Ravi Shankar Etteth, widely known as Ravi Shankar, is an Indian author and cartoonist originating from Palakkad, Kerala. He is the nephew of cartoonist and author O. V. Vijayan. His career began with cartooning, with his first cartoon appearing in Link. He held various editorial and creative roles throughout his career, including working for the Indian Express, becoming Creative Director for the Observer Group of Publications, and serving as deputy editor and art director for India Today. He also founded India Today Spice and worked in television as Editor in Chief and CEO of Voice of India.

Shankar made his literary debut in 1996 with the short story collection 'The Scream of the Dragonflies'. By 2002, he indicated a shift away from political cartooning, focusing more on writing and art direction. He has authored several novels, such as 'The Tiger by the Rivet', 'The Village of the Widows', 'The Gold of Their Regrets', and 'The Book of Shiva'. He also co-authored books about Kerala. Currently, he contributes as a columnist and editor for The New Indian Express, based in New Delhi.

Ravi Shankar's literary journey began with the publication of his first short story collection, 'The Scream of the Dragonflies', in 1996. This marked a significant step in his career, which had previously been heavily focused on cartooning and editorial roles. By 2002, Shankar had largely retired from political cartooning, choosing to identify primarily as a writer and art director. His novelistic contributions include 'The Tiger by the Rivet', 'The Village of the Widows', 'The Gold of Their Regrets', and 'The Book of Shiva'. He also explored regional themes in two books about Kerala, one of which was a collaboration with artist Paresh Maity. His ongoing engagement with media includes his work as a columnist and editor for The New Indian Express.

Born in Palakkad, Kerala, Ravi Shankar's early career was deeply rooted in journalism and visual arts. He is the nephew of the renowned cartoonist and author O. V. Vijayan. Shankar's initial foray into the field was through cartooning, with his debut appearing in the publication Link. He subsequently worked for the Indian Express, both on contract and as a staff cartoonist. His career progressed through various influential media houses; he became Creative Director of the Observer Group of Publications in 1990. He also held significant positions at India Today, serving as deputy editor and art director. Additionally, he edited the tabloid Today and founded India Today Spice. His experience extended to television, where he served as Editor in Chief and CEO of Voice of India, and later as Editorial Director for Media Transasia.