As Homebound visions Oscars 2026, Vishal Jethwa reflects on being outsider on set: ‘It takes time, and that’s okay’
Homebound shortlisted in the best international
category at Oscars 2026
Interestingly, film Homebound has been shortlisted in the best international feature category at the upcoming Oscars 2026. Amid this, Homebound actor Vishal Jethwa opened up about being an outsider.
Actor Vishal Jethwa
and Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial Homebound has been shortlisted in the best international feature category at the upcoming Oscars 2026. Featuring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead, the movie earned praise worldwide. Amid this recognition, Homebound actor Vishal opened up about being an outsider on the set and also shared what the Oscar shortlist means to him.
Speaking to media Vishal Jethwa opened up about working with Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor and highlighted the difference in their backgrounds while emphasising mutual respect. He said that they’ve matured seeing a very different life compared to his. Vishal comes from a lower-middle-class family, so his experiences are very different. But as actors, there was no difference. They respected each other’s viewpoints and created a safe space to share without judgment.”
Ishaan Khatter and
Addressing the realities of being an outsider in the Bollywood industry, Vishal said that actors from film families never made him feel small and added that the difference comes from the people around them, how seriously people listen to you, how much importance your opinion gets.
He recalled advice from senior actor Jaya Bhattacharya: he has to create his own space in this industry,” and shared, “It takes time, and that’s okay. He can see the change now (post-Homebound). On sets, at events. The respect is different.”
Expressing his happiness over Homebound being shortlisted at the Oscars 2026 Vishal said, “From Cannes to now, the Oscar shortlist – this is more than he ever imagined. If they reach the nominations and make India proud, it would be incredible.”
He did not want Homebound to be remembered only for its awards but wanted it to create some positive change, however small.
About Homebound
Homebound (2025) is about two marginalised North Indian friends, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), who dream of joining the police for respect but face caste and religious hurdles. It ends with a tragic, desperate journey back home, inspired by real events during the COVID-19 lockdown.
News Edit KV Raman
