In a candid revelation, actor Vicky Kaushal took a moment during the promotional tour for his upcoming comedy-drama ‘Bad Newz’ to discuss the profound struggles faced by his father, Sham Kaushal. With raw honesty, Vicky shared the darker chapters of his family’s history in an interview with Raj Shamani, revealing that his father once considered ending his own life due to mounting hardships.
Vicky disclosed that it was his grandfather who intervened decisively after learning about Sham’s despairing thoughts. Sham Kaushal was dispatched to Mumbai amid concerns over his deteriorating mental state. “My grandfather ran a small grocery shop called kirana ki dukaan in our village in Punjab. He was deeply worried about my dad, who had proclaimed his intent to die after a night of drinking with friends,” Vicky explained.
Back in 1978, despite holding a Master’s Degree in English Literature, Sham Kaushal found himself jobless in Mumbai, a city teeming with opportunities and yet somehow impenetrable for many newcomers. The elder Kaushal’s predicament was one of stark desperation. Vicky explained, “We had no land in Punjab, and my dad had no job prospects. His future seemed bleak.”
The elder Kaushal’s resolve to persevere led him to take on any available work, even if it meant undertaking a menial job, far below his qualifications. “In Mumbai, my dad was willing to work as a sweeper because he knew no one from our village would find out,” Vicky mentioned. This candid admission underlines the breadth of Sham Kaushal’s struggles and determination to survive in a new, unfamiliar environment.
Vicky further elaborated on the uncertainty accompanying his father’s early career in the cinematic world. “There’s no job security in this field. While you’re working on one project, you’re always anxious about finding the next one,” Vicky remarked, shedding light on the risky and unpredictable nature of the film industry.
Throughout the interview, Vicky also shed light on his own journey into acting, diverging from his family’s wishes.
. He spoke about the initial aspirations his parents had for him to pursue a conventional nine-to-five job. “After completing my engineering degree, my family was very relieved because they believed I would finally have a stable income and job security,” Vicky recounted.
However, despite having an offer letter and commendable grades, Vicky felt an intrinsic pull towards the performing arts, an unconventional career choice that stood in stark contrast to the stability his family envisaged for him. “My parents, having seen my father’s struggles, hoped for a secure future for me. They were thrilled about the prospect of a regular job, but I knew I’d become depressed if I followed that path,” he explained.
Vicky’s sentiments resonate with many who wrestle with choosing between a stable career and following their passion. For Sham Kaushal, the leap of faith eventually paid off. Sham worked tirelessly as a stuntman for years before his big break came as an independent action director in 1990. His determination and persistence slowly but surely paved the way for success within the film industry.
Meanwhile, Vicky himself started his cinematic journey with the film ‘Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana’ in 2012. His own struggle to find footing in an unpredictable industry reflects his father’s journey, albeit with the advantages of a new generation. As Vicky gears up for the release of ‘Bad Newz’, which also stars Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk, he carries forward a legacy of resilience and passion.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Vicky emphasizes the broader lesson of perseverance in the face of adversity. It’s not just a story of struggles and success but also one that underscores the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, no matter how unconventional or risky they might appear. Sham Kaushal’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which people go to change their destinies, often facing insurmountable odds, but fueled by an unyielding spirit.
As Vicky opens up about his family’s history, it’s clear that the Kaushal legacy is built on determination and the courage to carve out new paths, inspiring many to follow their passions while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.
