‘People Said my films worked because my father was CM’: Riteish Deshmukh opens up about breaking bollywood labels after 23 Years

Riteish Deshmukh has spoken candidly about the challenges he faced when he entered Bollywood, revealing how his father’s political stature led many to question his success in the film industry.

During the latest episode of Netflix’s reality show Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa, the actor shared his personal journey while encouraging contestant Yogesh Rawat, who spoke about being affected by public perception and online labels.

‘People Created a Narrative’

Ahead of one of the show’s tasks, Yogesh Rawat opened up about being deeply hurt after being called a “cheater” by Kangana Ranaut without, according to him, knowing the complete story.

The contestant said repeated allegations had created a public narrative against him, affecting not only his image but also his family. He revealed that his mother told him she no longer felt comfortable facing people because of the controversy surrounding him.

His emotional confession prompted Riteish Deshmukh to share a chapter from his own life.

Riteish Recalls Facing Nepotism Allegations

Responding to Yogesh, Riteish explained that guests on reality shows often reflect the opinions that already exist among viewers.

He then spoke about the assumptions people made when he made his Bollywood debut in 2003.

At the time, his father, Vilasrao Deshmukh, was serving as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, leading many to believe his film career had been made easier because of political influence.

Recalling those days, Riteish said:“When I did my first film, my father was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Everyone said, ‘His father is the CM, that’s why he gets work, and that’s why his films do well.’ I have gone through this. Twenty-three years and 60 films later, I am standing in front of you today after breaking all those tags.”

The actor added that labels may take years to overcome, but determination and consistent effort eventually speak louder than public perception.

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From Debut to Box Office Success

Riteish made his acting debut with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003 and gradually established himself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile entertainers.

Over the years, he has delivered memorable performances in successful films including Kyaa Kool Hai Hum, Heyy Babyy, Dhamaal, Housefull, and several other comedy and drama projects.

More recently, Riteish achieved another milestone with Raja Shivaji, a film he not only starred in but also produced and directed.

The historical drama went on to become the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time, reportedly earning more than ₹100 crore worldwide, further cementing his reputation as an actor, filmmaker, and producer.

Hosting Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa

Currently, Riteish co-hosts Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa alongside filmmaker Farah Khan.

The reality series features 14 celebrity contestants living together inside a high-pressure prison-like environment, where they compete through challenging tasks while navigating emotional and psychological conflicts.

Streaming on Netflix, the show airs at 8 PM, from Saturday to Thursday, and continues to spark conversations with its blend of personal revelations and intense competition.

A Message Beyond the Entertainment Industry

Riteish’s remarks resonated beyond the world of cinema, highlighting how public perception can often overshadow reality.

By reflecting on his own journey from being labelled the son of a powerful politician to building a successful career spanning more than two decades the actor emphasized that perseverance, consistency, and hard work remain the strongest answers to criticism and stereotypes.