Vishal Jethwa shines a spotlight on his Oscar-submitted film ‘Homebound’, passionately advocating for the global reach of Hindi. Once grappling with the challenges of English, he has now embraced his roots, empowering himself and others by showcasing India’s rich linguistic heritage on the world stage.
Vishal Jethwa has spent recent weeks travelling across countries to promote his latest film, ‘Homebound’, India’s official submission to the Oscars. Amid international interviews and global attention, the actor says one thing has stayed constant. His comfort with Hindi. On World Hindi Day, Jethwa spoke about language, identity, and self-belief, saying he takes pride in representing India and Hindi on the global stage.
Finding confidence through language
During a conversation with Hindustan Times, Jethwa looked back on how struggling with English affected his confidence in his early years. “I used to have a lot of trouble with the fact that I did not know English,” he said. Over time, his perspective shifted. “Slowly, I realized that the language in which most people speak in our nation is Hindi.”That realization changed how he carried himself, both at home and abroad. “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 said.Jethwa added that using Hindi internationally brings him pride. “To speak your own language in a foreign country feels very good. Wherever possible, I try to speak in Hindi,” he shared. He recalled a moment during his meeting with 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.”He credited his sister for helping him reframe language as a tool, not a limitation. “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 said. “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.”
‘Homebound’ and working in Hindi cinema
Jethwa also addressed the expectations of working in the Hindi film industry. He pointed out that fluency in Hindi is essential, regardless of background. “Maybe it’s not the language you grew up with, but it is the language you are working in,” he said. “So, you need to learn it. There can be no negotiation in this.”‘Homebound’ follows two childhood friends from a small Indian hamlet who dream of becoming police officers to earn long-denied respect. As professional pressures rise, their bond begins to fracture. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, with Reem Shaikh, Harshika Parmar, and Shalini Vatsa in supporting roles.Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, and co-produced by Marijke Desouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier, the film continues director Neeraj Ghaywan’s exploration of social realities and human relationships in modern India. Go to Source
