Homebound: Neeraj Ghaywan Was 'Most Nervous' To Meet Martin Scorsese, Says Vishal Jethwa

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has generated significant buzz since its world premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Adding to the excitement, the film has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. As such, a special screening of the film was recently held in the US, hosted by Martin Scorsese, who also serves as an executive producer on the film. Actor Vishal Jethwa recalled his time with the legendary filmmaker.

Vishal said, “We met him on November 7, and the entire team was very nervous before that, the most being Neeraj (Ghaywan, director) sir. Neeraj sir went into the room first, and soon after, we all followed.

We were all there to just listen to him, and he understood the pressure we were kind of feeling. So, he tried to make us all feel at ease by sharing the story of his life and his films.”

“It is such a privilege to have the gaze of such a legendary figure on you. And he liked our work too… Everyone was clicking pictures with him, and we clicked a team pic. But mujhe thoda lalach tha ki hum Indian film leke aaye hain to sir se thoda Indian style mein photo khichwaun. So, I asked if I could get a solo picture with him doing a namaste, and he instantly agreed. My day was made with that,” he shares.

The actor mentioned, “Martin sir had been associated with the film from always and he had given so many inputs on the story too. His one constant advice was to ‘stick to the boys’. Neeraj sir chopped the entire part about Ishaan’s love story in the film, following his advice. All his inputs were so valuable and like a guide to us.”

As for the Oscars, Vishal said, “The competition is very tough this year, and we are not keeping our expectations high, but we are hopeful. Reaching this stage is an achievement in itself for us, and we are enjoying the process without worrying about the outcome.”

“We are having screenings every other day here, and it’s all a new experience for me, so I am enjoying the process. The reaction that we are getting from everyone is so emotional and positive. My English has improved a lot since coming here. I am also exploring the city on my own, and I am loving it,” the actor concluded.