Rishab Shetty attends Ganga aarti in Varanasi

VARANASI: Actor-director Rishab Shetty, who is basking in the success of ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, visited Varanasi on Friday and attended the Ganga aarti here. He also performed puja at the ghat.

Sanatan #RishabShetty attends Ganga aarti and seeks divine blessings on his spiritual visit to Varanasi.@shetty_rishab expressed his thanks and gratitude to Maa Ganga for #KantaraChapter1’s massive success. pic.twitter.com/Meu9Rsls0f

— Ashwani kumar (@BorntobeAshwani) October 17, 2025

On paying a sacred visit to Varanasi, Rishab Shetty said, “This is my second visit here. The first time, I came with my family. When we began working on ‘Kantara’, we had made a promise to ourselves that we would come here one day to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva”.

#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Actor, writer and director Rishab Shetty says, “This is my second time here… When we were starting Kaantara, we had a resolution to come here one day after the film’s release and have darshan of Lord Shiva… It is a great pleasure to be… pic.twitter.com/d4x8RParxi

— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2025

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ revolves around the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, tracing its roots back to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Shetty plays Berme, the protector of the Kantara forest and its tribal communities.

The film also stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in key roles. The story follows the struggle between a royal family trying to seize control from the Daivas and the tribals who resist their rule.

The supporting cast includes Rakesh Poojari, Hariprashanth M G, Deepak Rai Panaje, Shaneel Gautham and Naveen Bondel. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the Hombale Films banner, the film continues its strong theatrical run and has been released in multiple languages. (ANI)