Before breaking out as the chilling villain in Mardaani 2, Vishal Jethwa spent his early years honing his craft on television with shows like Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap and Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat. His latest film, Homebound —which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to a nine-minute standing ovation — marks another milestone in his journey.
In this conversation, he opens up about the four-year road to the release of Homebound, his bond with co-star Ishaan Khatter, the shift from TV to cinema, and why he still believes trying matters more than being “the best.”
You have delivered a fantastic and heartbreaking performance in ‘Homebound’. How do you feel now that the movie is finally out after a four-year journey, including its Cannes premiere?
I feel like I’ve got more than I desire and deserve. I feel grateful, blessed, and excited to see people reacting to it. Because, ultimately, they are the best judges of what we have done. I really want to know what they have to say about my work.
I hear that director Neeraj Ghaywan wanted you to become friends with Ishaan in real life so that the chemistry between you two would feel authentic and the performances more naturalistic.
Sir asked us to bond over our insecurities and vulnerabilities, to get to know each other as people and not just as actors. I would go to Ishaan’s house, Janhvi’s house, and get to know them, understand their perspectives. We may have had very different upbringings, but we were able to respect each other’s points of view. Breaking the ice was crucial, and it helped make the performances more naturalistic.
How did you find the shift from television acting in films?
It has been a journey with a lot of ups and downs. During my TV days, I had this constant feeling that I couldn’t do “film-type acting.” I didn’t know if I could pull off the character — because how can a TV actor do a film role? But I got a lot of support, workshops, and a wonderful director. Acting for small screen is often considered fake. Sometimes it’s seen as overacting. So, I was scared. Neeraj Sir told us that unless we were friends in real life, the chemistry might not show on screen. And, the friendship of the lead characters is the backbone of the film. Now that people say they liked the friendship, it feels like a victory.
I think I’ve always had a fire and a madness to do something with my life. My guru, Shoaib Khan Sir, was able to channel that. He always said, “Before becoming a good actor, become a better person and never give up.” He would make us read a poem every day. I remember one by Harivansh Rai Bachchan that ended with: “Koshish karne waalon ki haar nahi hoti” (those who try don’t fail). I’ve faced many rejections, failures, tears, and self-doubt. Yet, I never stopped trying.
Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jathwa in ‘Homebound’.
| Photo Credit:
Dharma Productions/YouTube
How was the pandemic period for you?
I spent it at home with my family. I was lucky that I got to spend a lot of time together with family members and tried to be productive. There was a scary period when mom was hospitalised for three days, but we stayed positive and never entertained negative thoughts. I’m one of the lucky people who didn’t lose anyone close during the pandemic.
Did you continue to live with that experience for the next four years as you worked on the film?
Yes, for a few months. The shooting did trigger memories from that period. But, because it was a true story, there was a sense of responsibility. Since it’s based on an article, we could connect it with real life. However, we couldn’t let that overpower the performance. I tried to strike a balance to do justice to my role.
How much of the film was already written and how much was shaped through workshops?
Once it was written, Sir (Neeraj) would sit and discuss the scenes with us, tweaking the script little by little every day. So, yes, there are a few things I may have added to what was written. It’s been a team effort. I’m not the writer of the film, but there were small contributions I could make.
What was the most difficult scene for you to perform?
The scene I thought would be the easiest turned out to be the most difficult. Shringar Ras and Hasya Ras — love and happiness — are the basic emotions we learn as actors. But the scene where we look at the results and I had to build from fear into happiness, was tough. My worry was that I would end up looking fake. Maybe, because passing marks never really mattered to me, I couldn’t relate.
But, thanks to Ishaan, I managed to do whatever I did there. That was challenging for me. Otherwise, Ishaan had more challenging scenes — both physically and emotionally — and he’s done an exceptional, applause-worthy job.
What has been the best compliment you received for the film?
I got one I couldn’t accept. It felt good to hear but also made me uncomfortable. Usually I re-share film-related posts, but this one, I couldn’t. It said: “Vishal Jethwa, next Irrfan Khan.” It’s a big thing to say, but I felt scared and uncomfortable. Comparing me to the legendary Irrfan Khan? I have no right.
What were your favourite moments at Cannes?
Firstly, walking the red carpet was memorable. I was so relaxed and confident. That was me living my dream, and it’s something I’ll cherish for life. Secondly, the nine-minute standing ovation felt overwhelming. A few things need to be earned, and if people who don’t speak your language can connect to your tears and laughs, then that’s huge. But the biggest moment for me was taking my mom to Cannes. I felt so proud. Holding her hand and taking her there, that was the best of all..
Published – September 30, 2025 02:45 pm IST
