Kantara released, a lot of people came to my house, others tried to meet me wherever I went. I wasn’t able to meet all of you’ll. So, on my birthday this year, at the Nandi Link Grounds in Bengaluru, I will be waiting to meet you. This birthday, with all of you who have given immense love and support. Join me at Nandi Link Grounds in Bengaluru at 3 pm on July 7th. See you all there!”

Kantara 2, which will be a prequel to the events of Kantara, is likely to be officially launched on August 27. Rishab has not clarified whether the film will focus on the backstory of the deity, or his Kantara character Shiva’s father, the daiva narthaka, who disappears in the forest. The film, according to sources, will likely be in theatres in the first half of 2024.