'Reading Dr BR Ambedkar helped me understand the toxicity in our society'

Actor Vishal Jethwa opens up about playing a marginalised character in Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound, how he was not selected for the film at first, why Neeraj insisted the actors read Dr. BR Ambedkar's essay, and more

- SHREYAS PANDE

It has been over ten days since Neeraj Ghaywan’s sophomore film, Homebound came out in theatres. Actor Vishal Jethwa, who plays one of the protagonists, Chandan, was overcome with emotions during the film’s premiere, which was attended by celebrities he was inspired by.

Vishal says that he went to the premiere with nervous energy. “I was overwhelmed with just the thought that my film will be watched by Hrithik Roshan sir or Farhan Akhtar sir. People I look up to,” he says. The premiere was also attended by Vishal’s close friends and family, who, according to him, celebrated the day like a festival. “And then posing for the paparazzi, who call your name and ask you to look at their camera, just filled me with joy. This is what I once dreamt of. I felt like I had arrived,” Vishal says.

This moment, however, almost wasn’t made. Vishal was first approached by the casting team of