Meet Abhishek Singh, Left IAS Job To Become An Actor, First Indian Official On The Cannes Red Carpet

Abhishek Singh, the rising star in the entertainment world, is now leading the headlines for marking his presence at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Abhishek became the first Indian bureaucrat to walk the prestigious red carpet. For the unversed, Abhishek is an ex-IAS officer and made his silver screen debut with the film 1947: Direct Action Day. The actor is cast opposite bong queen, Raima Sen.

The rising star made his debut in acting with a short film, Chaar Pandrah. However, in 2023, he resigned from his IAS post, following a suspension. But do you know that Abhishek cleared his UPSC exam on the first attempt? Yes, you read it right. The actor secured a dignified rank and was among the top 100 in all India. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the inspirational journey of the hero who chose to travel from real to reel.

Abhishek Singh, the real-life ‘Sattu’, cracked the toughest exam, UPSC in one go

Abhishek was born on August 22, 1983, in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Kripa Shankar Singh, was an IPS officer. Abhishek completed his graduation in B.com from Delhi University. Now, comes the toughest phase of his life as he experiences a heartbreak. According to a past interview by Subhankar Mishra, Abhishek was only 19 years old, when he was going through an ugly breakup, which led him to depression.

Remember ‘Sattu’ from Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, who became an IAS officer, post breakup? It can be said that Abhishek is the real-life ‘Sattu’. After many sleepless nights due to acute depression, Abhishek started preparing for the toughest exams, UPSC. In 2011, the rising star cleared the UPSC and secured the All India Rank 94. Abhishek started his journey as an IAS officer in 2011 and was assigned to the Uttar Pradesh cadre.

Abhishek Singh chose acting over his IAS career

Abhishek made his debut in acting in 2020, with a short film, Chaar Pandrah. For the unversed, Abhishek was suspended by the UP Government on February 7, 2023, for being absent from office for 82 days without prior notice. The rising star rose to prominence with his role as an IAS officer in the most popular Hindi web series, Delhi Crime Season 2. He later got featured in music videos like B Praak’s Dil Tod Ke and Third Party, where he shared the screen with Sunny Leone.

Abhishek Singh became the first Indian bureaucrat to walk the prestigious red carpet

As Abhishek walked the Cannes red carpet, it was a moment of pride for everyone around him. He became the first Indian bureaucrat to walk the Cannes Film Festival. Abhishek made a dazzling red carpet debut this year, wearing a black suit and paired it with a black pant. As per multiple reports, Abhishek’s debut film, 1946: Direct Action Day, which was initially titled Maa Kali, has been screened on the red carpet event. Abhishek made his silver screen debut with the film, 1946: Direct Action Day and shared the screen with Bengali actress, Raima Sen, the granddaughter of popular Bengali actress, Suchitra Sen.

Abhishek Singh married the love of his life, Durga Shakti Nagpal

Abhishek and Durga’s love story again reminds us of the popular phrase: Behind every successful man, there is a woman. Back in 2009, when Durga was prepping for her UPSC exams, the duo met for the first time. In 2012, the couple tied the knot. For the unversed, Durga herself is an IAS officer. She cracked the UPSC exam in 2009 and secured the All India Rank 20. 

Currently, she is posted in Uttar Pradesh as a District Magistrate. Earlier in an interview with Josh Talks, Abhishek shared how having the right partner helps a person grow both personally and professionally. He also shared how his then-girlfriend and wife, Durga, is his support system. Now, Abhishek and Durga are proud parents to two daughters.

Abhishek Singh's journey as an IAS officer, as well as his journey in the entertainment world, has been an inspiration to many. While Abhishek walked the Cannes red carpet as the first Indian bureaucrat, it made every Indian proud.

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