Riteish Deshmukh (born 17 December 1978) is an Indian actor, filmmaker and television presenter who predominantly works in Hindi and Marathi films.

He received widespread critical acclaim for playing a serial killer in the romantic thriller Ek Villain (2014).

[11] Deshmukh made his screen debut with the 2003 romance, Tujhe Meri Kasam opposite Genelia D'Souza.

"[13] The film was a commercial success at the box office and earned him a nomination for Screen Award for Best Male Debut.

[15] In 2004, Deshmukh's career marked a turning point with his third film, Masti, where he reunited with Genelia D'Souza.

[16] Manish Gajjar of BBC stated, "Riteish imitating Jim Carrey will bring a smile to your face.

[15][19] In 2005, Deshmukh had four releases, of which Home Delivery and Mr Ya Miss failed at the box office, while Bluffmaster!

[22] Similarly in 2006, Deshmukh had two box office failures, with Fight Club: Members Only and Darna Zaroori Hai.

[30] He then appeared in the comedy Heyy Babyy, co-starring Akshay Kumar and Fardeen Khan, which emerged as the sixth highest-grossing film of the year.

[33] His next release Dhamaal, emerged a major box office success,[34] and saw him play a man who loses his job and finds a hidden treasure along with his friends.

[42] Deshmukh's first release of 2010 was Rann, which also premiered at Toronto International Film Festival and saw him play a journalist.

[44] He then reunited with Jacqueline Fernandez in Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai and had a cameo in Jhootha Hi Sahi.

[49] A critic of The Times of India stated, "Ritesh's character is half-baked and though he is given enough screen-time, his presence remains peripheral to the primary plot.

"[50] Later the year, he reprised his character in the comic sequel Double Dhamaal, which was a major success at the box office.

[54] He first played a hard-working simpleton opposite Genelia D'Souza in Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya.

[58] His final release that year was the sequel Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, where he played a struggling DJ opposite Sarah-Jane Dias.

[71] Lai Bhaari saw him play twin brother and emerged as the seventh highest grossing Marathi film ever.

[75][76] After two cameos in Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 and Mastizaade, he appeared in another sequel Great Grand Masti opposite Puja Banerjee.

[78] His last release of the year was Banjo opposite Nargis Fakhri, where he played a local goon and band member.

[80] Deshmukh then appeared in the 2017 film Bank Chor opposite Rhea Chakraborty, which was a commercial failure.

[84] Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in stated, "Deshmukh, an affable presence whatever the role, is a stretch in the action sequences."

[88] He then played dual characters, one of a classical dancer and other a modern boy in Housefull 4 opposite Pooja Hegde and Kriti Kharbanda.

[91] Later the year, Deshmukh played a dwarf goon in Marjaavaan, which became an average grosser and had a cameo in Dream Girl.

[103] Mayur Sanap opined: "From grief and anger, to frustration and cynicism, Riteish expresses a gamut of emotions in a fine performance."

[104] With no film release in 2023, Deshmukh started 2024 with Kakuda opposite Sonakshi Sinha, playing a ghost hunter.

[107] Devesh Sharma of Filmfare stated, "Deshmukh adds significant depth to Akash, skillfully conveying both vulnerability and inner conflict.

[115] Tabloids repeatedly linked Deshmukh romantically with Genelia D'Souza, ever since they starred together in their debut film Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003.

[131][132] Additionally, Deshmukh hosted the web game show Ladies vs Gentlemen with Genelia D'souza.

Later in 2014, he produced Yellow,[135] a critical success which won him the National Film Special Jury Award.

[145] Deshmukh is a celebrity endorser for brands and products such as Videocon, TAB Capital, Pokémon Go, Pril Dishwash and Pregakem.