Stunt director Sham Kaushal recently reflected on the early challenges his sons, Vicky Kaushal and Sunny Kaushal, faced as they tried to build their careers in Bollywood. He shared memories of the struggles, rejections, and even moments of humiliation that his older son, Vicky, endured, especially during auditions when he was just starting out.
While Sham always encouraged his sons to follow their dreams, he also wanted them to understand the value of hard work and discipline. Both Vicky and Sunny attended regular schools, as Sham believed this would help them develop a grounded outlook on life and keep them focused. He was initially surprised when both sons expressed an interest in the film industry, as he hadn’t planned for them to go down that path. However, he felt it was important to support them because his own livelihood came from the same industry.
“I couldn’t say no because I was earning from the same industry. I thought someone might offer them tea out of respect for me, but nobody would invest crores in a film with them. However, since I also came from a village and worked hard, I believed that if they stayed honest and put in effort, they would not be denied,” Sham said in an interview with Friday Talkies. Sham also made it clear that he never used his own reputation or connections to secure roles for his sons. He said, “As an action director, I never approached anyone to give them work.”
Actor Vicky Kaushal at a press conference in Kolkata
Despite Sham’s support, the journey wasn’t easy for Vicky. He would often encounter people who dismissed him, saying things like, “Vicky ka kya audition lena.” Rather than being discouraged, Sham encouraged Vicky to use these moments as motivation, often telling him, “Until you experience humiliation, you won’t truly grow. Make that insult your strength.”
Sham also recalled Vicky’s hesitation to accept a minor role in Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. “Vicky told me that he got a 3-4 scene in Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana and many people were telling him not to do that small role, but I always believe beggars can’t be choosers and I told him to listen to his heart. He later called me and said that ‘I keep looking for work and they are giving me work so I want to do it.’ I stood by his decision,” he said.
Vicky’s perseverance paid off, with his career taking off since his early work as an assistant director. Fans will soon see Vicky Kaushal in the upcoming historical drama Chhaava, where he stars as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj alongside Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale.
