GREAT EXPECTATIONS

AFTER MARDAANI 2, VISHAL JETHWA HAS IMPRESSED THE AUDIENCE ONCE AGAIN IN SALAAM VENKY. SUMAN SHARMA INTERVIEWS THE TALENTED ACTOR

- SUMAN SHARMA

Vishal Jethwa was such a terror in Mardaani 2 (2019) that you shivered every time he came on the screen. He was the very face of a pathological killer in the thriller. Cut to three years later to Salaam Venky (2022), where his performance has completely obliterated that opinion. He plays a young man who has only a limited time to live and requests for euthanasia, so that he can donate his organs. The film is based on real-life happenings. Vishal and Kajol, who plays his mother, bring the events to life in a poignant manner. Excerpts from an engaging interview with the young actor, who has shone bright in the films he’s done so far.

In Mardaani 2, we saw you playing a crazed killer and rapist, and in Salaam Venky, we see you playing a role that is full of life. How difficult was it to play such a heroic role after playing such a blatantly evil character?

We should no longer typecast actors. This unnecessarily limits an actor’s capabilities. Actor ko ek test de do, phir aap judge karo to theek hai (Give the actors a chance first before judging them). Revathy ma’am noticed that I was a performer. After seeing my performance in Mardaani 2, she offered me a role in Salaam Venky, which was a huge accomplishment for me. Venky’s role was difficult for me because I had to leave the memories of my role in Mardaani 2 and start afresh.

Despite your negative role in Mardaani 2, you received a lot of praise for it.