New Delhi: In an industry where many actors lean on family names or instant grooming, Vicky Kaushal took the scenic, hard-working route. He didn’t wait for luck; he auditioned his way through every single phase of his career.
Long before he became a National Award winner or a massive box-office draw, Vicky was just a regular guy living in a small Andheri apartment, treating acting like a craft he had to master step by step.
Engineering Degree He Left Behind
Vicky Kaushals father wanted him to have a job. So Vicky Kaushal studied Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology in Mumbai. Vicky Kaushal graduated in 2009.
During college Vicky Kaushal realized that he did not want to work in an office. Vicky Kaushal saw people sitting in front of computers all day. Knew he could not do that job.
After getting a job offer Vicky Kaushal decided not to take it. Instead Vicky Kaushal followed his passion for acting. Vicky Kaushal joined Kishore Namit Kapoors acting classes. Started doing theatre. Vicky Kaushal spent the few years giving auditions and learning.
Vicky Kaushal made his acting debut in the theatre play Lal Pencil in 2011.
Learning Under Anurag Kashyap
Before becoming an actor Vicky Kaushal worked behind the camera. Vicky Kaushal started his film career as a director for Anurag Kashyaps Gangs of Wasseypur.
Those years were important for Vicky Kaushal. Vicky Kaushal also appeared in roles in films like Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Bombay Velvet and the short film Geek Out.
Working with Anurag Kashyap helped Vicky Kaushal understand cinema and shaped him as an actor.
Masaan was a breakthrough for Vicky Kaushal
Everything changed for Vicky Kaushal in 2015 with Masaan. In the film Vicky Kaushal played Deepak, a man from Varanasi.
The film received appreciation at the Cannes Film Festival. Critics praised Vicky Kaushals natural performance. People connected with the honesty Vicky Kaushal brought to the character.
The year Vicky Kaushal also appeared in Zubaan, where he played a troubled musician. People started noticing that Vicky Kaushal was different from Bollywood heroes.
Raman Raghav 2.0 showed another side of Vicky Kaushal
In 2016 Vicky Kaushal surprised people again with his role in Raman Raghav 2.0. Vicky Kaushal played a police officer.
To prepare for the role Vicky Kaushal reportedly stayed in isolation for days. Vicky Kaushals intense performance proved that he was willing to take risks and experiment with characters.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Received positive reviews.
2018 was a turning point
By 2018 Vicky Kaushal had become one of the talked-about actors in Bollywood.
That year Vicky Kaushal appeared in three films. Raazi, Sanju and Manmarziyaan.
Vicky Kaushals supporting role in Sanju earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. Manmarziyaan -starring Taapsee Pannu and Abhishek Bachchan was also appreciated for its emotional storytelling.
That year Forbes India included Vicky Kaushal in its “30 Under 30” list.
Uri: The Surgical Strike was a phenomenon
Vicky Kaushals biggest breakthrough came in 2019 with Uri: The Surgical Strike. Vicky Kaushal played an Indian Army officer. Delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career.
For the film Vicky Kaushal months of military-style training and physical preparation. The movie became a box office success and earned Vicky Kaushal the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Vicky Kaushals dialogue “How’s the Josh?” became hugely popular across the country that Turned into a cultural trend.
Powerful performance in Sardar Udham
After the success of Uri Vicky Kaushal chose another challenging project. Sardar Udham directed by Shoojit Sircar.
In the film Vicky Kaushal portrayed freedom fighter Udham Singh with depth and emotion. Critics and people praised the performance calling it one of the best of Vicky Kaushals career.
Vicky Kaushal also won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for the film.
Chhaava was Vicky Kaushals hit
In Chhaava Vicky Kaushal played Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna.
Directed by Laxman Utekar the historical drama became a success and turned into the highest-grossing film of Vicky Kaushals career.
The film also became one of the projects for Maddock Films.
Love & War, with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Vicky Kaushal will next be seen in Love & War directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Is expected to release in 2026.
Vicky Kaushal is also set to appear in Mahavatar directed by Amar Kaushik. Is reportedly collaborating with Rajkumar Hirani on another upcoming project.
Vicky Kaushals journey is proof that success does not always come quickly. Years before the world celebrated Vicky Kaushal after Uri Vicky Kaushal had already spent a time quietly preparing himself for that moment.
