Vicky Kaushal is one of the finest actors of contemporary Hindi cinema — a performer who quietly rose from supporting roles to leading-man status with a mix of discipline, craft and well-chosen projects.

Known for earthy, emotionally layered performances and a willingness to transform physically and mentally for roles, Kaushal has become a staple presence at award shows and top-grossing films.

This biography traces his early life, training, big breaks, major films, awards, and personal life to give you a complete picture of the man behind the screen.

Early life and family

Vicky Kaushal was born on 16 May 1988 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a Punjabi family with strong ties to the film world. His father, Sham (Shyam) Kaushal, is a well-known action director and stunt coordinator in Hindi cinema, and his mother, Veena Kaushal, has often been mentioned in interviews for her supportive role in the family. Vicky’s younger brother, Sunny Kaushal, is also an actor who has appeared in films and web projects. Growing up in Mumbai, Vicky balanced studies, cricket and films — the last of which eventually pulled him into acting.

Education and acting training

Although his family was connected to the film industry, Vicky initially pursued a more conventional path: he earned an engineering degree from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, graduating in 2009. While studying engineering he realised an office job wasn’t for him and gradually shifted toward acting. He trained at acting classes (notably at Kishore Namit Kapoor’s academy), took part in theatre groups such as Manav Kaul’s Aranya and Naseeruddin Shah’s Motley Productions, and worked behind the scenes to learn the craft.

Career beginnings: from assistant to actor

Vicky began his film career in the background — assisting acclaimed filmmakers and taking small roles. He worked as an assistant on projects such as Gangs of Wasseypur and gradually picked up small parts and voice-overs. His first major recognition came with the independent drama Masaan (2015), a critically acclaimed film in which Vicky played a lead role and won attention for his sensitive portrayal of a young man caught in grief and social pressures. That performance opened doors to more ambitious projects with notable directors.

Breakthrough and mainstream success

The real watershed moment for Vicky Kaushal came with the action-drama Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019). Playing an Indian Army officer, Kaushal put in a physically demanding performance (gaining muscle and undergoing training for the role) and delivered the kind of screen presence that turned him into a mainstream star. Uri became one of the highest-grossing films of his career and brought him widespread acclaim — including the National Film Award for Best Actor (shared that year).

Notable films and performances

• Masaan (2015) — breakthrough indie role.
• Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) — intense and dark role.
• Raazi (2018) — notable supporting work.
• Sanju (2018) — award-winning supporting turn.
• Sardar Udham (2021) — critically acclaimed lead performance.

Acting style and preparation

Vicky is known for immersive preparation: whether adopting military training and body transformation for Uri or tacking emotional subtlety for indie dramas, he approaches each role with research and discipline. His theatre background and early experience behind the camera contribute to a methodical, grounded approach to character work.

Personal life

Vicky keeps his personal life relatively private but has been in the public eye since his marriage to actress Katrina Kaif in December 2021, which was a much-covered, intimate ceremony in Rajasthan. The couple has been selective about public appearances and shares updates mainly through controlled social media posts and occasional interviews.

Awards and recognition

Vicky Kaushal has won major awards including the National Film Award (for Uri) and multiple Filmfare and IIFA awards. He has also been included in lists such as Forbes India Celebrity 100, reflecting both critical and commercial standing.

FAQs

When and where was Vicky Kaushal born?

He was born on 16 May 1988 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

What was Vicky Kaushal’s first major film?

His first major leading role that brought critical acclaim was Masaan (2015).

Has Vicky Kaushal won a National Film Award?

Yes — he won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Uri: The Surgical Strike.

Who are Vicky Kaushal’s parents?

His father is action director Sham (Shyam) Kaushal; his mother is Veena Kaushal.

Is Vicky Kaushal married?

Yes — he married actress Katrina Kaif in December 2021.

Conclusion

Vicky Kaushal’s journey — from an engineering student to a theatre-trained actor, to a mainstream film star — is marked by thoughtful role choices, rigorous preparation and steady growth.

With a range that spans indie dramas to large-scale blockbusters, he is an actor to watch as his career continues to evolve.

Vikrant Massey is one of modern Hindi cinema’s most respected performers — an actor who quietly built a career from television beginnings to becoming an award-winning lead in acclaimed films and streaming shows.

This biography covers his early life, rise through TV, cinematic breakthroughs, notable performances, awards, personal life, and frequently asked questions for fans and content creators.

Early life and background

Born on 3 April 1987 in Mumbai, Vikrant developed an interest in performance early. He attended St. Anthony’s High School and R. D. National College in Bandra and trained in dance and theatre before moving into television and film work.

The television years — learning the craft

Massey’s acting journey began on television in the mid-2000s. His early TV work gave him invaluable experience with character continuity, on-camera discipline, and audience connection, which later helped his transition to films.

Transition to film and breakout

After several supporting roles, Vikrant achieved critical notice with the independent drama A Death in the Gunj (2017). That film solidified his reputation as a sensitive, natural screen performer and opened doors to lead roles.

Web series & streaming success

With the rise of streaming platforms, Massey embraced digital storytelling — appearing in high-quality web shows and digital films that highlighted his versatility across genres and formats.

Notable films and roles

• Lootera — early supporting role
• Dil Dhadakne Do — ensemble feature
• A Death in the Gunj — breakthrough lead
• Chhapaak, Haseen Dillruba, Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi
• 12th Fail — career-defining biographical drama

Awards and recognition

Massey’s performances have earned nominations and awards from critics and industry bodies. His role in 12th Fail brought major award recognition, highlighting his growth into a leading actor capable of carrying emotionally complex, real-life stories.

Acting style

Vikrant is known for a naturalistic, internalized style — prioritizing emotional truth over showy gestures. Directors and co-actors often praise his quiet focus and willingness to collaborate for the story’s benefit.

Personal life

He married actress Sheetal Thakur in 2022. The couple announced the arrival of their son in early 2024 and keep much of their family life private, choosing to share selected moments with fans.

FAQs

When and where was Vikrant Massey born?

He was born on 3 April 1987 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

What was his breakout role?

A Death in the Gunj (2017) is widely considered his breakthrough film.

Has he won a National Film Award?

Yes — he was recognized for his performance in 12th Fail.

Is he married?

Yes — he married Sheetal Thakur in 2022 and they have one child.

Conclusion

Vikrant Massey’s journey from television to award-winning films exemplifies steady craft, thoughtful role choices, and an enduring commitment to truth on screen. For viewers and creators alike, his filmography offers a rewarding study in modern Indian acting.

Kalyani Priyadarshan is an Indian actress known for her work across Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam cinema.

Born in Chennai into a film family, she began behind the scenes as an assistant production designer before making a celebrated acting debut in the Telugu film Hello (2017).

Over a short span she’s become known for choosing varied roles across South Indian languages and earning awards for her debut and later performances.

Profile Data

• Full Name: Kalyani Priyadarshan
• Stage Name: Kalyani Priyadarshan
• Born: 5 April 1993
• Age: 32 years (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Height: 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
• Religion: Hinduism
• Parents: Priyadarshan (father), Lissy (mother)
• Siblings: Siddharth Priyadarshan (brother), Kalyani has another sibling (sister – name Unknown)
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Single / Not publicly disclosed
• Net Worth: Estimated $1 million – $5 million (approx.)

Early Life & Education

Kalyani Priyadarshan was born in Chennai on 5 April 1993 into a family with deep film connections — her father is the veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan and her mother is the former actress Lissy. Raised in a household steeped in cinema, she was exposed to filmmaking very early on. She pursued formal studies in design and attended Parsons School of Design, which influenced her early interest in the visual and production side of films.

From Behind the Scenes to Centre Stage

Before acting, Kalyani worked as an assistant production designer and art director. She assisted on major projects including work on Krrish 3 (2013) and on Tamil projects such as Iru Mugan (2016). That experience taught her the craft of cinema from a designer’s point of view and helped develop an eye for framing, costume and production detail.

Acting Debut and Breakthrough

Kalyani made her acting debut in the Telugu romantic drama Hello (2017), starring opposite Akhil Akkineni. The film introduced her to a mainstream South Indian audience and her performance earned industry recognition — she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South for Hello.

Expanding Across Languages: Telugu, Tamil & Malayalam

After Hello, Kalyani continued to build a pan-South-Indian profile. She appeared in Telugu films like Chitralahari (2019) and made her Tamil film entry with Hero (2019). In Malayalam cinema she gained a stronger footing with Varane Avashyamund (2020), and later received acclaim for roles in Hridayam (2022), Thallumaala (2022), and the family-comedy Bro Daddy (2022). These films showcased her range — from romantic lead to comic timing and emotional drama — and solidified her reputation as a versatile performer.

Notable Films & Roles (Selected)

• Hello (2017) — Telugu debut; widely recognized performance.
• Chitralahari (2019) — Telugu — a successful commercial outing.
• Hero (2019) — Tamil — expanded footprint in Kollywood.
• Varane Avashyamund (2020) — Malayalam — positive audience response.
• Hridayam (2022) — Malayalam — critically acclaimed.
• Thallumaala (2022) — Malayalam — part of a high-energy ensemble.
• Bro Daddy (2022) — Malayalam — popular comedy-drama.

Awards & Recognition

She won the Filmfare Award South for Best Female Debut – South for Hello and has received SIIMA awards and other nominations for performances in Malayalam films, including recognition for Varane Avashyamund and Bro Daddy. Her rapid rise and selection of commercially successful and critically praised films have made her one of the notable young actresses in South Indian cinema.

Brand Endorsements & Media Presence

Beyond films, Kalyani has appeared in ad campaigns and brand endorsements. She has been a cover face for magazines and selected among “Most Desirable” regional lists.

Her fashion and public appearances have contributed to a growing celebrity status, making her a sought-after face for endorsements and magazine features

Personal Style & On-screen Persona

Kalyani’s on-screen persona frequently balances youthful vulnerability with modern confidence. Off-screen, she is often praised for her fashion sense and approachable public demeanor.

Her background in design sometimes reflects in her choices — both in styling and in an evident comfort with film aesthetics.

Filmography Snapshot (Concise)

A short selection (not exhaustive): Hello (2017, Telugu), Chitralahari (2019, Telugu), Hero (2019, Tamil), Varane Avashyamund (2020, Malayalam), Hridayam (2022, Malayalam), Thallumaala (2022, Malayalam), Bro Daddy (2022, Malayalam). For a full filmography, check film databases and her official profiles.

FAQs

Who is Kalyani Priyadarshan?

— An Indian actress working mainly in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films

When was she born?

— 5 April 1993.

What was her debut film?

— Hello (2017).

Has she won awards?

— Yes, including the Filmfare Award South for Best Female Debut – South.

Which languages does she act in?

— Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam.

Conclusion

Kalyani Priyadarshan represents a modern film professional who combined formal design education and practical set experience to build a foothold as an actor.

In a short time she has moved from behind-the-scenes roles to award-winning screen performances across multiple South Indian film industries.

Her thoughtful role choices, evolving craft, and cross-industry presence make her one to watch as she continues to expand her filmography and public profile.