November 11, 2024: Vicky Kaushal, one of Bollywood’s most respected and bankable stars today, may have found success with acclaimed films like Masaan, but his journey started with the help of his father and some good old-fashioned hard work. Sham Kaushal, a seasoned action director, recently opened up in an interview about the one time he used his industry connections to help his son kickstart his career, arranging for Vicky to work as an apprentice with director Anurag Kashyap on Gangs of Wasseypur.
Reflecting on Vicky’s early days, Sham Kaushal revealed, “If I have ever made any calls for him, it was during that time. I had called Anurag [Kashyap] asking him to give Vicky an apprenticeship. So he [Vicky] took a train to join Anurag. It was on that set that he truly learned that nothing comes easy. He worked hard, becoming a part of the second unit, doing candid shooting that often got them in trouble with the police. But those experiences were invaluable learning moments.”
Prior to his breakthrough in Masaan, Vicky faced struggles in the film industry. In a previous interview, he shared that despite reaching the final rounds in auditions, he often couldn’t secure roles due to budget limitations. At one point, Vicky was even willing to work for free just to gain experience and prove his talent.
Upcoming Projects for Vicky Kaushal
Currently, Vicky Kaushal is gearing up for exciting roles in two highly anticipated projects. He will be seen in the historical drama Chhava, portraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj alongside Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale. Additionally, he’s collaborating with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love And War, co-starring with Bollywood heavyweights Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
Vicky’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of starting from the ground up, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.