# Vicky Kaushal’s Rise to Stardom: From Jail to Bollywood’s Top League
Vicky Kaushal has been steadily rising in Bollywood, delivering powerful performances over the years. However, 2025 turned out to be the year that redefined his stardom with the release of *Chhava*. This film, where Vicky portrayed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, shattered expectations and earned massive box office success, surpassing ₹500 crore globally.
With *Chhava*, the industry and audiences alike began seeing Vicky in a new light. But his journey to this pinnacle wasn’t easy. From facing jail time, quitting an engineering career, living in chawls, and making bold career moves, his story is nothing short of inspiring.
## From Engineering to Acting
Vicky Kaushal pursued an engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from Mumbai’s Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology. During his college days, he actively participated in drama and cultural festivals. However, engineering never truly excited him as much as acting did.
After completing his studies, instead of taking up a stable job, Vicky chose to pursue acting. His Bollywood journey officially began with the critically acclaimed movie *Masaan* in 2015. However, before his acting debut, he had already been working behind the scenes, assisting Anurag Kashyap during the making of *Gangs of Wasseypur*.
## Time in Jail While Filming Gangs of Wasseypur
Anurag Kashyap once shared an interesting anecdote about Vicky’s involvement in *Gangs of Wasseypur*. The team included real, unauthorized footage of illegal sand mining, which landed Vicky and director Shlok Sharma in jail. They unknowingly walked into restricted areas with their cameras, leading to their brief arrest. Despite this early setback, Vicky remained determined to carve his place in the industry.
## Living in a Chawl for Film Preparation
Vicky Kaushal has always been known for his dedication to roles. For a particular film, he took the extreme step of living in a chawl to understand the lifestyle and struggles of middle-class individuals. His method acting approach has contributed immensely to the authenticity of his performances.
## Turning Down *Singham Again* for *Chhava*
As part of his journey, Vicky also had to make some difficult decisions. He was initially offered the role played by Tiger Shroff in Rohit Shetty’s *Singham Again*. He was excited about the project, but scheduling conflicts with *Chhava* forced him to step away. Reports suggest that despite multiple efforts to make both films work, it was impossible.
Choosing *Chhava* proved to be a masterstroke, as the film cemented his status among Bollywood’s elite. His rigorous preparation included intense horseback riding, battle training, and significant physical transformation.
From working as an assistant director to landing in jail, living in chawls, and making tough career choices, Vicky’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His rise to Bollywood’s top league is a testament to his dedication and talent.
As he continues to make his mark, audiences eagerly await his next move in Bollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.
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