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Vicky Kaushal shares advice on dealing with anxiety, his versatile career and his hopes of directing one day.
Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal with his actress-wife Katrina Kaif.
Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal has often been candid about his struggles with anxiety and how he manages it. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, he offered insight into his personal approach. “The best thing to do for anxiety is to acknowledge it,” he shared. He recounted valuable advice he received from a senior actor, saying, “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.”
Kaushal spoke about the importance of staying creatively engaged. Through challenging times, he said he thrives by focusing on creative pursuits rather than getting bogged down by anxiety. Currently, he finds himself drawn to the world of direction. “I’m fascinated by the different approaches in filmmaking. I’m not sure if I’d step into directing yet, but I’m definitely intrigued,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Bollywood’s evolution, Kaushal expressed excitement about the industry’s recent shift. “We’re in an exciting phase. New voices are gaining power, and authenticity resonates with audiences. People are becoming more open to diverse narratives,” he observed.
Kaushal’s career is marked by versatility and commitment to unique roles, from Masaan (2015) to Sam Bahadur (2023) and Sardar Udham (2021). He explained that his choices are often shaped by circumstance. “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,” he said. Early in his career, he often seized roles that came his way, using each as a stepping stone to reach where he is today.
Working as an assistant director on Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) profoundly influenced him, especially watching actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Pankaj Tripathi transform into complex characters. “I have always wanted to challenge myself to do the same, to be someone different with each role,” he said.
