Vicky Kaushal: From Witnessing Smuggling to Bollywood Stardom

Vicky Kaushal, a rising star in Bollywood, has carved a unique path for himself. Despite his initial association with Anurag Kashyap’s gritty, independent cinema, Kaushal has successfully transitioned into the mainstream, balancing commercial ventures with content-driven films. His versatility allows him to excel in intense dramas like “Sardar Udham” and lighthearted comedies like “Bad Newz.”

Kaushal’s recent promotional appearances shed light on a fascinating experience during his early days in the industry. Working as an assistant director on Anurag Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur,” he found himself unexpectedly close to the real-life underworld. In an interview with Tanmay Bhatt, Kaushal revealed a harrowing encounter during the filming of coal smuggling scenes.

“The coal smuggling that was shown in the film was real. We shot it,” Kaushal explained. He recounted a specific incident while capturing visuals of illegal sand mining. “We were shooting them secretly,” he said, “and some people came. There were 500 people surrounding us.” The sheer scale of the operation caught them off guard, highlighting the brazenness of the activity.

The situation escalated, placing Kaushal and the cameraman in immediate danger. Confused by the cameraman’s phone call, claiming equipment issues, one of the individuals involved slapped him, confiscated the camera, and threatened to destroy it. Facing physical assault, they managed to escape the situation unharmed.

Kaushal’s journey to stardom is well-documented. He rose to prominence with films like “Masaan,” “Raman Raghav 2.0,” and “Raazi,” showcasing his acting prowess. After establishing himself, he took on roles in commercially successful films like “URI: The Surgical Strike” and “Sam Bahadur.” Additionally, he delivered notable performances in supporting roles for “Sanju” and “Dunki.” His marriage to actress Katrina Kaif further cemented his position as a major Bollywood figure.

This anecdote underscores Kaushal’s dedication to his craft, even through unexpected challenges. His diverse filmography and adaptability suggest a long and successful career ahead.