Ravi Kishan focussed on skill development
Speaking at the TOI Youth Icons Summit & Awards 2026 in Lucknow, he also highlighted Uttar Pradesh ‘s changing business environment and called on youngsters to build skills and contribute to the state’s growth.
“People say youth are the future, I say youth are the present,” Kishan said, pointing to India’s large young population as a major strength. He encouraged young people to draw inspiration from his own journey, which he said had been shaped by struggles and opportunities rather than the backing of an influential mentor. If that person can do it, then you can do it too,” he said. Instead of just scrolling and keeping it aside, use it to think how to create from it and earn,” he said, asking young people to consider how they could use technology to contribute to their regions and society. He said his experiences working with established filmmakers had helped him learn the craft, while his work in Bhojpuri cinema had also contributed to employment in the industry. He said he had never felt ashamed of his cultural identity and urged young people to treat their roots as a source of confidence. I was proud of it and that was my strength,” he said, encouraging youngsters to believe in themselves and remain focused on what they wanted to achieve.
“Look at me, without any godfather, without any help, standing before you… “You have the mobile. Recounting his journey in the entertainment industry, Kishan spoke about the difficult period before a Bhojpuri film changed his fortunes. “Never forgot or got ashamed of my culture, my identity. Kishan also highlighted the potential of India’s entertainment industry to create opportunities beyond acting. He urged young people to explore careers in theatre, cinema, television, OTT platforms and short-form video, pointing to areas such as editing, music, screenwriting, set design and cinematography as avenues for employment in Uttar Pradesh.
Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan on Tuesday urged young people to look beyond social media scrolling, use technology to create opportunities and take pride in their roots, saying India’s youth were its present, not just its future.