Actor Vishal Jethwa is overjoyed after his film Homebound was chosen as India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the movie stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and has legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese as executive producer.
Calling the moment surreal, Jethwa said representing India on the world’s biggest stage was beyond his imagination when he began acting. He thanked director Ghaywan for trusting him with a challenging role that helped him grow as an artist and person. The 31-year-old actor also appreciated his co-stars Khatter and Kapoor, describing them as supportive collaborators who added depth to every scene.
Jethwa, known for Mardaani 2 and Salaam Venky, said the recognition was not just personal but a celebration of the entire team’s dedication. He expressed pride in being part of a story that carries India’s cultural essence to global audiences.
Homebound, inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s The New York Times article Taking Amrit Home, explores the childhood friendship of a Muslim and a Dalit, both aspiring for police jobs that promise long-denied dignity.
The film premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. It later won Best Film and Best Director at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and was the second runner-up in Toronto’s International People’s Choice Award category. Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, it releases in theatres on September 26.