Riteish Deshmukh has successfully carved a niche for himself in Bollywood as an actor. From playing comedic roles to delivering an intense negative performance, Riteish has experimented with his screen self over the years. Here's a look at his life and career as he turns 36 today.
Riteish Deshmukh was born on December 17, 1978 to Vilasrao Deshmukh, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and his wife Vaishali. He has a brother named Dhiraj.
Riteish is a professional architect but switched careers to Bollywood eventually. He made his debut with Tujhe Meri Kasam opposite Genelia D'souza in 2003 but the movie didn't do well at the box office.
Riteish stepped into the limelight the next year with his role in director Indra Kumar's Masti, which also starred actors Aftab Shivdasani and Vivek Oberoi. Riteish was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category in Masti.
Tha same year, Riteish was seen in director E Nivas' Bardaasht. Although the movie didn't fare well at the box office, Riteish won critical acclaim for his role.
Riteish was also seen in Naach in 2004.
Riteish played the role of Karan Pandey in Sangeeth Sivan's comedy thriller Kyaa Kool Hai Hum in 2005, also starring Tusshar Kapoorin the lead role. Actresses Isha Koppikar and Neha Dhupia played the female leads in the movie. Kyaa Kool Hai Hum was a commercial success, despite being criticised for its adult humour.
Riteish was also seen in Bluffmaster!, starring Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra, the same year.
He was also seen in Mr Ya Miss, a multi-starrer with Antara Mali, Aftab Shivdasani and Divya Dutta in pivotal roles.
In 2006, Riteish was seen experimenting with his look in Apna Sapna Money Money, in which his character Kishan wears drag and goes by the name of Sania.
Riteish also starred in Darna Zaroori Hai, Malamaal Weekly and Fight Club - Members Only the same year, showing versatlity with his choice of roles.
In 2007, he was seen in Sajid Khan's hit film, Hey Babyy, along with Akshay Kumar and Fardeen Khan. In the same year, he was seen in another multi-starrer comedy film Dhamaal, a remake of 1963 American comedy It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.
2009 was not a good year for Riteish as three of his films - Aladin, Do Knot Disturb and Kal Kissne Dekha - failed miserably at the box office.
In 2010, Riteish played the role of Babu Rao (Bob) in Sajid Khan's multi-starrer Housefull, which was a hit commercially.
He starred in Double Dhamaal in 2011, which had average success at the box office. The story revolved around four friends conning people to make a living.
The year 2012 was special for Riteish as he married his co-star Genelia D'Souza. In fact, his first release of the year, Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya, featured him opposite his real life love.
The actor displayed impeccable comic timing in Housefull 2 but his film Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum did average business at the box office.
In 2013, Riteish's starred in Sajid Khan's Humshakals, which proved to be a dud at the box office and received a lot of negative feedback from critics as well.
The year 2014 saw a complete transformation with Ritesh Deshmukh playing a negative role in Ek Villain. The movie entered the 100 crore club and Riteish's performance was much appreciated. He also made his Marathi debut with Lai Bhaari, which broke records and emerged as the highest grossing Marathi film.
Riteish also became a proud father to a baby boy on November 25. He named his son Riaan.
Riteish Deshmukh will next be seen in Bangistan and Bank Chor which will be releasing in 2015. We wish Riteish a very happy birthday.
