Vishal Jethwa is one of the breakout stars of this year. The actor gave a career-defining performance in Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound. In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, the young talent shed light on meeting the legendary Martin Scorsese and how he is taking all the love and appreciation for the film. The actor also shared about working with megastar Salman Khan, with whom he shared screen space in Tiger 3.
(excerpts from the interview)
How do you feel about Homebound being selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars and meeting Martin Scorsese?
As soon as the news of our official entry and our film’s shortlisting at the Oscars came, we were very happy. But at the same time, we couldn’t process it. The entire team was celebrating; We were congratulating each other, but it took me at least 2 to 3 days to accept that Homebound had been selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars. So, to be honest, it is a very blessed feeling.
Meeting Martin Scorsese is a memory of a lifetime. I know we were all very nervous, very quiet before he came. We were ready to welcome them; He had kept the room vacant and came from the back and we all went to meet him. First of all, we sent Neeraj (Neeraj Ghaywan) sir to talk to him. Then within no time we were called to meet him.
More and more Martin sir was telling his stories. We were listening to him. We enjoyed it a lot. It was great to sit in front of a great director like Martin Scorsese and just listen to him and say a few words. To understand that they had their eye on us, they saw our film, they liked our work; This was a big thing for us.
Starting his career from TV and then coming into films. How do you look back at your journey so far?
Sometimes I feel very inspired when I set out on my journey. I have seen a lot of magic in my life. I used to think about a lot of impossible things like whether I will ever reach here or not? It seemed impossible. Sometimes I used to think what a difficult industry I have chosen. But now I see that all this has really happened. I really feel like I’m living my dream.
Sometimes I feel like I’m living in my dream. Sometimes, I feel like I’m getting more than I deserve, more than I ever asked for in my life. So, I am very happy. And I have seen that the dreams of those who have dreamed of this for me are being fulfilled, not mine.
Were there any scenes of yours in Homebound that didn’t make it into the final cut that you regret?
I don’t regret any scene. Many of the things we shot have been cut. Because a film requires a certain duration.
So, I don’t regret it. But there were some scenes with Jhanvi which were very beautiful. There was a scene with my mother. This was a very emotional scene. It didn’t make it. And I had many other montages with Ishaan that did not make it to the final cut. I don’t regret it. Because, after all, we’re serving up the movie.
If there is no benefit to the film then it doesn’t matter. Like, Neeraj sir, Ishaan, we all say, your dear ones. So, they killed their loved ones, because we could make a good movie. And I think that’s why so many people love the movie.
Which scene was the hardest for you to shoot for Homebound?
For the homebound. So there is one scene which is more difficult for me. I think there are two or three. But, I think, the hardest scene was the one where I came and sat next to the recruiting officer. And that puts me in a place from which there is no way to escape.
Whereas Chandan Kumar is afraid to reveal his full name. Because he fears that if he reveals his identity to people, people will misbehave with him. Or will behave in a certain way. So, it was a difficult scene. And it was very hard, too, because the first scene that we started shooting for the movie was the first scene that I shot for Homebound. So, I think, it was a difficult scene.
And in the climax, really, slowly, slowly, my disease was increasing, slowly, slowly, and to get to a point, it was hard. it was sunny. And there were many other things. So, performing, shaking hands, there were a lot of things. But, yes, I count that as a difficult scene too.
Which is closer to you, Mardaani 2 or Homebound?
Very good. Oh God. No, I can’t answer that. Every character, every film is special. Every film has given something different. No, I don’t have any answer to this. I will never be able to choose between the two. I don’t know.
If I take the name of either of them, I will look biased. And when I wake up tomorrow, I think my perspective will change again. So, I don’t want to answer that. Apologize.
How was it working with Salman Khan in Tiger 3? Can you share any memories related to the set?
I love the aura of Salman Khan. As a fan, I like to see that whenever Salman sir comes, his team is also with him. He has a child-like innocence and greets everyone warmly on the set. I like that a lot. He is very cute.
I remember a memory. Usually Salman Khan wants to be seen shirtless. This is one thing. He takes off his shirt anywhere with confidence. And while he was on our set, I had a scene going on and it had to be changed. Therefore, he did not go into vanity. He simply asked his dressman to bring the shirt there. So, he brought it. And as soon as he brought it, he changed his shirt in front of everyone. And I thought, wow! I saw that scene live.
Have things changed for you in terms of offers after the success of Homebound?
Yes yes yes. I started getting access to many different types of films which were not coming till now. In the same vein, you feel that what should I do now? You don’t want to stick to the same style forever. You don’t want to do the same thing.
But the kind of scripts I am reading now are a little different from the earlier scripts. So yes. The success of Homebound has given me a lot. This has given me a very good position. This has given me success in my career. It has given me a name. It has given me good offers. And Homebound will always be a memorable film of my life. For lots of reasons.
What’s next after Homebound? Have you signed anything new that you can share with us?
I can’t share right now. But yes, I’m in the process of signing something. I am in the middle of it. And I had already shot some stuff before Homebound. So, maybe it will be released soon. In 2026, I hope so.
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