Rishav Basu

Rishav Basu
Born	Rishav Kumar Basu (1990-09-15) 15 September 1990 Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Citizenship	Indian
Alma mater	St. Xavier's College, Kolkata Jadavpur University National School of Drama, New Delhi
Occupations	Actor Theatre artist Singer Writer
Years active	2012–present

Rishav Kumar Basu (born 15 September 1990) is an Indian actor primarily known for his work in Bengali cinema and Bengali-language web series. He has appeared in films, web series, and television productions across Bengali, Telugu, Hindi, and Odia platforms, and has an extensive background in Bengali theatre. He is known for his lead roles in Srikanto, Saralakkho Holmes, Dhrubor Ashchorjo Jibon, and The Academy of Fine Arts.

Rishav Basu was born on 15 September 1990 in Kolkata, West Bengal, into a lower middle-class family. His father, Monaj Basu, worked as an ambulance driver, and his mother, Sahana Basu, was a Bengali language teacher.

He studied at St. Augustine's Day School and aspired to pursue a career as a professional footballer. However, an ACL injury cut short his sporting ambitions. He subsequently graduated with a B.Sc in Mass Communication and Videography from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, and later completed an M.A. in Film Studies from Jadavpur University. He also undertook an extensive workshop at the National School of Drama, New Delhi.

Rishav began his career in Bengali professional theatre in 2009 as a member of the theatre group Sansriti. He subsequently performed with several notable theatre groups including Bohurupee, Blank Verse, Thealight, 4th Bell Theatres, Chetana, Ashoknagar Natyamukh, Natadha, Bratyajan, and Rosikata. Over the course of his theatre career, he has been associated with more than 40 Bengali plays.¹

In 2011, he was awarded the Junior Scholarship in Theatre by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

He continues to work with Rosikata and Bongway Productions and has served as a dramatics teacher at institutions including Ashok Hall Girls' School, South Point, and Delhi Public School, North Kolkata.

Rishav made his screen debut in minor roles in Meghnadhbadh Rahasya (2016) and Maati (2017). His first prominent screen appearance was in the thriller Kuasha Jokhon (2018), opposite Gargee Roy Chowdhury.²³

He was cast as the titular male lead in Bhotbhoti, directed by Tathagata Mukherjee and produced by Pramod Films.⁴ The film's teaser received critical acknowledgement and brought him wider public attention. The film's release was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

During this period, Rishav joined the popular television drama Khorkuto on Star Jalsha, where his character Adil was praised by viewers. He subsequently appeared in the romantic comedy mini-series Turu Love on Hoichoi, playing the male lead to considerable popular acclaim.⁵

Rishav was cast in the title role of Srikanto, a Hoichoi web series based on the classic novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, opposite Sohini Sarkar.⁶ The musical romantic drama became a major success, and its songs, including Amake Nao and Alote Chol, were widely praised. He subsequently appeared in the ensemble thriller series Mahabharat Murders on Hoichoi, playing the role of Vicky Patel.⁷

In 2024, Rishav made his debut in the Telugu film industry, playing the antagonist in Osho Tulasi Ram's Dakshina, opposite Tamil actress Sai Dhanshika.⁸⁹ Although the film received a modest commercial response, his performance was noted by audiences and critics. He also played the lead role in the Bengali film Prosenjit Weds Rituparna, produced by Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee.¹⁰

He was a part of the experimental film Gopone Mod Charan, billed as India's first single-shot feature film. He then appeared in The Academy of Fine Arts (2025), directed by Jayabrata Das and produced by Pramod Films, which became a surprise commercial success. He also served as an Executive Producer on this project.

Rishav signed a four-film contract with leading production house Eskay Movies. His notable roles under this contract include the title role in Saralakkho Holmes — a Bengali adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes character — directed by Sayantan Ghosal.¹¹¹² The film received positive reviews upon release, with critics noting his energetic and confident portrayal of the eccentric detective.¹³¹⁴

He also played the lead in the experimental science fiction Bengali film Dhrubor Ashchorjo Jibon, directed by Abhijit Chowdhury.¹⁵ The film received critical acclaim, with reviewers specifically praising Basu's central performance as Dhrubo.¹⁶ Dhrubor Ashchorjo Jibon won the Best Film award at the Kolkata International Film Festival, and Rishav received the Best Actor award at the North American Bengali Convention (NABC), New York.

Rishav collaborated with acclaimed filmmaker duo Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy in Phool Pishi O Edward, produced by Windows Production, awaiting release in 2026.¹⁷¹⁸

In addition to his acting career, Rishav has appeared in brand campaigns for companies including Kwality Walls, Agaro, Datsun, and Tata Motors, and has featured in multiple music videos in Bengali, Hindi, and Odia.

Rishav is a singer and writer. He remains an active sportsman, regularly participating in football tournaments and exhibition matches. He was called up for the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) team Bengal Tigers in 2026. He is also known as an animal rights activist, working extensively toward the rescue and adoption of animals.