Riteish Deshmukh

Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh (born 17 December 1978) is an Indian actor, filmmaker and television presenter who predominantly works in Hindi and Marathi films. Known for his comic portrayals, Deshmukh is a recipient of several accolades including a National Film Award, a Filmfare Award Marathi and five IIFA Awards.

Born to politician and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Deshmukh began his acting career with the film Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003). He has since worked in several successful comedies such as Masti (2004), Kyaa Kool Hai Hum (2005), Bluffmaster! (2005), Malamaal Weekly (2006), Heyy Babyy (2007), Dhamaal (2007), Housefull (2010), Double Dhamaal (2011), Housefull 2 (2012), Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum (2012), Grand Masti (2013), Housefull 3 (2016), Total Dhamaal (2019), Housefull 4 (2019) and Housefull 5 (2025). He has additionally earned praises for portraying a serial killer in Ek Villain (2014), and a corrupt politician in Raid 2 (2025), both of which were critical and commercial successes.

In Marathi cinema, Deshmukh started off as a producer with Balak-Palak (2013), and had his first acting role in the action film Lai Bhaari (2014). Deshmukh made his directorial debut with Ved (2022), which became one of the highest-grossing Marathi films.

Deshmukh was born on 17 December 1978 in a Kshatriya Maratha family in Mumbai, to former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh and Vaishali Deshmukh. His elder brother, Amit Deshmukh, is an MLA from Latur City and his younger brother, Dhiraj Deshmukh, was an MLA from Latur Rural, in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. His elder sister-in-law Aditi Deshmukh, is an actress and younger sister-in-law Deepshikha Deshmukh is a film producer.

Deshmukh studied at G. D. Somani Memorial School and earned an architectural degree from Kamla Raheja College of Architecture, Mumbai. He later practiced for a year with an overseas architectural firm and continued designing since his return to India. He also studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Deshmukh made his screen debut with the 2003 romance, Tujhe Meri Kasam opposite Genelia D'Souza. Taran Adarsh noted, "Ritesh is camera friendly, dances well and delivers the right expressions." The film was a commercial success at the box office and earned him a nomination for Screen Award for Best Male Debut. That year, he also appeared in Out of Control.

In 2004, Deshmukh's career marked a turning point with his third film, Masti, where he reunited with Genelia D'Souza. The comedy focuses on 3 close friends who reunite after 3 years, but are now married and are being harassed by their wives, with him playing one of the friend. Manish Gajjar of BBC stated, "Riteish imitating Jim Carrey will bring a smile to your face. He has improved from his film, Out Of Control." The film was a box–office success and earned him the Screen Award for Best Comedian and the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role. His subsequent releases that year, Bardaasht and Naach, became box-office duds and received mixed reviews.

In 2005, Deshmukh had four releases, of which Home Delivery and Mr Ya Miss failed at the box office, while Bluffmaster! was a semi hit. His only major success that year was, the sex-comedy Kyaa Kool Hain Hum opposite Neha Dhupia, where he played a man who falls in love with a man. Shruti Bhasin of Planet Bollywood opined that Deshmukh "steals the show" with his antics. The film became a surprise success, earned Deshmukh the Stardust Award for Best Supporting Actor and helped him gain a strong foothold in the Hindi films, with his comic roles.