Homebound Star Vishal Jethwa Fears Losing Fame: Scared What If... - EXCLUSIVE

Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, featuring a talented cast of Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has earned a prestigious spot on the shortlist for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The movie Homebound, known for its nuanced storytelling and strong performances, has been lauded by both critics and audiences alike. The film's international recognition is seen as a testament to the growing influence of Indian cinema in global film festivals and award circuits. Vishal, who earned praise for his strong performance in Rani Mukerji's Mardaani 2, has become more popular post the movie's Oscar nomination. Recently, in an exclusive conversation with Zoom, Vishal Jethwa opened up about his current

popularity and the mixed emotions that come with it. While he enjoys the attention and recognition, he admitted to feeling a certain fear about what might happen when the spotlight fades.

Vishal Jethwa on newfound fame

in a chat with us, Vishal shared that he finds great joy in his newfound fame. “I really enjoy it. It's so much fun when I step out, and people recognise me. There was a time when I used to dream about these moments, when people would ask for pictures with me. Now, when I perform on stage, people know me by name. It took 16-17 years of hard work to get here, and now that it's happening, I have no complaints. I truly enjoy it,” he said. However, he also expressed a sense of unease about what the future might hold. “Sometimes, I feel scared about what will happen if fewer people recognize me in the future. I hope that day never comes, but if it does, I wonder how I’ll react. Will I be able to accept it easily?” Vishal reflected on the uncertainty of fame, adding that he sometimes gets tired and bored, despite the joy that it brings.

Vishal on nuances of his new life in public eye

Vishal also spoke about the nuances of his new life in the public eye. He explained how he’s learned to interact with new people, as being recognised has become part of his everyday experience. “In a room full of 100 people, everyone knows me. I’ve learned how to deal with new people comfortably, to talk to them about anything. But the truth is, for us, they are just people we meet randomly,” he shared.For Vishal, fame is only one part of his life. “This is just 20-30% of my life. There’s a whole other part where I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, and just being myself,” he revealed. Vishal emphasized that his life is not just about acting—he cherishes the quieter, personal moments too.

Vishal Jethwa on how PR is necessary for actors

Looking back, Vishal reflected on how the industry has changed. "When I did Mardaani, PR and marketing weren't even a part of the game. I didn't pay attention to it back then, but today, it's essential. People use interviews and social media to gain attention, and now it's part of the job,” he said. Vishal acknowledged that keeping up with the demands of PR is a necessary aspect of his career, even though it can be exhausting. “It’s a balancing act,” he added. “I need to manage my mental health, not overwork myself, while still staying active in the industry.”Ultimately, Vishal views his fame and the challenges that come with it as part of his journey. "I have to keep going, but in a way that allows me to stay happy and healthy," he concluded.Take a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmpgEoB2FEo

About Homebound

Homebound tells the story of childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police force becomes the driving force of their lives. Janhvi Kapoor adds emotional depth to this poignant narrative, which explores themes of friendship, duty, and the pressures faced by today’s youth in India.