Bollywood actor Vishal Jethwa, known for his gripping performance in Mardaani 2, is steadily carving a niche for himself in the industry. In a recent conversation with Zoom, the Homebound actor opened up about his views on starkids, the reality of privilege in Bollywood, and the long path that led him to Cannes 2025.
“Privilege Gets You Through the Door, Talent Keeps You In”
Addressing the ever-relevant debate on nepotism, Vishal made it clear that while privilege might offer initial opportunities, it’s talent and public acceptance that sustain a career. “Yes, starkids have access. But thinking their journey is easier is a misconception,” he said. “Many children of renowned actors or directors have failed. The audience decides your fate.”
He emphasized that those without industry connections often have to push harder. “We don’t get those easy opportunities, so we compensate with more effort. It’s not a complaint, just a reality.”
The Double-Edged Sword of Privilege
Jethwa acknowledged that every advantage has its flip side. “If tomorrow I have a child, he’ll benefit from the ‘Jethwa’ name, but he’ll also carry its burden. Privilege helps, but it also adds pressure.”
He also touched upon a broader truth: “The industry isn’t just about acting. An actor without work is irrelevant. Everyone, regardless of background, must work hard. Their problems may differ from ours, but they’re no less difficult.”
From Self-Doubt to Self-Worth: Vishal’s Cannes Journey
Vishal made his Cannes debut with Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and co-starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. The film was nominated in the Un Certain Regard category at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Reflecting on his presence at the prestigious event, he said, “I wasn’t overwhelmed because I knew I’d earned that moment. But it took time for me to believe in myself. For years, I confused humility with underconfidence.”
He shared his past fears—of not speaking fluent English, of not seeming ‘intellectual enough’—which led him to underestimate his worth. “At one point, I didn’t even want to talk about my struggles. I felt no one would care.”
But it was his sister who changed his perspective. “She told me, ‘There are people who’ll see themselves in your story. You’ll give them hope.’ That stayed with me.”
A Decade in the Making
Vishal began his journey as a teenager, playing Emperor Akbar in the historical TV series Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap in 2013. Over the years, he has impressed both critics and audiences with performances in shows like Human and films like Salaam Venky.
Now, at 30, the actor says he finally feels comfortable in his own skin. “I hope this self-belief lasts a lifetime. Because for the first time, I’m not trying to prove myself to anyone else—I’m just trying to be me.”