Actor Vishal Jethwa, who is earning critical acclaim for his role in Homebound—India’s official Oscar selection this year—recently reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry. In a conversation with India Today, Vishal spoke candidly about the long road he travelled before his breakthrough in Mardaani 2, and addressed the ongoing conversation around nepotism in Bollywood.
Vishal Jethwa on His 15-Year Journey Before Mardaani 2
Vishal shared that when he made his film debut in Mardaani 2 (2019), he had already been working in the industry for 14–15 years. Despite his years of experience in television and theatre, his transition to films was not immediate or easy. He clarified that his journey was not the result of overnight success, but of consistent hard work over the years. “I was never referred by anyone. When I did Mardaani 2, it was after years of effort. It wasn’t something that just happened one day,” he said.
On Nepotism and Drawing Inspiration from Shah Rukh Khan
When asked about nepotism, Vishal acknowledged its presence but shared that he chooses not to dwell on it. Instead, he focuses on carving his own path through merit. He admitted that complaining about nepotism repeatedly feels unproductive. “Complaining about nepotism gives me a very loser feeling,” Vishal said. “If I had given up yesterday thinking I’d never get a chance, I wouldn’t be here today. There’s a reason I got an equal part in a film with someone like Ishaan Khatter—it’s because I worked for it.”
He also cited Shah Rukh Khan as a source of inspiration, calling him a “self-made man” who built his career through hard work and the love of audiences. “If a star kid and I are in the same frame, the audience will still watch me if I do justice to the role. Crying about nepotism will never get you anywhere. Shah Rukh Khan didn’t, and look where he is today,” he added.
Working with Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor
Vishal also addressed whether he noticed any disparity on set while working with star kids like Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor. He said both actors were respectful and professional, but acknowledged that people around them often treated them differently. “Ishaan and Janhvi have never made me feel less. But people around them do give them more attention. It’s natural—it happens. Still, I never felt insecure. I know it’s not something they ask for,” he explained. “If they had changed because of it, then I would have felt disappointed. But they’re still the same, and they’re my friends.”
About Homebound and Vishal’s Career Highlights
Vishal began his acting career in 2013 with the historical series Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap. Over the years, he appeared in several popular television shows including Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman, Diya Aur Baati Hum, Thapki Pyar Ki, Peshwa Bajirao, and Ghatotkacha.
His film debut came with Mardaani 2, where his performance as the antagonist earned widespread praise. He later appeared in Human, Salaam Venky, IB71, Tiger 3, and Party Till I Die.
This year, Vishal starred in Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, with Martin Scorsese as executive producer. The film released in theatres on September 26 and has been selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature category at the 2026 Oscars.
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