Born on July 6, 1994, into a Gujarati family, Jethwa grew up in a Mumbai chawl, where financial hardship defined daily life. His father, Naresh Jethwa, sold coconut water and packed roasted snacks for local bars. Jethwa was 13 when his father died in 2008, a turning point that pushed the family into deeper debt and instability. The family sold their home in Malad and relocated to a rented house in Mira Road, still struggling to repay liabilities.
His mother, Preeti Jethwa, became the family’s sole provider. She worked as a domestic helper and sold sanitary pads door to door to support her children. Despite the circumstances, she encouraged Vishal’s ambition to act, finding ways to pay acting class fees through instalments and discounts.
Jethwa’s early career began as a background dancer on television shows, including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs. However, he soon realised acting, not dance, was his calling. Rejections were frequent, and financial pressure forced him to drop out of college. “There were days of hunger and uncertainty,” he has said, recalling the period.
His breakthrough came on television with Sony TV’s Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, where he played the young Akbar. After multiple casting changes, Jethwa finally secured the role and went on to win the Indian Telly Award for Best Child Artist (Male) in 2015. Subsequent appearances in historical and mythological series followed, but creative stagnation led him to consider quitting.
That trajectory changed decisively with Mardaani 2 (2019), where Jethwa’s portrayal of a serial killer drew widespread praise and industry attention. The role, he has said, pulled him out of self-doubt and opened doors to films such as Salaam Venky, IB71 and Tiger 3.
Homebound marked a further shift. Jethwa auditioned for the role despite a serious leg injury, determined not to miss the opportunity. The film’s nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes, witnessed by his mother, became a defining moment. “She was crying,” Jethwa recalled, noting that his father did not live to see his success.
Today, Jethwa’s story stands as a testament to resilience, family sacrifice and perseverance—an arc that continues to resonate far beyond the screen.
