Vicky Kaushal's Biography: Birth, Early Life, Education, Films, Net Worth, Relationships, Successes and Struggles

Vicky Kaushal, born on 16th May 1988 in Mumbai, India, emerged from a modest yet artistically rich background. His father, Sham Kaushal, carved a niche for himself in Bollywood as a renowned action director, while his mother, Veena Kaushal, devoted her life to homemaking and nurturing their two sons, Vicky and Sunny Kaushal. The Kaushal family, rooted in Punjabi Hindu traditions with ancestral ties to Hoshiarpur, Punjab, instilled in Vicky and his brother a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage and the values of hard work and dedication.

Early Life:

Growing up in a chawl in suburban Mumbai, Vicky experienced the vibrant energy of the city and the struggle of everyday life. Despite his father's prominent position in the film industry, Sham Kaushal harbored a desire for his sons to pursue careers away from the limelight, advocating for a balanced upbringing that included a solid education. Following his father's advice, Vicky enrolled at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology in Mumbai, where he pursued a degree in Electronics and Telecommunications. His time at college offered glimpses into a future in corporate India, but fate had other plans for young Vicky.

Turning Point: Journey into Acting

The pivotal moment in Vicky Kaushal's life came during a routine visit to an IT company, where he glimpsed the monotony of a corporate career and realized it wasn't his calling. Drawn to the allure of storytelling and the magic of the silver screen, he made a daring decision to pursue his passion for acting. His journey began with rigorous training at Kishore Namit Kapoor's Acting Institute, where he honed his craft under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

During these formative years, Vicky immersed himself in Mumbai's vibrant theatre scene, collaborating with renowned groups like Manav Kaul's Aranya Group and Naseeruddin Shah's Motley Productions. His dedication was evident as he took on various roles, from backstage duties to stepping in as an understudy. Despite countless auditions and setbacks, Vicky remained steadfast in his pursuit of a breakthrough in the competitive world of entertainment.

Early Career: 

Vicky Kaushal's persistence paid off in 2011 when he landed his first acting opportunity in the theatrical production "Laal Pencil." Though a modest start, it marked the beginning of his journey into the realm of acting. Around this time, he also ventured into the realm of filmmaking, assisting director Anurag Kashyap on the sets of the critically acclaimed "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012). This experience behind the camera provided invaluable insights into filmmaking and solidified Vicky's determination to carve out a niche for himself in Bollywood.

His early years in the industry saw him in minor roles in Kashyap's productions such as "Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana" (2012), "Bombay Velvet" (2015), and the short film "Geek Out" (2013). These experiences, while modest, allowed Vicky to observe and learn from seasoned actors and directors, shaping his approach to the craft of acting.

Breakthrough: Rising Star

Vicky Kaushal's breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed drama "Masaan" (2015), directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. Cast after an extensive audition process, Vicky's portrayal of Deepak, a young man grappling with love and loss in Varanasi, garnered widespread praise. His performance earned him several accolades, including the IIFA and Screen Awards for Best Male Debut, and nominations at prestigious international film festivals.

Buoyed by the success of "Masaan," Vicky continued to challenge himself with diverse roles that showcased his versatility and dedication to his craft. His next project, "Zubaan," premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, where his portrayal of a young man struggling with a speech impediment further underscored his acting prowess.

Vicky Kaushal's collaboration with director Anurag Kashyap continued with "Raman Raghav 2.0" (2016), where he delivered a gripping performance as a morally ambiguous police officer. His commitment to his roles was evident as he immersed himself in the character's psyche, earning praise for his nuanced portrayal of complex characters.

Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim

The year 2018 proved to be a turning point in Vicky Kaushal's career with two back-to-back successes that catapulted him into the league of Bollywood's leading actors. His portrayal of Kamli, a loyal friend to Sanjay Dutt in the biographical drama "Sanju," resonated with audiences and critics alike. The film, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year, showcasing Vicky's ability to shine in a supporting role.

Simultaneously, Vicky impressed audiences with his performance in "Raazi" (2018), opposite Alia Bhatt. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film explored themes of espionage and patriotism, with Vicky playing a Pakistani Army officer caught in the crossfire of conflicting loyalties. His chemistry with Alia Bhatt and his portrayal of a complex character garnered widespread acclaim, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor capable of delivering compelling performances.

Meteoric Rise: National Recognition

The pinnacle of Vicky Kaushal's career came with "Uri: The Surgical Strike" (2019), a military action film inspired by true events. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film depicted the Indian Army's retaliatory strike following the 2016 Uri attack. Vicky underwent rigorous physical training and martial arts sessions to embody the role of Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, a character that resonated deeply with audiences.

"Uri" not only became a blockbuster at the box office but also earned Vicky Kaushal widespread acclaim and accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of a dedicated soldier garnered praise for its intensity and authenticity, solidifying his position as one of Bollywood's most bankable stars.

Diverse Roles and Continuing Success

Following the phenomenal success of "Uri," Vicky Kaushal continued to explore diverse genres and characters, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft. He ventured into the horror genre with "Bhoot: Part One - The Haunted Ship" (2020), playing a haunted ship officer grappling with supernatural forces. While the film received mixed reviews, Vicky's performance was lauded for its intensity and conviction.

In 2021, amidst the global pandemic, Vicky Kaushal delivered a career-defining performance in "Sardar Udham," directed by Shoojit Sircar. Portraying the revolutionary freedom fighter Udham Singh, Vicky underwent a physical transformation and immersed himself in the psyche of the character. His portrayal of Udham Singh's journey from tragedy to vengeance resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him widespread acclaim and awards, including the IIFA and Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Beyond the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, Vicky Kaushal maintains a low-key personal life marked by a strong commitment to social causes and philanthropy. He has been actively involved in initiatives supporting women's rights, environmental conservation, and providing aid to struggling artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. His philanthropic efforts reflect his compassion and dedication to making a positive impact on society beyond the silver screen.

In his personal relationships, Vicky Kaushal has garnered attention for his discreet approach, managing to keep his romantic life out of the public eye for the most part. Reports of his relationship with actress Harleen Sethi surfaced but later subsided, giving way to rumors of a budding romance with Katrina Kaif, which culminated in a private wedding ceremony in December 2021. The couple's union, marked by minimal media coverage and a commitment to privacy, captured the imagination of fans and industry insiders alike.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

With a reported net worth of approximately 41 crore, Vicky Kaushal enjoys a lifestyle befitting his status as a leading Bollywood star. His Mumbai residence, characterized by luxury and elegance, serves as a sanctuary amidst the bustling city. Known for his eclectic taste in cars, Vicky's collection includes prestigious models such as the Range Rover Autobiography LWB, Range Rover Vogue, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and BMW 5GT, reflecting his penchant for fine craftsmanship and performance.

Continued Impact and Future Prospects

As Vicky Kaushal continues to evolve as an actor and public figure, his journey in Bollywood serves as a testament to perseverance, talent, and dedication. From his humble beginnings in Mumbai's theatre scene to becoming a household name in Indian cinema, Vicky's ability to portray diverse characters with authenticity and depth sets him apart.

Written by - Krishleen Chawla

- PTC PUNJABI