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Vicky Kaushal
Born on May 16, 1988, Vicky Kaushal is a prominent Indian actor renowned for his work in Hindi cinema. He boasts an impressive array of accolades, including a National Film Award and two Filmfare Awards. In 2019, he was featured in Forbes India’s prestigious Celebrity 100 list.
Vicky Kaushal’s journey into the film industry began after earning an engineering degree from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology. He initially honed his craft by assisting Anurag Kashyap in the 2012 crime drama “Gangs of Wasseypur” and played minor roles in various films. However, his breakthrough came in 2015 when he played the lead role in the independent drama “Masaan.” Subsequently, he garnered attention for his performance in Anurag Kashyap’s psychological thriller “Raman Raghav 2.0” in 2016.
Kaushal’s career trajectory soared in 2018 when he took on supporting roles in two blockbuster dramas, “Raazi” and “Sanju.” He received critical acclaim and won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the latter. His defining moment arrived in 2019 with his starring role as a military officer in the war film “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” which not only established him as a leading actor but also earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
His talent further shone in the 2021 biopic “Sardar Udham,” in which he portrayed Udham Singh, earning him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. In 2023, Kaushal achieved commercial success with the romantic comedy “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke.”
Beyond his acting career, Vicky Kaushal is associated with various brand endorsements and product promotions. He has also co-hosted and delivered captivating performances at numerous award ceremonies. Furthermore, he is married to the renowned actress Katrina Kaif.
Vicky Kaushal - Career
2015–2016
Vicky Kaushal’s breakout as a leading actor came with the independent drama “Masaan” in 2015, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. Interestingly, both Kaushal and Ghaywan had started their careers as assistants on the set of “Gangs of Wasseypur.” Kaushal secured the role through an audition after Rajkummar Rao withdrew from it. To prepare for his character, a young man from a low socio-economic background aspiring for a better life, Kaushal immersed himself in the city of Benaras, where the film is set. He keenly observed the local mannerisms and lifestyle. “Masaan” was showcased in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and won two awards, including the FIPRESCI Prize. The film received widespread critical acclaim, with The New York Times considering it a prime example of heightened realism in Indian cinema. Nikhil Taneja of HuffPost praised Kaushal’s performance as “poignant and memorable,” and Anuj Kumar of The Hindu noted his ability to effortlessly convey the character’s feelings. For his performance, Kaushal earned the IIFA and Screen Awards for Best Male Debut and received a nomination for the Asian Film Award for Best Newcomer, among other accolades.
Career
Films
Television
Web series
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Radio
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Dubbing roles
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Prior to “Masaan,” Kaushal had worked on the film “Zubaan,” which was screened at the 2015 Busan International Film Festival. In this movie, Kaushal portrayed a grieving man who begins to stammer after his father’s suicide. To prepare for this challenging role, he worked with a speech therapist to master stammering patterns and spent time with the therapist’s patients. After completing the film, Kaushal found it difficult to detach from the character, even beginning to stammer in real life. His performance in “Zubaan” led Justin Chang of Variety to describe him as a “charismatic, naturally engaging talent.”
In Anurag Kashyap’s psychological thriller “Raman Raghav 2.0” (2016), Kaushal portrayed a chain-smoking, drug-addicted police officer on the trail of a serial killer played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The character he portrayed was troubled and unbalanced, which contrasted sharply with Kaushal’s own personality. In order to convince Kashyap to cast him, he isolated himself for five days and continually rehearsed lines from the script. Additionally, he took extreme measures such as severe dehydration and heavy smoking, which had a significant impact on his health. Kaushal chose this role because he wanted to avoid being typecast based on his earlier performances. “Raman Raghav 2.0” premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section and received a positive response. Aseem Chhabra, writing for Rediff.com, praised Kaushal’s performance as “brave” and “surprising.”
Love Per Square Foot (2018) and Raazi
In 2018, Vicky Kaushal made a significant mark in the Indian film industry. He took on the lead role in the romantic comedy “Love Per Square Foot,” India’s first original Netflix film, alongside Angira Dhar. Their on-screen chemistry garnered praise, and the film was even screened at the Beijing International Film Festival. Kaushal then appeared in Meghna Gulzar’s spy thriller “Raazi,” a film set during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He played the role of a Pakistani army officer who marries an Indian spy, portrayed by Alia Bhatt. Kaushal’s portrayal showcased both vulnerability and authoritative strength, earning him acclaim as “the correct foil” to Bhatt’s character.
Kaushal’s commercial success in 2018 came with Rajkumar Hirani’s “Sanju,” a biopic of actor Sanjay Dutt. In the film, Kaushal played Kamli, a fictional amalgamation of Dutt’s real-life friends. His performance was noted for holding its own alongside Ranbir Kapoor’s outstanding portrayal of Sanjay Dutt. Both “Raazi” and “Sanju” ranked among the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2018, with “Sanju” becoming one of the biggest box office hits in Indian cinema. Kaushal’s role in “Sanju” earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Lust Stories and Manmarziyaan
In the same year, Kaushal featured in the Netflix anthology film “Lust Stories,” appearing in Karan Johar’s segment as a newly married man. He also reunited with Anurag Kashyap for “Manmarziyaan,” a love triangle set in Punjab. His portrayal of Vicky Sandhu, a local DJ with commitment issues, received positive critical acclaim, with reviewers highlighting his ability to convey emotion through silence.
In 2019, Kaushal starred as a military officer in “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” an action film based on the 2016 Uri attack. He underwent extensive physical training and preparation, including a ketogenic diet and military training. The film became a massive success, earning both critical acclaim and significant box office revenue. Kaushal’s performance as a stoic military leader earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor and a Filmfare Award nomination.
The Haunted Ship (2020)
In 2020, Kaushal appeared in the horror film “Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship” as a grief-stricken shipping officer. During filming, he suffered an accident, which resulted in a fractured cheekbone. While the film received mixed reviews, Kaushal’s performance was noted for its earnestness.
Vicky Kaushal’s journey in the Indian film industry showcases his versatility and dedication as an actor, with a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful roles.
2021 – Present
Vicky Kaushal, born on May 16, 1988, is an accomplished Indian actor renowned for his work in Hindi cinema. He has been honored with numerous accolades, including a National Film Award and two Filmfare Awards. Notably, he secured a spot on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list in 2019.
After earning his engineering degree from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Kaushal embarked on his career by assisting Anurag Kashyap in the 2012 crime drama “Gangs of Wasseypur” and played minor roles in several films. His breakthrough came with the lead role in the 2015 independent drama “Masaan,” followed by a remarkable performance in Kashyap’s psychological thriller “Raman Raghav 2.0” (2016). Kaushal gained widespread recognition in 2018 for his supporting roles in the highly successful films “Raazi” and “Sanju.” His portrayal in “Sanju” earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He further solidified his position as a leading actor with his starring role as a military officer in the 2019 war film “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” which not only established him but also earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. Kaushal’s portrayal of Udham Singh in the biopic “Sardar Udham” (2021) received critical acclaim and won him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. He also found commercial success in the romantic comedy “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” (2023).
Beyond his acting career, Kaushal endorses various brands and products and has co-hosted and performed at award ceremonies. He is happily married to actress Katrina Kaif.
In 2021, Kaushal’s sole release was “Sardar Udham,” directed by Shoojit Sircar. The film, based on the life of freedom fighter Udham Singh, who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic before premiering on Amazon Prime Video. To convincingly portray the younger version of his character, Kaushal shed over 15 kilograms of weight in just two months. The film received critical acclaim, with many praising Kaushal’s performance as one of his best. He won the IIFA Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for this role.
After the emotionally demanding experience of “Sardar Udham,” Kaushal sought a lighter role and found it in the comic thriller “Govinda Naam Mera” (2022), where he played a struggling dancer accused of murder. The film was released on Disney+ Hotstar and, despite mixed reviews, Kaushal’s comic performance was well-received. In the following year, he starred alongside Sara Ali Khan in the romantic comedy “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” where he charmed audiences with a memorable performance. It was his first theatrical release since “Bhoot – Part One” in 2020 and defied expectations by becoming a commercial success.
Kaushal’s next ventures include playing Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in the biopic “Sam Bahadur” and starring in Anand Tiwari’s romantic comedy “Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam,” where he shares the screen with Tripti Dimri.
Artistry and public image
Vicky Kaushal, born on May 16, 1988, is a notable Indian actor renowned for his work in Hindi cinema. He has earned numerous accolades, including a National Film Award and two Filmfare Awards, and was featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list in 2019.
Kaushal embarked on his career path after completing an engineering degree from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology. He began as an assistant to Anurag Kashyap in the 2012 crime drama “Gangs of Wasseypur” and initially played minor roles in various films. His breakthrough came with his leading role in the 2015 independent drama “Masaan,” followed by a standout performance in Kashyap’s psychological thriller “Raman Raghav 2.0” (2016). Kaushal gained widespread recognition in 2018 with his supporting roles in the top-grossing dramas “Raazi” and “Sanju.” He secured the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the latter. His starring role as a military officer in the 2019 war film “Uri: The Surgical Strike” established Kaushal as a leading actor and earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of Udham Singh in the biopic “Sardar Udham” (2021) garnered critical acclaim and earned him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. Additionally, he achieved commercial success in the romantic comedy “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” (2023).
Kaushal’s prowess as an actor was apparent from the start, and he quickly emerged as one of the most promising newcomers in Hindi cinema. His performances challenged conventional notions of a typical hero, as noted by Firstpost, and critics have analyzed his roles in depth. According to Rajeev Masand’s 2019 piece in Elle, Kaushal’s performances are marked by an unmistakable vulnerability in his eyes, indicative of his dedication to “feeling” and “living” his characters. Asjad Nazir of Eastern Eye, in a 2021 article discussing Kaushal’s career, praised his chameleon-like ability to immerse himself in diverse roles, making him the go-to actor for demanding parts that add depth to significant films. Alaka Sahani of The Indian Express described him as the most dependable actor among his contemporaries, while Filmfare magazine hailed him as one of the finest actors of his generation.
Kaushal is a method actor known for his dedication to his craft. He has undertaken extreme measures to physically transform himself for various roles, such as severe dehydration and heavy smoking for “Raman Raghav 2.0” and significant physical changes for films like “Sanju,” “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” and “Sardar Udham” to attain the desired look and enhance his performance. Critics have applauded his efforts to avoid typecasting by embracing a wide range of roles in different film genres. As he explained in a 2018 interview with The Telegraph, his goal is never to be repetitive in his roles, especially if they have taken him to a particular emotional space previously. Bollywood Hungama describes him as a perfect blend of versatility, natural talent, and unwavering dedication, and he frequently appears on Rediff.com’s annual list of Bollywood’s Best Actors.
Kaushal has also been recognized as one of the most attractive Indian celebrities by the media. He topped The Times of India’s list of the country’s most desirable men in 2018 and secured the 4th position in 2019 and 2020. In 2018, Forbes India included him in their “30 Under 30” list as well as their list of “Tycoons of Tomorrow.” The following year, he made it onto the magazine’s Celebrity 100 list, ranking 72nd with an estimated annual income of ₹104.2 million (US$1.3 million). In 2019, Google identified Kaushal as India’s most-searched film actor. Additionally, in 2016 and 2021, he was recognized as one of the best-dressed male celebrities by the Indian edition of GQ magazine.
Personal Life
Vicky Kaushal, born on May 16, 1988, is a renowned Indian actor primarily known for his work in Hindi cinema. He has earned numerous accolades, including a National Film Award and two Filmfare Awards. In 2019, he secured a place on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list.
After completing his engineering degree at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Kaushal embarked on his career by assisting Anurag Kashyap in the 2012 crime drama “Gangs of Wasseypur” and took on minor roles in various films. His breakthrough came with the 2015 independent drama “Masaan,” and he followed this success with a role in Kashyap’s psychological thriller “Raman Raghav 2.0” in 2016.
Kaushal’s career gained significant momentum in 2018 with notable supporting roles in the top-grossing dramas “Raazi” and “Sanju,” which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. His starring role as a military officer in the 2019 war film “Uri: The Surgical Strike” firmly established him as a leading actor, and he clinched the National Film Award for Best Actor.
He continued to impress with his portrayal of Udham Singh in the biopic “Sardar Udham” in 2021, which earned him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. In 2023, he enjoyed commercial success in the romantic comedy “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke.”
Apart from his acting career, Kaushal has been associated with several brands and products as a celebrity endorser. He has also hosted and performed at various televised award shows, including the Filmfare, Zee Cine, and Screen Awards. He graced the grand finale of Femina Miss India in 2019. Kaushal serves as the brand ambassador for multiple companies, including Havells, Reliance Trends, and Oppo, charging between ₹20 million (US$250,000) and ₹30 million (US$380,000) per brand annually.
Kaushal is not only a prominent figure in the entertainment industry but also an advocate for various charitable causes. He has actively supported initiatives related to environmental protection and women’s rights. He participated in a music video produced by the United Nations and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to raise awareness about air pollution. Additionally, he contributed to a Radio City initiative in 2018 to address environmental and infrastructure issues in Mumbai, personally filling potholes for a day.
He was also one of the speakers at the 2018 edition of the We The Women festival, organized by journalist Barkha Dutt and UN Women, where he expressed his support for the MeToo movement in India. In 2019, Kaushal participated in the fourth edition of the Nashik Marathon, advocating for gender equality and women’s safety.
In 2017, Kaushal extended his support to “Just For Kicks,” a football training program for underprivileged children. He also visited sepoys in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, as part of NDTV’s reality program “Jai Jawan” in 2019. During Diwali the same year, he celebrated the festival with cancer patients and distributed gifts at the Tata Memorial Centre.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in India in 2020, Kaushal contributed ₹1 crore to the PM CARES Fund and the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He collaborated with the NGO GiveIndia to raise funds for providing ration kits to daily wage workers. In 2021, he donated ₹2.5 lakhs to the Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) to support artists affected by the pandemic’s second wave.
On a personal note, Kaushal’s private life has garnered significant media attention. Despite his media-friendly disposition, he has been reticent about discussing his relationships. He was initially linked to actress Harleen Sethi in 2018, and their breakup was reported by the media in early 2019. Kaushal married actress Katrina Kaif on December 9, 2021, in a traditional Hindu ceremony at Six Senses Resort, Fort Barwara in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Their wedding garnered extensive media coverage in India.
Television / Drams
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 25th Screen Awards | Co-host |
| 2019 | Zee Cine Awards 2019 | Co-host |
| 2019 | 64th Filmfare Awards | Co-host |
| 2020 | 65th Filmfare Awards | Co-host |
| 2021 | Into The Wild With Bear Grylls | Celebrity guest |
Films / Telefilm
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Gangs of Wasseypur | Assistant director |
| 2012 | Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana | Young Omi |
| 2013 | Geek Out | Geek (Short film) |
| 2015 | Bombay Velvet | Inspector Basil |
| 2015 | Masaan | Deepak Kumar Chaudhary |
| 2016 | Zubaan | Dilsher |
| 2016 | Raman Raghav 2.0 | ACP Raghavan “Raghav” Singh Umbi |
| 2018 | Love per Square Foot | Sanjay Kumar Chaturvedi |
| 2018 | Raazi | Iqbal Syed |
| 2018 | Lust Stories | Paras Upadhyay (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| 2018 | Sanju | Kamlesh “Kamli” Kanhaiyalal Kapasi |
| 2018 | Manmarziyaan | Vicky Sandhu (Also playback singer for song “F For Fyaar”) |
| 2019 | Uri: The Surgical Strike | Major Vihaan Singh Shergill |
| 2020 | Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship | Prithvi Prakashan |
| 2021 | Sardar Udham | Udham Singh |
| 2022 | Govinda Naam Mera | Govinda Waghmare |
| 2023 | Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat | DJ Mohabbat (Special appearance) |
| 2023 | Zara Hatke Zara Bachke | Kapil Dubey |
| 2023 | The Great Indian Family | Ved Vyas Tripathi (Bhajan Kumar) |
| 2023 | Sam Bahadur† | Sam Manekshaw (Post-production) |
| 2023 | Dunki† | TBA (Cameo; post-production) |
| 2024 | Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam† | TBA (Post-production) |
Web series
Special Appearances
Songs
| Year | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Pachtaoge | Arijit Singh |
| 2020 | Muskurayega India | Vishal Mishra |
| 2023 | Bhide | Arijit Singh, Divine |
Dubbing
Awards
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| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Asian Film Awards | Best Newcomer | Masaan | Nominated |
| 2019 | Asian Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Sanju | Nominated |
| 2019 | Filmfare Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Sanju | Won |
| 2020 | Filmfare Awards | Best Actor | Uri: The Surgical Strike | Nominated |
| 2019 | Indian Film Festival of Melbourne | Best Supporting Performance | Sanju | Won |
| 2016 | International Indian Film Academy Awards | Best Debut Actor | Masaan | Won |
| 2019 | International Indian Film Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Sanju | Won |
| 2019 | International Indian Film Academy Awards | Best Actor | Raazi | Nominated |
| 2020 | International Indian Film Academy Awards | Best Actor | Uri: The Surgical Strike | Nominated |
| 2022 | International Indian Film Academy Awards | Best Actor | Sardar Udham | Won |
| 2016 | Jagran Film Festival | Special Jury Award | Masaan | Won |
| 2019 | 66th National Film Awards | Best Actor | Uri: The Surgical Strike | Won |
| 2016 | Producers Guild Film Awards | Best Debut Actor | Masaan | Nominated |
| 2016 | Screen Awards | Best Male Debut | Masaan | Won |
| 2019 | Screen Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Raazi | Nominated |
| 2019 | Screen Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Sanju | Nominated |
| 2019 | Screen Awards | Best Actor | Manmarziyaan | Nominated |
| 2020 | Screen Awards | Best Actor | Uri: The Surgical Strike | Nominated |
| 2016 | Stardust Awards | Best Acting Debut (Male) | Masaan | Nominated |
| 2016 | Zee Cine Awards | Best Male Debut | Masaan | Won |
| 2019 | Zee Cine Awards | Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male | Sanju | Won |
| 2020 | Zee Cine Awards | Best Actor (Critics) | Uri: The Surgical Strike | Nominated |
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External Links
- Vicky Kaushal Actor – Movies and TV shows – Selective Ranks [1]
