Actor-writer Shreedhar Dubey reflects on Homebound’s journey to the Oscars

Actor-Writer Shreedhar Dubey on Homebound: A Story of Universal Truths in India’s Oscar Entry.

Actor and writer Shreedhar Dubey says Homebound’s authenticity and universal themes make it the “right choice” for India’s Oscar submission. The film, starring Ishaan Khattar, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, explores life in the lowest strata of society while reflecting emotions that resonate globally.

Dubey, who co-wrote the dialogues, coached actors in the Awadhi dialect, and acted in the film, explains: “It’s about people unaware of the bigger picture, living in a shell; by the time they realise it, it’s too late. The subject is very global, and that’s what makes the film special.”

This marks Dubey’s second collaboration with director Neeraj Ghaywan, after working on Masaan (2015). “I trained actors for the Awadhi parts and helped write the dialogues with Neeraj and Varun Grover. Being from Lucknow, my command of the local lingo came in handy,” he adds.

Homebound recently won second-runner up in the popular category at TIFF, a recognition Dubey credits to Ghaywan’s vision and research. “This is just the start. I hope it climbs the ladder and brings India an Academy Award,” he says.

Reflecting on his roles, Dubey notes a personal connection to Ghaywan’s storytelling: “In Masaan, I played a college-passout part of Neeraj, and in Homebound, I enact what goes on in his mind. There is always a character in his films that reflects him, and both times he chose me for that.”

Dubey, also known for his roles in Haddi, OMG 2 (2023), and the OTT series Physics Wallah (2022), continues to explore roles that combine authenticity with socially relevant narratives.