Vishal Jethwa reveals ‘mom cleaned homes’ for a dwelling; he ‘had doubts’ about attending Cannes attributable to poor English

Vishal admitted feeling extraordinarily nervous forward of his journey to the Cannes Film Festival. He was apprehensive about speaking in English and located the setting unfamiliar and intimidating. Surrounded by skilled professionals, Vishal felt overwhelmed and underneath strain. Just a day earlier than leaving for Cannes, the nervousness weighed so closely on him that he contemplated not attending the occasion in any respect.

Vishal Jethwa remembers his mother and father early struggles

When requested if he might relate to his character in Homebound, Vishal revealed, “I also come from a poor family. I was so confident at Cannes because my sister told me, ‘Don’t be so stressed,’ because in a literal way, I am the son of a domestic help. Main ek kamwali bai jo hoti hain, unka beta hun (I am the son of a woman who worked as a domestic worker). Meri mumma ne logon ke ghar pe jhaadu pochha kiya hai (My mother used to sweep and mop people’s homes), she used to sell sanitary pads in a supermarket. My father used to sell coconut water. I have seen all of this. And I could relate all this to it. But not now, now my life has moved beyond that. But privilege is such a big thing — I never knew that.”

Vishal Jethwa on Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor’s privilege

He added, “Also, we tend to think privilege is only a positive word, that it only brings benefits. But that’s not true. With privilege comes more responsibility. Like my co-actors, Ishaan and Janhvi,  they’ve had privilege in their lives. We tend to think that the opportunities they’ve received mean their lives are sorted — but that’s not true. They have to work just as hard. Many directors’ and producers’ kids have come and gone, but not all have succeeded. It’s about who the audience accepts. So, just having privilege doesn’t guarantee anything. They might get the opportunity, sure. We won’t get those same opportunities. We have to deliver extraordinary performances. That’s the difference. But this is not a complaint, just a fact.”

About Homebound

Helmed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the movie is backed by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra. The movie stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. Homebound follows the story of two childhood mates from a small village in North India who dream of changing into law enforcement officials, hoping the job will carry them the respect they by no means had. However, as they arrive nearer to their purpose, strain and struggles start to check their friendship. The movie premiered on the Cannes Film Festival 2025, the place it obtained a nine-minute standing ovation.