‘I never chase virality. I just stay authentic’: Ravi Kishan on memes, Mahadev and being unapologetically himself | Exclusive

Mumbai: Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan has become one of social media’s most talked-about personalities, with his interviews, one-liners and expressions frequently turning into viral memes and reels. Yet, the actor says he has never chased internet fame and believes authenticity is the only reason audiences continue to connect with him across generations.

In an exclusive interaction with News9 Digital, Ravi Kishan opened up about memes, Gen-Z popularity, social media trolling, balancing politics with acting, and the role his children have played in shaping his style. Read the full excerpt here.

Ravi Kishan interview: Full excerpt

Q: Today, even a slip of the tongue or an airport walk can become a nationwide meme overnight. How do you manage to laugh it off so easily?

Ravi Kishan: Long story short, it’s all thanks to Mahadev. I believe that if you lose the ability to laugh at yourself, you lose a part of your freedom. People are having fun, and as long as it’s in good spirit, why should I be offended? So I smile, move on and focus on doing good work. The internet will always find something new tomorrow.

Q: From punchlines like ‘Zindagi Jhand Ba, Phir Bhi Ghamand Ba’ to your recent viral interviews, your quotes instantly become reel trends. Do you ever consciously plan these moments, or is this simply unfiltered Ravi Kishan?

Ravi Kishan: Absolutely not. If you start planning viral moments, they stop being real. Today’s audience is incredibly smart. They can easily recognise what is authentic and what is manufactured.

I’ve never chased virality. I just try to stay authentic, and the rest is Mahadev’s blessing. I’ve never sat down thinking, “This line will trend”, or “This will become a reel”. I simply show up as myself. Whatever people see is unfiltered. If something resonates with them and takes on a life of its own, I’m grateful. That’s their love, not my strategy.

Q: You represent Gorakhpur as a Member of Parliament, but on social media, you’re also seen as a pop-culture icon. How do you balance these two very different identities?

Ravi Kishan: It is certainly a challenging balance, and I won’t pretend it’s easy. But I believe I’ve managed it because of Mahadev’s blessings, along with sincerity, discipline and a genuine passion for giving my best to every responsibility I take on.

Representing Gorakhpur as a Member of Parliament is a privilege that comes with immense responsibility. The trust people place in you cannot be taken lightly. My primary focus has always been to serve my constituents with honesty and commitment because public service is not just a position; it’s a duty. I believe both roles can complement each other rather than compete.

Q: A whole new generation of Gen-Z viewers has embraced you as a cult favourite on Instagram and X. What do you think connects your energy with people who weren’t even born when you began acting?

Ravi Kishan: I think Gen-Z connects with authenticity. They have an incredible ability to recognise what is real and what is manufactured. Throughout my career, I’ve never tried to imitate anyone. Whether on screen, in politics or in life, I’ve always been unapologetically myself. My energy, expressions, love for my roots and passion have remained constant, and perhaps that honesty resonates across generations.

I also believe entertainment has no expiry date. A memorable performance, a heartfelt emotion or a dialogue delivered with conviction can transcend time. Social media has simply given those moments a new audience and a new language.

For me, it’s not about becoming a meme or a cult favourite. If my work can entertain a young person today just as it entertained someone 20 years ago, that’s the greatest compliment an artist can receive. It reminds me that while platforms evolve and generations change, authenticity, hard work and genuine human connection never go out of style.

Q: You’ve said that you’ll never change yourself just to avoid social media trolling. What’s your mantra for staying unaffected by the noise?

Ravi Kishan: My rule is very simple: stay focused on my work. When you’re fully invested in your responsibilities, whether as an actor or as a public representative, you don’t have the time or energy to be distracted by every opinion on social media.

In today’s world, you don’t need to say much to become a meme. Sometimes it’s just an expression, an airport walk or a single sentence. That’s the nature of the times, and I’ve learnt not to take it personally.

I’ve always believed that if you start changing yourself to avoid trolling, you gradually lose the person you truly are. I would rather remain authentic than become overly cautious. People who genuinely appreciate you connect with your honesty, not with a carefully manufactured image.

Tareef aur trolling, dono temporary hain. Permanent sirf Mahadev ki kripa hai.

Q: Your style transformation has also caught everyone’s attention. Who deserves the credit for this makeover?

Ravi Kishan: I have to give a lot of credit to my children. The beautiful part is that I interact with them not just as a father but also as a friend. We discuss everything under the sun – from films and fashion to technology, social media and changing trends. These conversations keep me curious, open-minded and aware of how the world is evolving.

Of course, I don’t follow every trend blindly. I like to absorb what feels authentic to me and then add my own personality to it. For me, style has never been about wearing expensive clothes or chasing fashion. It’s about confidence, comfort and staying true to who you are.

If people feel my style has evolved, it’s because I’ve remained open to learning without losing my own identity. I think that’s the best kind of makeover anyone can have.