Meet Pragathi, Rishab Shetty's wife, and key member behind Kantara Chapter 1. A look at her education and career

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 continues its golden run at the box office, setting new benchmarks for Kannada cinema. The film, which crossed Rs 400 crore mark within days of its release, has won millions of hearts worldwide with its powerful storytelling and authentic cultural representation. While Rishab’s direction and performance have earned widespread acclaim, few know that a major force behind the success of Kantara Chapter 1 is none other than his wife, Pragathi Shetty.

All you need to know about Pragathi?

Pragathi played a dual role during the making of the film, that of a creative professional and a pillar of strength at home. As Rishab juggled multiple responsibilities as writer, director, and actor, she took charge of family life, ensuring everything ran smoothly while also contributing artistically to the project.


During a conversation with media portal, she shared that her attention to detail and understanding of the film’s rooted aesthetic helped in crafting costumes that reflected the story’s setting and emotional depth. She told India Today that, Kantara Chapter 1 demanded extreme dedication from everyone involved, especially Rishab, who worked round the clock, often sleeping only 3-4 hours each day.


His wife revealed that he would spend endless hours perfecting every aspect of the film, from conceptualisation to post-production. His devotion, however, stems not just from professional passion but also from a deep personal connection to the traditions and folklore that inspire Kantara.

While Rishab poured himself into the creative process, Pragathi ensured that the world around him didn’t fall apart. She managed their two young children while simultaneously designing costumes for one of the biggest projects of her career. She has described Kantara Chapter 1 as a turning point in her professional journey, a “university” of sorts where she learned to handle high expectations and large-scale production challenges. Every character’s costume in the film was designed under her supervision, and her work received praise for its cultural accuracy and visual harmony.



Pragathi’s path to cinema wasn’t a straight one. As reported by Cinema Manishi, she hails from Mandarthi in Karnataka’s Udupi district. She completed her engineering degree from Sahyadri College in Shivamogga and went on to work as a software engineer in Bengaluru. However, her passion for art and design eventually led her into the film industry, where she found her creative calling.

About Rishab Shetty and Pragathi's love story

Her collaboration with Rishab began even before Kantara Chapter 1. She worked on Bell Bottom (2019) and later contributed to Kantara (2022), gradually establishing herself as a respected costume designer in Sandalwood.


The story of Rishab and Pragathi’s partnership extends beyond professional collaboration, it’s also a tale of love and persistence. According to reports, they first met at a film event and began talking through Facebook. Their relationship grew stronger despite initial hesitation from Pragathi’s family, who were unsure about Rishab’s then-uncertain film career. The couple eventually married in 2017 and now have two children, son Ranvit, born in 2019, and daughter Radhya, born in 2022.

Today, Rishab and Pragathi are often referred to as the power couple of Kannada cinema. While he shines on-screen as a storyteller and performer, she continues to make her mark behind the scenes.