In this episode of AfterHours with All About Eve, host Bani Anand engages in an honest conversation with actor and politician Ravi Kishan. Bani expresses her excitement for Ravi’s film 'Laapata Ladies', which is headed to the Oscars. Ravi humbly thanks her and shares his appreciation for the podcast.

The conversation explores Ravi’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings. Bani asks about a time when he could only afford vada pav, highlighting how far he’s come. Ravi credits his father, a priest, as his guiding light and reflects on his struggles as some of the best days of his life, emphasising how these hardships shaped him into the person he is today, teaching him perseverance and honesty.

When asked if he ever considered giving up, Ravi admits having low moments but shares how his belief in hard work and persistence kept him going. He shares a powerful message: "You should always wait for the morning." Despite seeing friends like Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn succeed before him, Ravi remained true to his path. His unwavering faith in Shiva and meditation helped him stay strong while waiting for his moment.

Ravi also shares exclusive news about his upcoming roles, revealing he will play the Home Minister in 'Singham Again,' a role he’s announcing for the first time. He will also take on a character previously portrayed by Sanjay Dutt in 'Son of Sardaar 2' and confirm that season 2 of his Netflix series 'Maamla Legal Hai' is in production. He expresses gratitude to director Rahul Pandey and Netflix for how the show has resonated with young audiences.

The conversation takes an emotional turn when Bani asks about a video showing Ravi crying at the screening of 'Laapata Ladies'. As a father of daughters, the film deeply moved him. He reflects on how society often asks sons about their ambitions while overlooking daughters, praising director Kiran Rao for addressing this sensitive topic.

The discussion shifts to loneliness, with Ravi expressing that life can feel lonely, even in the company of friends or a partner. He encourages living fully in the present and cites Ratan Tata as an example of making a positive impact on the world.

Recalling his early days in Mumbai, he humorously shares his dream of having a car, a driver, and living in a high-rise. Despite his humble beginnings, his ambition to be number one—whether in cinema or politics—never wavered.

Bani brings up Ravi’s famous dialogue, "Zindagi jhand ba, phir bhi ghamand ba." He explains that it reflects his determination to maintain self-respect and resilience in the face of struggles. No matter how tough the times were, Ravi always held his head high.

In closing, Ravi speaks about his desire to support young talent in the arts, using his daughter Ishita Shukla, an army officer and shooter, as an example. He expresses pride in her achievements and hopes to inspire the next generation. Ravi ends the podcast with a powerful statement: “The future belongs to women, and that we would soon be living in a ‘woman’s world.’”

This episode is filled with inspiration, personal insights, and Ravi’s firm belief in hard work, resilience, and the growing power of women.

(00:00) Episode begins

(1:26) Challenges in Mumbai

(3:00) Ravi Kishan on Ratan Tata

(3:28) "You should always wait for the morning."

(7:50) On faith and effort

(9:28) On 'Singham Again' and 'Son of Sardaar 2'

(9:59) On 'Maamla Legal Hai'

(12:45) Why 'Laapataa Ladies' made him cry

(15:04) Working with a female director

(17:14) On the idea that men shouldn't cry

(18:32) On loneliness

(21:59) Aspiring to be number one

(24:00) Ups and downs in life

(24:54) "Zindagi jhand ba, phir bhi ghamand ba"

(28:58) Why he entered politics

(31:20) His next ambition

(32:21) On his daughter, Ishita Shukla

(33:53) Belief in a women's world

Follow Ravi Kishan on Instagram:   / ravikishann  

Follow Bani on Instagram:   / bani.g.anand