Vicky Kaushal recounts dad Sham's struggling days; reveals, "he contemplated suicide due to joblessness"

As Vicky Kaushal gears up for the release of his upcoming film Bad Newz on July 19, he took a moment during a recent interview to reflect on the arduous journey of his father, Sham Kaushal. Speaking with Raj Shamani, Vicky recounted his father's challenges before becoming a celebrated action director in Bollywood.

Vicky shared heartfelt anecdotes about his father's early days in Punjab, where Sham Kaushal grappled with unemployment despite holding a master's degree in English literature. Vicky recalled that his grandfather ran a modest grocery store in their village, and the family-owned no land. The struggle was so intense that at one point, Sham contemplated suicide due to the lack of job opportunities. Concerned for his son's well-being, Vicky's grandfather sent Sham to Mumbai with a friend in hopes of finding a better future.

Arriving in Mumbai in 1978, Sham was prepared to take on any job to survive, even considering work as a sweeper. Vicky emphasized his father's relentless perseverance, stating, "My dad's youth was filled with struggles. There's no job security in this field. While you're working on one project, you're wondering if you'll find something else next."

Sham Kaushal's determination eventually paid off. After working as a stuntman for several years, he got his big break as an independent action director with the Malayalam film Indrajaalam in 1990. Over the next four decades, Sham made significant contributions to both Bollywood and Hollywood. Some of his notable works include Gangs of Wasseypur, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, PK, Padmaavat, Sanju, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Simmba.

Despite his family's initial hopes for him to have a stable 9-to-5 job, Vicky chose to follow his passion for acting. Reflecting on his career choice, he said, "I knew that I couldn't do a conventional 9-5 job. I had an offer letter and good grades, but I knew I'd become depressed if I went ahead with it." His decision, although challenging, was supported by his family's understanding and his father's eventual pride in Vicky's success.

As Bad Newz prepares to hit theaters, Vicky Kaushal's tribute to his father's resilience offers an inspiring glimpse into the personal struggles behind their family's rise in Bollywood.