Exclusive- Shalini Vatsa on Homebound’s Oscar 2026 shortlist, hopes it gets nominated: 'It would mean an appreciation for Indian cinema'

Shalini Vatsa stars in Homebound

• "Homebound" is India's 2026 Oscar entry for Best International Feature Film.
• Shalini Vatsa calls Oscar entry a personal achievement and win for Indian cinema
• Homebound premiered at Cannes 2025, earning a 9-minute standing ovation

Did our AI summary help?

Actor Shalini Vatsa, who is well-known for her stirring performances in socially conscious films, recently starred in Homebound, which is India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026 in the Best International Feature Film category.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol. com, Shalini Vatsa, who plays the role of Vishal Jethwa’s character Chandan Kumar’s mother, Phool Kumari, expressed her excitement as Homebound gains international attention, mirroring the success of her previous film Peepli Live.

While talking to Moneycontrol, Shalini spoke about the full-circle moment of her career as her latest film garners global attention.

She told Moneycontrol that she sees the moment as a fulfilling chance to play complex parts, and the possibility of winning an Oscar is both a personal achievement and a celebration of Indian cinema's global storytelling.

Excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Question: First Peepli Live and now Homebound—both films finding global attention—how do you look at this full-circle moment in your career?

Shalini Vatsa: I look at it as an opportunity that I have received. It's very fortunate to have seen these opportunities to have worked in these productions and to have. Gotten to play the kind of roles that I have been given, and it's always happier a situation, the more people watch your work.

Ques: What would it personally mean to you if Homebound earns an Oscar nomination

Shalini: Personally, it would mean an acknowledgement and appreciation for Indian cinema and appreciation for Neeraj Ghaywan and the entire team of Homebound, and it is very satisfying that it is connected.

Ques: Homebound being in the Oscar conversation is a huge moment—what was your first reaction when you heard the news?

Shalini: I’m mostly a calm person. It wasn’t about jumping up and down. But little that I knew that it's in the hands of the best people who are very people who are very passionate, who are very hard-working. So, I knew they would make the wisest decisions and do the best. That is what it was. It's like a happy thing, and it’s an appreciation of the film and the work.

Ques: What do you think makes Homebound connect with international audiences and Oscar voters?

Shalini: ‘Friendship.’ The story of friendship, the story of empathy. These are very universal emotions.

Also Read: When Homebound actor Vishal Jethwa revealed he is the son of a ‘kamwali bai’ , a look at his success journey

About Homebound

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles.

The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and received 9 minutes standing ovation. The film is backed by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra.

Also Read: Oscars 2026 Nominations: When and Where to watch the 98th Academy Award announcement live in India

Homebound follows the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India who dream of becoming police officers, hoping the job will bring them the respect they never had. However, as they come closer to their goal, pressure and struggles begin to test their friendship.

The Oscars 2026 nomination announcement is scheduled for 6.30 pm in India.