Before exiting chilling villain Mardani 2Vishal Jethwa spent his early years with the show honoring his craft on television Bharat’s brave son – Maharana Pratap And Chakravarti Ashok SamratHis latest film, Homebound -The nine -minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival , There is another milestone in his journey.
In this conversation, he opens about a four -year road to release. HomeboundHis bond with co-star Ishan Khat, shift to cinema from TV, and why he still believes that being “best” is trying more cases.
You have given a brilliant and heartbreaking performance in ‘Homebound’. Now how do you feel that the film has finally been out after a four -year journey, including its ear premiere?
I think I am more than my wish and worthy it. I feel grateful, blessed and excited to see people reacting to it. Because, after all, whatever they do are the best judges of it. I really want to know what they have to say about my work.
I heard that director Neeraj Ghaywan wanted you to be friends with Ishaan in real life so that the chemistry between you feels authentic and performance is more natural.
Sir asked us to bind our insecurity and weaknesses, to know each other as people and not only as actors. I will go to Ishaan’s house, Janhvi’s house, and know them, understand their attitude. We can have very different upbringing, but we were able to respect each other’s views. It was important to break the ice, and it helped make the performance more natural.
How did you change from television acting in films?
It has been a journey with great ups and downs. During my TV days, I was constantly realizing that I could not “act of film-type”. I did not know if I could pull the character – because how can a TV actor play the film? But I found a lot of support, workshops and a wonderful director. Acting for the small screen is often considered fake. Sometimes it is seen as overacting. So, I was scared. Neeraj sir told us that the chemistry cannot show on the screen until we were not friends in real life. And, the friendship of the main characters is the backbone of the film. Now that people say that they like friendship, it looks like a victory.
Huge interview
Video Credit: Sudhish Kamath
I think I have always done fire and madness to do something with my life. My Guru, Shoaib Khan sir, was capable of that channel. He always said, “Before becoming a good actor, be a better person and never give up.” He used to read us a poem every day. I remember that Harivansh Rai was finished by Bachchan: “Trying Valon’s necklace Nahi Hoti“(Those who try not fail). I have faced many rejections, failures, tears and self-doubt. Nevertheless, I never tried.
Ishaan Khat and Vishal Jatwa in ‘Homebound’. , Photo Credit: Religion Productions/YouTube
How was the epidemic period for you?
I spent it at home with my family. I was lucky that I had to spend a lot of time with family members and tried to become productive. There was a scary period when the mother was admitted to the hospital for three days, but we were positive and never entertained negative thoughts. I am one of those lucky people who did not lose anyone during the epidemic.
Did you continue to live with that experience for the next four years while working on the film?
Yes, for a few months. Shooting triggers memories from that period. But, because it was a true story, a sense of responsibility. Since it is based on an article, we can connect it to real life. However, we could not reinforce that performance. I tried to balance to do justice to my role.
How much was the film already written and how much shape was given through workshops?
Once it was written, Sir (Neeraj) will sit and discuss the scenes with us, making the script a little bit every day. So, yes, there are some things that whatever I wrote. This has been the effort of a team. I am not the author of the film, but there were small contributions that I could.
What was the most difficult scene for you to perform?
I felt that the scene would be the easiest. Shringer Raas and Hasya Raas – Prem and Khushi – Are those basic feelings that we learn as actors. But the scene where we see the results and I had to build in joy in fear were difficult. My concern was that I would see fake. Maybe, because the passing marks could never really matter to me, I could not be related.
But, thanks to Ishaan, I managed to do everything I did. It was challenging for me. Otherwise, Ishaan had more challenging scenes-physically and emotionally-and they have done an extraordinary, applause worthy.
Have you got the best praise for the film?
I found one that I could not accept. It was nice to hear this but I too became uncomfortable. Usually I shared the post related to the film again, but this one, I can’t. It said: “Vishal Jethwa, next Irfan Khan.” This is a big thing to say, but I felt fear and uncomfortable. Compare me with veteran Irfan Khan? I have no right.
What were your favorite moments in the ear?
First, it was memorable to walk on the red carpet. I was very comfortable and full of confidence. It was living my dream, and this is something that I will cherish for life. Secondly, the nine -minute standing ovation felt heavily. Some things need to be acquired, and if your language does not speak your tears and laughs, then it is very big. But the biggest moment for me was taking my mother to Cannes. I felt very proud. Holding his hand and taking him there, he was all the best.
Published – September 30, 2025 02:45 pm IST