Homebound actor Vishal Jethwa: I feel inspired by my own journey

For Vishal Jethwa, Homebound being shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film Award at the Oscars marks a moment that once felt almost unreal. Vishal says the emotion is still sinking in. “This is incredibly emotional for me. When you begin your journey as an actor, moments like these feel very far away, but today they stand as proof of what sincerity and belief can achieve. Every person associated with this film gave their absolute best,” he adds.Reflecting on his journey, Vishal says, “Working with Neeraj Ghaywan sir was a profound learning experience. His compassion as a filmmaker allows performances to grow from a place of truth. I am also deeply thankful to Karan Johar sir for backing this story with such conviction and for creating a space where meaningful cinema can travel beyond borders.” Looking back at a year that took the film from Cannes to international recognition, Vishal says, “I never imagined the year would be so eventful. I started my journey on a minus, so reaching this stage once felt almost impossible.”‘It’s not that after Homebound I aspire to become an international star’That sense of disbelief, however, has given way to quiet confidence. He shares, “I have enough proof now that nothing is impossible. I feel inspired by my own journey and proud of how far I have come. I also feel lucky, because I believe I have achieved more than I desired or deserved. There are many talented and hardworking people, but not everyone reaches this place, and that is why I feel blessed.”Addressing whether international exposure has opened new doors, Vishal says, “Nothing yet, but fingers crossed. Honestly, I am not chasing it. It’s not that after this I aspire to become an international star. That kind of restlessness does not drive me. If something happens, it is welcome, but I am comfortable where I am. In fact, if we can take films rooted in Indian values abroad, tell our stories, earn recognition, and represent our culture, that would make me far prouder.”‘We cannot always decipher what the audience likes or doesn’t like’While Homebound earned critical acclaim, it did not translate into box-office success. Ask him about it, and he says, “I would definitely want a film with such an important message to reach a wider audience, but I did not take pressure. It was the audience’s call. We cannot always decipher what they like or don’t like. If the film had worked commercially, I would have been happy, but I was not upset that it didn’t.”The film’s exploration of marginalisation and patriarchy also resonated personally with the actor. “Patriarchy exists across societies and even within marginalised communities,” he says, adding that women have shaped both his life and career. “There are very few male members in my family. My mother, aunts, sister, cousins, and grandmothers have given me immense love. Professionally, too, I am grateful to Rani Mukerji ma’am, Kajol ma’am, and Shefali Shah ma’am.” ‘Sharing this journey with Ishaan was special’About his equation with co-actor Ishaan Khatter, who played his best friend in the film, Vishal says, “Sharing this journey with Ishaan was special. His energy and dedication constantly pushed me to raise my own bar. This recognition feels like validation of the collective faith we all had in Homebound.”