Vicky Kaushal was born on May 16, 1988, in Mumbai, to Sham Kaushal, a well-known stunt director. Coming from a Punjabi family originally from Hoshiarpur, Vicky grew up surrounded by the world of cinema, but his path wasn't set in stone. He studied engineering at Mumbai's Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology and even had a job offer in hand. But his heart belonged elsewhere, in front of the camera. Before acting, he worked as an assistant director on Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) and appeared in small roles. His breakout moment came in Masaan (2015), which changed everything. From there, Vicky has built a career marked by variety, each role different in tone, texture, and energy. Let's look at eight films that prove why Vicky Kaushal is one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema today. Masaan (2015) Vicky's debut as a lead actor was in Masaan, a quiet yet powerful story set along the ghats of Varanasi. He plays Deepak, a young man from the Dom community, whose family cremates bodies but who dreams of a better life. His romance with Shalu (played by Shweta Tripathi) is tender and innocent yet destined for heartbreak. What stands out here is how real Vicky feels, his body language, the small-town accent, and the shy smiles. He doesn't perform the character; he lives him. When tragedy strikes, his grief isn't loud, but it breaks you. Masaan introduced Vicky as someone who could express deep emotion without saying much, the hallmark of a true actor. Zubaan (2016) In Zubaan, Vicky plays Dilsher, a young man from Punjab who stutters and struggles to find his own voice, literally and emotionally. The film follows his journey from a small town to the glitzy music world of Delhi. It's a story about ambition, fear, and self-discovery. Vicky captures Dilsher's transformation beautifully, from a nervous boy trying to fit in, to a man who learns to embrace his flaws. The role demanded emotional vulnerability, and Vicky's performance made you root for him every step of the way. It's one of his lesser-seen films, but it shows his willingness to take risks early in his career. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) In Anurag Kashyap's dark psychological thriller, Vicky flips the script completely. He plays ACP Raghavan, a morally broken police officer addicted to drugs and self-destruction. Opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui's serial killer, Vicky's character is not much different, he's chaotic, angry, and hollow inside. This was the first time audiences saw Vicky in a dark, disturbing role. His performance is raw and unpredictable. The intensity in his eyes, the restlessness in his movements, it's both uncomfortable and mesmerizing to watch. It proved that he wasn't afraid to explore the ugly side of human nature. Raazi (2018) In Meghna Gulzar's Raazi, Vicky takes a quieter yet emotionally layered turn as Iqbal Syed, a Pakistani Army officer who marries Sehmat (Alia Bhatt), unaware that she's an Indian spy. Vicky's Iqbal is dignified, kind, and sincere, never once portrayed as a villain. Through subtle glances and controlled emotions, he gives the film a heartbeat of empathy. His chemistry with Alia Bhatt adds depth to an already tense story. What's striking is how naturally he brings humanity to a role that could have easily been reduced to a stereotype. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) This was the film that turned Vicky Kaushal into a national hero. Playing Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, a para-commando leading a retaliatory mission after the Uri attack, Vicky underwent intense physical and mental preparation. "How's the josh?" became a national catchphrase, but beyond the slogan, there's a deeply emotional story. Vicky portrays not just a soldier, but a son, a brother, and a man dealing with loss and duty. His dedication and intensity shine through every scene, especially in the action sequences, where he feels both commanding and human. Uri cemented his place as a leading man who could carry an entire film on his shoulders. Sardar Udham (2021) Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Sardar Udham is one of Vicky's most acclaimed performances. He plays Udham Singh, the revolutionary who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O'Dwyer in London. The film unfolds patiently, and Vicky delivers one of his most controlled and heartbreaking performances. His portrayal of trauma, especially in the scenes showing the massacre, is haunting. There is quiet rage and dignity in how he carries the weight of history. It's not a loud film; it's reflective, emotional, and deeply human. Many critics called it his career-best work, and it's easy to see why. Bad Newz (2024) After a series of serious roles, Bad Newz gave Vicky a chance to showcase his comic timing and charm. The film revolves around an unusual pregnancy twist, inspired by a real scientific phenomenon, and Vicky plays one of the two potential fathers. His character is goofy, confident, and endearing. The humour comes naturally, but he never overacts or turns it into