Actor-politician Ravi Kishan’s remarkable versatility once again earned him top honors as he bagged the Best Supporting Actor Award for his stellar performance in Laapataa Ladies at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025. The veteran star’s win marks yet another milestone in his enduring journey bridging art, cinema, and public life.
A Celebration of Craft and Character
The glittering night of the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 turned memorable when acclaimed actor and Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan walked away with one of the evening’s most prestigious honors Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his critically acclaimed performance in Laapataa Ladies.
The event, known for recognizing excellence in Indian cinema across languages and genres, witnessed an emotional yet proud moment as Kishan, dressed in traditional Indian attire, accepted the award amid thunderous applause. His win underscored not just his acting prowess but also his growing stature as a multifaceted personality balancing art and leadership.
‘Laapataa Ladies’: The Film That Won Hearts
Directed by the immensely talented Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies emerged as one of the most heartwarming and socially conscious films of the year. Produced under Aamir Khan Productions, the film tells a tender yet thought-provoking story about identity, empowerment, and the societal expectations placed upon women in rural India.
Set in the 1990s, the movie revolves around the chaos that unfolds after two brides go missing from a train a premise that delicately weaves humor with deep social commentary. Ravi Kishan’s role as a local police inspector was one of the highlights of the film.
His performance struck a perfect balance between authority and empathy. Kishan infused his character with a layered humanity a rare quality that resonated strongly with both critics and audiences. His nuanced portrayal gave the film its emotional depth, transforming what could have been a routine character into a memorable, heart-winning figure.
Ravi Kishan: From Bhojpuri Roots to Bollywood Glory
Ravi Kishan’s win at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 is not just a personal triumph it’s a celebration of perseverance and evolution. Starting his journey in the Bhojpuri film industry, Kishan has long been regarded as one of its most charismatic and hard-working stars.
Over the decades, he has successfully crossed linguistic and cultural barriers, making his mark in Hindi, Telugu, and South Indian cinema. His rise from small-town beginnings in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, to national stardom is a story that continues to inspire millions.
While Kishan’s early career was dominated by masala entertainers and regional hits, his later years have been defined by versatility and depth. Films like Tere Naam, Luck, Mukkabaaz, and Laapataa Ladies showcased his ability to inhabit complex roles, bringing authenticity to every character he touches.
Balancing Cinema and Politics with Grace
Apart from being a successful actor, Ravi Kishan has also carved a distinctive space for himself in Indian politics. As a Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has been active in advocating for cinema’s role in cultural identity and youth empowerment.
His seamless transition between reel and real life reflects a rare dual commitment to storytelling and social service alike. Kishan’s recent recognition at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival has reignited conversations about how artists can influence society beyond the screen.
In his award acceptance speech, Kishan reportedly expressed gratitude to director Kiran Rao and producer Aamir Khan for “trusting him with a role that allowed him to explore his craft anew.” He also dedicated the award to the people of Gorakhpur and his family, saying, “Every award is not just a trophy it’s a reminder of responsibility, of staying grounded, and of using art to inspire change.”
Critical Acclaim and Audience Love
Ravi Kishan’s portrayal in Laapataa Ladies received near-universal acclaim. Critics praised his natural screen presence, timing, and ability to blend comedy with emotion.
Film reviewers highlighted how Kishan avoided caricature and instead delivered a balanced, authentic performance. His inspector was not just a uniformed officer but a representation of rural India’s moral compass someone torn between duty, tradition, and compassion.
The audience, too, connected deeply with his character. On social media, fans flooded timelines with congratulatory messages, calling his win “well-deserved” and “long overdue.” One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Ravi Kishan doesn’t act; he lives his characters. His performance in Laapataa Ladies was pure gold.”
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival: A Legacy of Excellence
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards (DPIFF) remains one of India’s most respected platforms celebrating cinematic brilliance. Named after the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, the festival honors exceptional contributions to Indian film and culture across multiple languages.
The 2025 edition brought together an eclectic mix of stars, filmmakers, and creative visionaries under one roof. From blockbuster entertainers to indie gems, the night celebrated the diversity that defines Indian cinema today.
Kishan’s victory stood out as a symbol of how Indian cinema continues to embrace performances that combine entertainment with meaning. In an era often dominated by big-budget spectacles, Laapataa Ladies and its cast proved that powerful storytelling still reigns supreme.
Behind the Role: Kishan’s Preparation and Process
According to industry insiders, Ravi Kishan’s dedication to his craft played a huge role in shaping his award-winning performance. To prepare for the role of the small-town police officer, Kishan reportedly spent time observing real-life officers, studying their mannerisms, and understanding the challenges they face in rural policing.
He aimed to portray the character not as a cliché, but as a human being caught in moral dilemmas often torn between bureaucratic orders and his sense of justice. This research-driven approach helped him deliver a performance that was both believable and emotionally grounded.
Kishan himself mentioned in an earlier interview, “I always try to bring truth to my characters. For this role, I wanted people to see not a cop, but a man who feels, laughs, and makes mistakes like all of us.”
Reactions from the Film Fraternity
Following the announcement, social media platforms were abuzz with reactions from the film fraternity. Kiran Rao praised Kishan’s win, calling him “a gem of an actor who brings soul into every scene.” Aamir Khan, too, shared his joy, posting a heartfelt message: “Ravi’s performance elevated the film in ways we couldn’t imagine. His award is our collective victory.”
Fellow actors such as Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui known for their own grounded performances congratulated him publicly, reflecting the mutual respect that binds India’s community of serious actors.
A Career of Unstoppable Reinvention
What makes Ravi Kishan’s story remarkable is his ability to reinvent himself time and again. After decades of entertaining audiences with commercial cinema, he turned toward more meaningful roles in recent years.
His filmography now reflects a rare blend from action-packed Bhojpuri dramas to Hindi films that challenge stereotypes. The transition wasn’t easy, but Kishan’s resilience and passion for acting never wavered.
His journey reminds aspiring actors that stardom is not built overnight; it’s earned through persistence, adaptability, and love for the craft.
What’s Next for Ravi Kishan?
Following his win, the buzz around Kishan’s upcoming projects has intensified. According to sources, he is set to appear in two major Hindi films in 2026 one a political drama, another a mystery thriller.
He has also expressed interest in producing regional cinema that highlights social issues in northern India, particularly stories focusing on education and gender equality.
As an artist who has always believed in using cinema as a mirror to society, Kishan’s next phase looks set to merge entertainment with purpose even more deeply.
Why This Win Matters
Ravi Kishan’s victory is more than just another feather in his cap. It signifies the changing landscape of Indian cinema one that increasingly values substance over spectacle.
In Laapataa Ladies, he didn’t just play a character; he embodied a theme. His performance reflected the compassion that cinema needs in a time of division. And in doing so, he reminded audiences that great acting isn’t about fame it’s about truth.
This award reaffirms that Indian cinema, despite its diversity, thrives on authentic performances that speak to universal human emotions.
A Star with Purpose
As Ravi Kishan stood on stage holding his trophy, he represented more than a winning actor he represented hope for Indian cinema’s future. His journey from Bhojpuri heartland to national recognition mirrors India’s own cinematic evolution diverse, bold, and ever-expanding.
In celebrating his win, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 also celebrated the spirit of storytelling that binds India together. With Laapataa Ladies, Kishan didn’t just perform; he connected, inspired, and transformed.
For fans and fellow artists alike, his triumph serves as a reminder that true greatness lies in humility, dedication, and an unyielding belief in the power of cinema to change lives.
