Vishal Jethwa's Emotional Revelation About His Challenging Childhood
Bollywood actor Vishal Jethwa has recently opened up about his difficult upbringing in an emotional conversation, revealing that he lost his father at a very young age and witnessed his mother working as a domestic helper to support their family. The actor, currently enjoying the success of his recent film Homebound, shared these personal details during an interview with Humans of Bombay, providing a rare glimpse into the struggles that shaped his journey to stardom.
From Poverty to Recognition: Vishal's Journey in Bollywood
Vishal Jethwa's career has seen a significant boost with the success of Homebound, which has earned him recognition both nationally and internationally. While the film didn't make it to the final nominations at this year's Academy Awards, it represents a crucial milestone for the actor who debuted in Mardaani 2 and experienced a relatively lukewarm phase in his career afterward. This achievement serves as a much-needed confidence booster for the outsider striving to make his mark in Bollywood's competitive landscape.
The Childhood That Shaped an Actor
Reflecting on his upbringing, Vishal described coming from what he called "a lower-middle-class, or rather a very poor family." He considers this background a privilege because it provided him with opportunities for growth both as an actor and as a person. "I closely observed my parents' lives," he explained. "I lost my father at a very young age, and I saw how my mother single-handedly raised all of us and struggled to keep us going. I witnessed financial crises. I didn't have a normal childhood like everyone else, but in some way, that has also helped me grow as an actor."
Early Life and Education in Mumbai
Vishal shared details about his early years, recalling that he studied in a Gujarati-medium school and lived in Malad before shifting to Mira Road after sixth standard. He later attended Thakur College in Kandivali. His journey into entertainment began in the ninth grade when he started working as a background dancer on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs. He even danced in the background when Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Asin came to promote their film London Dreams, though he eventually realized this wasn't his true calling.
A Mother's Sacrifice and Strength
The actor spoke with visible emotion about his mother's struggles, emphasizing their close bond forged through shared hardship. "I am very close to my mother because of the struggle and sacrifice she has endured," he revealed. "Even before I start talking about my own journey and everything I have done, I immediately think about what she has done for me."
He elaborated on her difficult childhood, noting that she worked as a domestic helper, going from house to house doing cleaning work. "When I think about that, I realize, what do I really have to complain about in life?" Vishal reflected, putting his own challenges into perspective against his mother's greater struggles.
Family Background and Previous Revelations
This isn't the first time Vishal has spoken about his family's financial struggles. In earlier interviews, he revealed additional details about their circumstances. "I come from a very poor family, and I was actually confident because my sister told me before I left, 'Don't stress so much, because you are the son of a domestic help,'" he shared. "She literally cleaned people's homes, did jhadoo-pocha, and sold sanitary pads in a supermarket. My father sold coconut water, I have seen all of this."
Reflections on Privilege and Responsibility
As his life has transformed from those difficult beginnings, Vishal has developed a nuanced understanding of privilege. "Today, of course, my life has moved beyond that," he acknowledged. "And I don't even realize how big a thing privilege is. We tend to think privilege is only a positive word, that it only brings benefits. But that's not true. With privilege comes greater responsibility."
Through his candid revelations, Vishal Jethwa offers a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of perseverance in the face of adversity, while honoring the sacrifices that made his success possible.
