Homebound actor Vishal Jethwa talks about his acting journey and struggles, says "I don’t think I belong to this industry"

Vishal Jethwa reflects on his acting career

Bollywood actor Vishal Jethwa has recently made a stylish Cannes Film Festival debut, joined by co-stars Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and filmmaker Karan Johar for the premiere of Homebound.

The actor has been in the entertainment industry since his childhood, but managed to rise to fame recently with the 2019 film Mardaani 2, which stars Rani Mukerji in the lead role.

However, the actor has reflected on his acting journey and beyond in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The actor said, “Apart from acting, I don’t think I belong to this industry. I’ve struggled a lot.”

He added, “People often think Mardaani 2 was my first project, but before that, I worked in television for ten years. Then came Mardaani—and that changed things. But nothing came easy.”

The actor further noted, “I’m proud I reached here without any support system. I feel like I’m representing all those people who audition day after day, waiting for that one chance. I want to be their inspiration—their ‘inappropriate’—to show them it’s possible.”

Meanwhile, Vishal recently starred in Homebound, which received a whopping 9-minute standing ovation at Cannes 2025. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film is backed by Somen Mishra, Apoorva Mehta, Adar Poonawalla and Karan Johar under Dharma Production.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rai twins in black with daughter Aaradhya Bachchan at Cannes 2025, watch video

Homebound explores ambition, friendship, and the emotional weight of choices and follows two friends from a North Indian village who pursue police jobs seeking dignity, but their friendship strains as desperation grows in their quest.

Meanwhile, Vishal made his debut with television shows as a child actor but soon bagged big roles in Bollywood. He is known for his powerful performances in films like Mardaani 2, Salaam Venky, and Tiger 3.