Vicky Kaushal on childhood, stardom, and being a full-blown green flag

It’s not every day that you stroll onto a beach at 9 am and find Vicky Kaushal casually posing for the camera. But Bazaar India and Juhu Beach share quite a special relationship. And Kaushal makes room within that dynamic with ease. He is a breath of fresh air, Bollywood’s raging green flag if one were to go by the opinions of the internet and the industry. Kaushal is soft-spoken, well-mannered, and just a well-rounded gentleman in the bad boys club. The brief of this shoot is simple: We want to know what a day in the life of Kaushal is like. Through a 12-hour shoot with the heartthrob, I realise that Kaushal is a much bigger star in real life than on the silver screen.

Days later, I catch up with Kaushal over the phone. His warm voice immediately sets a welcoming tone for the conversation. I began with a classic question: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? “Oh god…basic, tall, and hungry,” he laughs. Tall, and hungry, sure, but Kaushal is anything but basic. After a decade in films, I can only imagine the work it takes for him to stay rooted in his craft. Humility, however, comes naturally to him. Even after a barrage of fans and fan accounts that can’t get enough of him, a star is not what he considers himself to be. “To me, a star is someone whose films I would watch regardless of the story or trailers. It's always a compliment to be called one, but I’m not sure if I’ve earned that title yet,” he says.

Kaushal's body of work speaks for itself. He has certainly achieved stardom, there is no doubt about it. Kaushal has come far from his modest childhood—growing up in a one-bedroom apartment in Ambol, in Mumbai’s Andheri West. “It was there that my family first saw me dance on stage during a Republic Day celebration. I also took part in sports and developed a love for cricket,” Kaushal tells me. Those early years might have been simple, tucked away from the blinding lights of fame, but they were filled with exploration and creativity. And a close-knit community that always had Kaushal’s back. “Everyone knew each other. We were one big family, running freely from house to house. It was a vibrant, cosmopolitan environment that shaped my early experiences.” Later, Kaushal's family moved to a more affluent neighbourhood, always trying to provide the best they could for him. “I completed my schooling and eventually took up science in junior college. Afterwards, I decided to pursue engineering—my father had always envisioned a stable career for me.”

Kaushal’s path was never meant to be straightforward, or “stable” in the traditional sense of the word. “In college, I thought I’d follow the conventional route, maybe settle abroad after my postgraduate degree. But everything changed during an industrial visit to a multinational company. The moment I stepped into that office, I knew it wasn’t for me. I couldn’t see myself stuck in a cubicle; I would be so unhappy.” That experience prompted deep introspection and gave birth to a different dream. “I realised I needed to confront what I truly wanted. I’d always enjoyed being on stage, and participating in dances and skits, but I never considered acting as a career. I was shy and uncomfortable with the idea of being in the limelight.” Performing felt liberating to Kaushal. “If I could channel that joy into a career, I wouldn’t experience the dreaded ‘Monday blues’. It took time for me to accept that acting could be my path. I had to convince myself, and later, my family, that this was what truly made me happy.”

Apart from his effortless suave, one quality stands out in Kaushal—this innate ability to make people feel comfortable. During my recent conversation with Kareena Kapoor Khan, we marvelled at how few celebrities possess that gift. Kaushal walks into a room with immense charm, yet people don’t feel intimidated. “I think it comes from a genuine place,” he muses. “I’m a firm believer in karma and destiny. At the end of the day, I want to feel that I’ve made someone smile. If I can go to bed knowing I’ve been good to others, that means more to me than anything else.” I recall watching Kaushal at designer Kunal Rawal’s show in Delhi. After he finished his backstage interviews, he took the time to find a girl who had been waiting for a picture with the star. Kaushal returned 40 minutes later to fulfil that promise, and I was in awe. “When you’re struggling and knocking on doors for auditions, those moments are what you dream about. When the universe gives that to you, you can’t just brush it aside. I’ve worked hard to be here, and I cherish those exchanges of love.”

Kaushal has worked hard indeed. He has picked such interesting roles throughout his career, and never confined himself to commercial cinema despite great box-office numbers. From Masaan (2015) to Sam Bahadur (2023) and even Sardar Udham (2021), Kaushal’s versatility is remarkable. I ask him what drives him to take those risks. The answer comes instantly: “I think it’s a combination of circumstances and my background. When I started, I didn’t have the luxury of choice. I auditioned for roles, and the films chose me rather than the other way around. I never had a line-up of scripts to pick from; it was more about seizing opportunities that came my way.” Kaushal’s experience as an assistant director serves as constant inspiration too. “Watching incredible actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Pankaj Tripathi transform into different characters left me in awe while working on the sets of Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). I have always wanted to challenge myself to do the same, to be someone different with each role.”

Vicky’s passion for his craft is palpable. He is someone who is drawn to characters that challenge him, and pushes him to explore beyond his comfort zone. “It’s not just about playing it safe; it’s about pushing the envelope and growing as an actor. I believe that every role is a chance to expand my horizons.” Even though Kaushal loves the build-up to preparing for a character, it’s when he settles into his newfound skin that he feels the real thrill. He says, “There’s a phase while you’re shooting a film where you know you’re trying to find that character, committing to your preparation. But then there comes a point where it just goes on autopilot. The character becomes second nature; your instincts take over. I really enjoy that phase, where everything just happens naturally.”

Over the years, and more so recently, Kaushal has become somewhat of a fashion icon. He assures me, it’s all a part of the magic, that he is yet to discover his personal style. “I wish you could see my face right now,” Kaushal chuckles. “I’m so clueless about fashion! But over time, I’ve become more confident in just being myself.” For now, he just slips into what feels the best. “I love to wear what I’m genuinely comfortable in. When I feel good in my clothes, my walk changes; I’m more confident, and that affects everything else.” I am quick to remind him how he was celebrated for his walk at Fashion Week this year. “I just hope I don’t trip next time,” is all he replies with, accompanied by a delightful chuckle.

Behind his million-dollar smile, Kaushal has never shied away from having conversations about his personal challenges. He has openly discussed his anxiety and insecurities. I ask him for his advice to younger creatives struggling with the same things. “The best thing to do for anxiety is to acknowledge it. The enemy is indulging in it. A senior actor once told me to make anxiety your friend. It’s always going to be there; you just need to master it. Acknowledging it is a great first step.” Through the hard days, he feels his best when he keeps himself creatively challenged, rather than mentally fatigued with what could be. Currently, Kaushal is curious to explore film direction. “It’s fascinating to see different approaches in filmmaking. I’m not sure if I’d take that step myself just yet, but I’m definitely intrigued.” The Indian film industry has evolved and blossomed, he agrees. “We’re in an exciting phase. New voices are gaining power, and authenticity resonates with audiences. People are becoming more open to diverse narratives, which is thrilling to witness.”

Films might be Kaushal’s forte, but Vicky’s role in popularising Punjabi music is not something one can gloss over. Especially since his admiration for the genre is not new. “Punjabi music has always been on the cusp of going global. It’s exciting to see it finally happening. I’ve loved Punjabi songs since I was a kid. Sharing that love for music, especially independent artists, is something I truly enjoy.” Kaushal’s influence has encouraged many to embrace their roots, and feel confident and cool while doing so. “If I have the opportunity, I’d love to promote upcoming artists. We need to grow together as artists in this digital age,” says Kaushal.

By the time the Raazi star has jumped in and out of swimming pools and bedrooms to give us some of the most striking shots for our November digital cover story, I have somewhat grown to love the off-screen Kaushal with all my heart. Even though I have formed my own opinion, I ask him who Vicky Kaushal is off-screen. He replies warmly, “Vicky Kaushal off-screen is just like you—someone who is navigating life, full of hopes and dreams.”

Editor and Interview: Rasna Bhasin (@rasnabhasin)
Digital Editor: Sonal Ved (@sonalved)
Creative Director & Stylist: Anaita Shroff Adajania (@anaitashroffadajania)
Photographer: Tarun Vishwa (@tarunvishwaofficial)
Cover Design: Mandeep Khokhar (@mandy_khokhar19)
Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (shalinikanojia)
Hair Artist: Shuaib Salmani (@hair_shuaib)
Make-up Artist: Anil Sable (@an_il584)
Styling Assistants: Neona Bahri (@neonasanjaybahri), Aditi Jaiswal (@jaiswal.aditi__), Santya Ahuja (@santyaahuja)
Line Producer: Salim Memon (@lineproducer)
Artist PR Agency: Think Talkies (@think_talkies)
Location Courtesy: Soho House, Mumbai (@sohohouse)

Vicky is wearing Michael Kors sunglasses for men (@michaelkors); long parka in peat gum canvas jacket, Hermès (@hermes); shirt, NM Design Studio (@nm_design_studio); neck chains, medor XO necklace, Hermès (@hermes) and Project Shades (@project.shades); bracelets, Gucci interlocking bracelet, (@gucci) and Viange (@viangevintage).