Bollywood star Vishal Jethwa is on top of the world after his latest movie, Homebound, got great reviews and was chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars 2026 in the Best International Feature Film category. Many people have compared Jethwa’s performance to that of the late great actor Irrfan Khan, something Jethwa claims he doesn’t deserve.
Vishal Jethwa Compares Irrfan Khan to
Jethwa told The Hindu in a recent interview that he can’t accept being compared to Irrfan, even though the praise feels great.
“I got one that I couldn’t take. It was nice to hear, but it also made me feel bad. I usually publish posts about movies again, but I couldn’t do it this time. It said, “Vishal Jethwa, next Irrfan Khan.” I know this is a big deal, but I was terrified and uncomfortable. You think I’m like the famous Irrfan Khan? He answered, “I have no right.”
An emotional moment at the Homebound screening
While posing for paparazzi on the red carpet during the Mumbai premiere of Homebound, Vishal Jethwa broke down in tears. In a touching scene that instantly went viral on social media, his mother was seen comforting him. Fans filled sites like X and Instagram with admiration, calling him the “next Irrfan Khan.”
Irrfan Khan started out on TV dramas like Chandrakanta and Bharat Ek Khoj. He then became an international celebrity with tremendous roles in both Bollywood and Hollywood, making him one of the finest performers of all time.
Vishal Jethwa’s Journey from TV to Movies
Vishal Jethwa’s story is also like a humble start on TV. Before he became famous in Bollywood, he was in programs like Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap and Chakradhari Ajay Krishna. His big break came in Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 2, when he played the bad guy. Since then, he has been making a name for himself in the business by playing a wide range of roles.
About Homebound
Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025, when it got a nine-minute standing ovation. The movie is based on a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer. Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa play the main characters, along with Shalini Vatsa, Chandan K Anand, and Vijay Vikram Singh.
Karan Johar made Homebound, which came out in Indian theaters on September 26, 2025. It has received a lot of attention for its strong stories and performances.