When the world is full of those star kids who always find ways of sticking their nose in other people’s businesses, there is Vicky Kaushal that acts as a reality check reminding people that talent, hard work, humility, and no other thing can make a superstar. From his raw and gut-wrenching performance in Masaan to masterminding box office monsters like Uri and Sam Bahadur, Vicky has staked his claim amongst Bollywood’s best.
As the country celebrates another year of his life and expanding legacy, we take a look at his inspiring journey – his debut to stardom, his gorgeous marriage to Katrina Kaif, and what his fans can expect next.
Vicky Kaushal | The Beginning of a Bright Path – Masaan (2015)
Vicky Kaushal did not start his acting career with a glittery launching pad but a subdued, critically-successful film – Masaan. The film was directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and was about love and loss in the holy city of Varanasi. Vicky’s role as Deepak, a lower-caste boy suffering from a personal tragedy won hearts and got rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival.
Although the movie was not a box office behemoth, it did establish one thing, one thing only: a serious actor had arrived.
🎥 Versatile Roles, Unforgettable Performances
It took no time for Vicky to gain fame for taking on difficult roles. If it was romance, love of country or compex characters, he eased into them with great facility.
Raazi (2018) – As Iqbal, a Pakistani army officer who winds up marrying an Indian spy unknowingly, Vicky gave a subdued performance that added in emotional heft to the movie.
Sanju (2018) – Sanju movie: Vicky Kaushal as Sanjay Dutt’s loyal friend, Kamlesh, was a scene stealer. His humour, feelings, and sincerity carried along immeasurable love.
Manmarziyaan (2018) – Vicky in a totally new mould, became DJ Sandz – imperfect, intensely passionate and unforgettable. His on-screen energy was magnetic.
Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) – This movie made Vicky become a sensation at a national level. As Major Vihaan Shergill, he gave a powerful physically demanding role. “How’s the josh?” stuck as a cultural catchphrase and Vicky won the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Sardar Udham (2021) – This was his take on freedom fighter Udham Singh, mature, layered and highly powerful. The movie received critical praise and proved that Vicky was capable of leading man in biographical pursuit movies.
Vicky + Katrina: Bollywood’s Favourite Couple
After years of speculation, on 9 th of December 2021, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif were married in a fairytale ceremony. Their Rajasthan wedding was classy, cosy, and it instantly went viral. The announcement was a pleasant surprise for the admirers, as the couple had been able to conceal their relationship from the public.
What makes their coupling so special is this combination of the star power, and down to earth love. Although Katrina is a global icon, Vicky is well known as being a humble and warm person. They are both the epitome of stardom and simplicity in a perfect duet.
Blockbuster Success: Sam Bahadur (2023)
One of Vicky’s most difficult roles in 2023 was that of the field marshal, Sam Manekshaw, in Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur. Vicky’s performance was realistic and compelling; from polishing Manekshaw’s speech to bringing out his leadership spirit.
The film wasn’t only praised by the critics but also was a box office success that confirmed Vicky’s star power. Here, he established once again that he could direct content films as well as commercial ventures with the same ease.
What’s Next for Vicky Kaushal?
With such a bursting slate of films, Vicky is not slowing down; she is on the fast track.
Chhava, – A historical drama, in which he is acting as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Shivaji. This is expected to be a grand and an intense period film that will see Vicky in a royal action dominant role.
Love & War – A Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie where Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are the co-stars, it is one of the most awaited releases of 2025. The love triangle in a wartime period has already created massive fanfare.
Untitled Laxman Utekar Film – After the success of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Vicky is again working with the director in a beautiful social comedy.
Why Vicky Kaushal is Loved by all
The greatest strength of Vicky lies in his ability to relate to the people. He is not the hero who has a larger than life image. Rather, he adds real feelings, realism, and mild charm to his portrayals.
Self-made actor, without any family support in films.
Flexible actor, who can cope with drama, comedy, romance and action.
Grounded star, whose humbleness off screen makes him even better.
He does make an impression either as a soldier, a freedom fighter or as someone who has a quirky personality.
How’s the Josh? The JOSH is Always High
The journey of Vicky Kaushal has been from a low-budget first movie to becoming a national icon and inspirational at its best. He’s not only a star but also an actor’s actor, who wins the respect of peers, critics, and fans alike.
Handed a golden heart and a sharp mind, along with no fear on the path of storytelling, Vicky is destined to reign on the silver screen for years to come. As fans, we get to be witnesses to the journey – one amazing performance at a time.
Happy birthday, Vicky Kaushal – maintain the josh.