As India's official entry for the Oscars, 'Homebound', garners international attention, its star Vishal Jethwa is carrying more than just the film's narrative across borders. He is carrying a linguistic flag. In a heartfelt conversation marking World Hindi Day, Jethwa opened up about his profound journey with language, tracing a path from personal doubt to national pride on the world's most prestigious cinematic platform.
The Journey from Insecurity to Empowerment
Promoting 'Homebound' has taken Vishal Jethwa across multiple countries, placing him in the spotlight of global media. Amid a whirlwind of international interviews, the actor revealed a constant anchor: his unwavering comfort and confidence in speaking Hindi. He confessed to the Hindustan Times that in his early years, a lack of fluency in English significantly dented his self-assurance. "I used to have a lot of trouble with the fact that I did not know English," Jethwa admitted.
However, a pivotal shift in perspective changed everything for the actor. He came to a powerful realization that the predominant language of communication in India is Hindi. This understanding liberated him. "As much as I started speaking in Hindi, I saw a lot of acceptance coming for me from people, and I am very confident in it," he stated. This newfound confidence became his superpower, transforming how he presented himself both domestically and internationally.
Taking Hindi to the World Stage
For Jethwa, speaking his mother tongue in foreign lands is a profound source of pride. "To speak your own language in a foreign country feels very good. Wherever possible, I try to speak in Hindi," he shared. His commitment to promoting Indian culture reached a memorable peak during a meeting with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, the executive producer of 'Homebound'. "When I met Martin Scorsese, I also made him say Namaste. That is how we take our culture forward," Jethwa recounted with a smile.
He credits his sister for helping him reframe his view of language, seeing it as a tool for connection rather than a barrier. "My sister told me that language is just a medium of communication. And if you are more comfortable speaking in Hindi, then why not speak in Hindi?" he recalled. This advice solidified his belief: "We should always be proud of our things, our values, and our traditions. And I think there should be no shame in speaking Hindi anywhere."
Navigating Hindi Cinema and 'Homebound'
Addressing the practicalities of working in Bollywood, Jethwa emphasized that proficiency in Hindi is non-negotiable for any actor in the industry, regardless of their native language. "Maybe it's not the language you grew up with, but it is the language you are working in," he pointed out. "So, you need to learn it. There can be no negotiation in this."
The film at the center of this global journey, 'Homebound', is a poignant drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. It follows the story of two childhood friends from a small Indian village who aspire to become police officers to gain respect. Their deep bond faces severe strain under mounting professional pressures. The film features a talented ensemble cast including Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, with supporting roles played by Reem Shaikh, Harshika Parmar, and Shalini Vatsa.
The project is backed by prominent producers Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke Desouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier serving as co-producers. The film continues director Ghaywan's celebrated exploration of complex social realities and human relationships in contemporary India.
On World Hindi Day, Vishal Jethwa's story stands as a powerful testament to embracing one's linguistic identity. From personal struggles to promoting an Oscar-hopeful film, his journey underscores that true confidence stems from authenticity, proving that pride in one's roots can resonate powerfully on any stage in the world.
