Vishal Jethwa Reflects on ‘Homebound’: A Dream Realized

Jethwa, who first made waves in the industry with his role in the TV series “Maharana Pratap” in 2013-14, gained further acclaim with his portrayal in “Mardaani 2” alongside Rani Mukerji. In “Homebound,” he plays the character Chandan Kumar, under the direction of Neeraj Ghaywan.

The film had its global debut at the Cannes Film Festival, earning a spot in the Un Certain Regard category, and has been nominated to represent India for the Oscars in the Best International Feature category.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Jethwa shared, “Like many kids living in a chawl, I was captivated by the sight of a plane soaring through the sky. I always dreamed of taking a flight with my mother.” He recalls his uncle, who lived in London, and how that made the idea of traveling abroad even more enchanting.

Interestingly, the actor’s first experience boarding a plane during his work on “Maharana Pratap” was marred by missing his flight. After 15 years in the industry, Jethwa now boasts five international trips due to his work on this film.

“’Homebound’ has opened doors for me as an actor, yielding immense personal joy. Traveling with my mother internationally holds extraordinary significance,” he remarked. “While many may take flying for granted, for me, it was a dream fulfilled.”

Challenges and Persistence

The story behind landing his role was not without hurdles. Jethwa initially auditioned for Shoaib’s character but was not selected. “I had to persevere. When they called me for a second audition, I expressed the importance of this role and my desire to get it right,” he explained.

Despite suffering an injury that left him with a cast on his leg, Jethwa concealed it from the casting team. “I was worried about jeopardizing my chances, so I asked them not to mention my injury,” he said. During the audition process, he and Ishaan worked closely to develop their on-screen chemistry.

Learning from Experiences

Jethwa, having lost 10 kgs for his role as Chandan, feels a deep connection to his character, which parallels his own life experiences. “I grew up in a lower-middle-class environment and have witnessed both highs and lows,” he remarked. “The struggles have been invaluable in shaping my craft as an actor.”

The camaraderie with his co-star Ishaan blossomed during filming. “Neeraj emphasized that genuine chemistry requires understanding. We managed to create a safe space for each other,” Jethwa noted.

Reflecting on his future, Jethwa mentioned, “I’ve already achieved my childhood dream with ‘Maharana Pratap.’ Anything after that feels like a bonus, so I’m simply enjoying the journey.”