Actor Vishal Jethwa’s rise from acute poverty to international recognition has emerged as one of Hindi cinema’s most compelling personal journeys, underscored by his recent global acclaim for Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. While the film did not advance in the final Oscar race, its screenings at major international festivals, including Cannes, brought Jethwa wide critical attention and cemented his transition from character roles to leading-man territory.