When 'Homebound' star Vishal Jethwa revealed he is the son of a ‘kamwali bai’, ‘Meri mumma ne logon ke ghar pe jhaadu pochha kiya hai’

Vishal Jethwa has come a long way from television to the global stage. The actor, who was recently seen in 'Homebound', is now receiving international attention as the film has become India’s official entry for the Academy Awards 2026. From playing memorable roles on television to earning praise in cinema, Vishal’s journey reflects determination and grit. In an earlier interview, he opened up about his humble beginnings and revealed that he grew up in a poor household, where his mother worked in other people’s homes to support the family.In an interview with HT after his Cannes debut, Vishal spoke honestly about his roots and the hardships his family faced. He said, “Main ek kamwali bai jo hoti hain, unka beta hoon. Meri mumma ne logon ke ghar pe jhaadu pochha kiya hai [I am the son of a woman who worked as a domestic worker. My mother used to sweep and mop people’s homes].” He also shared more about his parents’ struggles and how deeply those experiences shaped him. Vishal added, “She used to sell sanitary pads in a supermarket. My father used to sell coconut water. I have seen all of this, and I could relate to it. But now my life has moved beyond that. Privilege is such a big thing — I never knew that.”Vishal began his acting career in 2013 when he played Akbar in 'Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap'. He continued working consistently and built his television portfolio with shows like 'Diya Aur Baati Hum', 'Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman', and 'Thapki Pyar Ki'.His big Bollywood breakthrough came with 'Mardaani 2' in 2019. The film earned him critical appreciation and made audiences take note of his powerful screen presence and intensity.Vishal’s film 'Homebound' gained major global attention after premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film is backed by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra.The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. It follows two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who dream of becoming police officers to earn respect. However, as they move closer to their goal, pressure and personal struggles begin to test their bond.