Kishan Shrikanth


Kishan Shrikanth, also known as Kishan SS or Master Kishan, is an Indian filmmaker and actor recognized by Guinness World Records as the youngest director of a professionally made feature-length film from Bangalore, Karnataka., having acted in 24 films and in many popular Indian soap opera, he directed a feature film, C/o Footpath (Care of Footpath), about an orphaned boy who wants to go to school. The film is adapted from a short story written by himself, and the cast includes prominent Indian actors Jackie Shroff, Saurabh Shukla, B. Jayashree, Sudeep and Tara. Kishan himself plays the lead. The film has been dubbed into five major Indian languages and it has also been released in English. It was first shot in Kannada and the original version was released on 26 November 2006.
In 2006, Kishan Shrikanth was recognized by Guinness World Records as the youngest director of a professionally made feature-length film, having directed Care of Footpath at the age of 9.

Personal life

Kishan Shrikanth was born on 6 January 1996 in Bangalore, India to Shrikanth HR and Shylaja Shrikanth. He has a sister.

Education

Kishan Shrikanth finished his 10th Standard at Camlin English School. He wrote to the government requesting to grant permission to directly take up a Masters Program directly after 10th grade at age of 15. It took him a year to convince various authorities and a technical evaluation was conducted to confirm his eligibility to take up the course. He was admitted into the Masters Program at the age of 16 and went on to become the youngest master's degree earner. He holds an MA in Multimedia.

Films

''Care of Footpath''

In 2006, at the age of 9, Kishan directed Care of Footpath, a Kannada-language film featuring several prominent Indian actors. The film was later dubbed into multiple Indian languages and screened at international film festivals.
The story follows an orphaned boy adopted by an old lady living in a slum who, after being mocked by schoolchildren for being uneducated, resolves to pursue an education despite overwhelming odds. The narrative, reportedly inspired by the lives of Thomas Alva Edison, Michael Faraday, and former Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, explores themes of perseverance and social upliftment. The film was originally released in Kannada on 26 November 2006. It successfully ran for more than 100 days in Karnataka.
Shroff commented on him saying that "He is such a genius that I had to work in his film. He is constantly thinking about his next shot, constantly innovating to make it better. He is sure about what he wants from his actors".

Later Work

In 2015, Kishan Shrikanth directed Care of Footpath 2, a trilingual sequel to his earlier film. The movie explores themes of juvenile delinquency and the justice system, featuring actors such as Esha Deol and Avika Gor.
The film was submitted for consideration at the 88th Academy Awards through a qualifying theatrical release in Los Angeles. The film premiered in Los Angeles in October 2015, ahead of its Indian release.

Filmography

As an actor

;As singer

Awards and recognitions

2003

Hello Gandhinagara Awards – Best Child Actor for ''Swathi Muthu''

2006

Golden Lotus National Film Award for Best Children's Film – 54th National Film AwardsJury's Special Award – Karnataka State AwardBest Child Actor – Karnataka State AwardOpening Film – Kids for Kids International Film Festival, Cyprus

2007

Telephono Azzuro – Giffoni International Film Festival, ItalyChamber of Deputies Award - Second Best Film for Care of Footpath – Giffoni International Film Festival, ItalyChildren's Rights Award – The Film and Television Association of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, IndiaClosing Film – Busan International Film Festival, South KoreaOfficial Selection – Chinh India Film Festival, New Delhi, IndiaOfficial Selection – Mumbai Children's Film Festival

2008

National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement – Government of IndiaInternational Children's Jury Prize – Cairo International Film Festival for Children, EgyptInternational Jury Prize – Cairo International Film Festival for Children, Egypt
  • Special Honorary Award – Alexandria International Film Festival Best Film Children's Jury Award – 5th International Youth Film Festival, SpainBest Actor Award – 5th International Youth Film Festival, SpainSpecial Honorary Award – 2nd Emotion Pictures International Festival on Disability-Athens, GreeceBest Child Actor Silver Elephant Award – 15th Golden Elephant International Children's Film Festival, IndiaSpecial Jury Award – South India Cinematographers Association-Chennai, IndiaClosing Film – Flicks International Film Festival for Children, Saskatoon, Canada
  • Official Selection -'' 22nd International Festival of Films for Children & Young Adults,, Tehran, IranOfficial Selection – ''Armenia International Film Festival for the Children, Armenia

2009

Official Selection & American Premier- SAIFF, New York

2012

Karnataka Government permits to take Post graduation directly after 10th standard.
  • ''4th TiE-Aspire Young Achiever Award''

2014

  • Kishan enters The Forbes India 30 Under 30 List, the youngest entrepreneur to be recognised by Forbes.