Vicky Kaushal was born on 16 May 1988 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, into a Punjabi family. His father, Sham Kaushal, is a well-known action director in Bollywood, while his mother, Veena Kaushal, is a homemaker. Growing up in a film-oriented household exposed him to the world of cinema from an early age, but Vicky’s initial interests leaned towards academics and technology. He pursued an engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Mumbai. However, his passion for acting soon overshadowed his technical career path, and he decided to follow his heart into films.
Early Struggles and Theatre Work
Before entering mainstream cinema, Vicky Kaushal polished his craft by working behind the scenes and on stage. He joined Kishore Namit Kapoor’s acting academy to train formally in performance. He also worked with several theatre groups, including those of Manoj Bajpayee and Naseeruddin Shah, which helped him gain valuable experience.
Vicky also assisted Anurag Kashyap as an assistant director on the film Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), giving him insights into filmmaking. These years of struggle and learning helped him develop the versatility and authenticity he is now known for.
Film Debut and Breakthrough
Vicky Kaushal made his acting debut with minor roles in films like Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012) and Bombay Velvet (2015). However, his breakthrough came with Neeraj Ghaywan’s independent film Masaan (2015). His portrayal of a young man from Varanasi navigating love, loss, and societal pressures was highly acclaimed, winning him the IIFA and Screen Award for Best Male Debut. This performance established him as one of the most promising newcomers in Indian cinema.
Rising Career and Notable Films
After Masaan, Vicky Kaushal’s career trajectory rose steadily. He impressed audiences with roles in films such as:
- Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016): Played a troubled cop opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui, showcasing his dark and intense side.
- Raazi (2018): Featured as a Pakistani military officer opposite Alia Bhatt, earning praise for his understated yet powerful performance.
- Sanju (2018): Played Kamli, the best friend of Sanjay Dutt, in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster. His performance struck a chord with the audience.
- Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019): This film marked a turning point in his career. Playing Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, Vicky delivered one of his most iconic performances. The movie became a massive success, and his dialogue “How’s the Josh?” became a nationwide catchphrase. He also won the National Film Award for Best Actor for this role.
Other notable works include Love per Square Foot (2018), Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship (2020), and Sardar Udham (2021), where he played the revolutionary Udham Singh with remarkable depth and earned widespread critical acclaim.
Recent Successes
In recent years, Vicky Kaushal has continued to balance mainstream commercial cinema with strong content-driven films. His role in Govinda Naam Mera (2022) showcased his comic timing, while Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) paired him with Sara Ali Khan in a light-hearted romantic drama. His versatility allows him to comfortably shift between action, drama, romance, and comedy.
Awards and Achievements
- National Film Award for Best Actor for Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019).
- IIFA, Screen, and Zee Cine Awards for various roles including Masaan and Sanju.
- Featured in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 list and Forbes Celebrity 100.
- Widely considered one of the most bankable and talented actors of his generation.
Personal Life
Vicky Kaushal’s personal life has also been a subject of interest. He married leading Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif in December 2021 in a private yet highly celebrated wedding in Rajasthan. The couple, often dubbed as one of Bollywood’s most glamorous pairs, continues to remain in the limelight for their professional achievements and personal moments shared with fans.
Personality and Public Image
Known for his grounded personality, Vicky has often credited his success to hard work, discipline, and his theatre background. Despite being from a film-related family, he carved his own niche without relying on industry connections. He is admired for his humility, dedication, and ability to adapt to diverse roles.
Legacy and Impact
Vicky Kaushal’s rise in Bollywood is a classic story of talent meeting opportunity. From his humble beginnings to becoming a National Award-winning actor, his journey has inspired many aspiring actors. He is often praised for bringing authenticity and depth to his characters, bridging the gap between commercial cinema and parallel cinema. With a promising lineup of future projects, Vicky continues to cement his place as one of the most versatile and respected actors in Indian cinema today.
