Shalini Vatsa on 'Homebound's' Oscar 2026 Shortlist: Hopes for Indian Cinema Appreciation

• Actress Shalini Vatsa discusses her film *Homebound*, India's official entry for the Oscars 2026 in the Best International Feature Film category.
• Vatsa, who plays Phool Kumari, expresses excitement over the film's international attention, drawing parallels to her previous success with *Peepli Live*.
• She views the Oscar consideration as a personal achievement and a celebration of Indian cinema's global storytelling.
• Vatsa believes *Homebound* connects with international audiences through its universal themes of friendship and empathy.
• Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, *Homebound* stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, and premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Why It Matters: Shalini Vatsa hopes *Homebound*'s Oscar shortlist brings global appreciation for Indian cinema and its universal themes.