In 2011, a young engineering graduate from Lucknow shocked his family by packing his bags for Mumbai — not for a corporate job, but to chase an acting dream that felt almost impossible.
Fourteen years later, that dreamer has two acclaimed films to his credit: Chitrakut, his debut as a lead, and Bayaan, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Busan Film Festival, earning global applause.
In this candid, no-holds-barred conversation, Vibhore opens up about sleeping under pressure, surviving Mumbai’s rejections, working odd jobs in dubbing studios and casting rooms, and how his grit finally paid off with international acclaim.
Q: Lucknow to Mumbai — was it fear or excitement?
A: When I left Lucknow for Mumbai in 2011, it wasn’t just excitement — it was a heavy sense of purpose. I was extremely happy because for me, going to Mumbai was as distant a dream as becoming an actor. The main thought was: I have to make this count. I had no backup plan, just the grit to make it work, fuelled by the money I saved during my engineering final year.
Q: First years in Mumbai — what was the toughest part?
A: The challenges were layered. I joined Whistling Woods International (2011-2013) to train, but the financial strain was always there. I realized my strong Hindi diction could be an asset, so I began dubbing to earn. I even worked as a casting assistant to survive and stay visible. Rejections were constant, but training and discipline kept me anchored.
Q: Did you ever think of quitting?
A: Never. I didn’t allow myself the luxury of thinking about giving up. My approach was always: What’s the immediate problem, and how do I solve it without abandoning the dream? That’s why I did dubbing, assisted casting directors, and even pursued a General Management program at IIM Bangalore after Chitrakut — to understand the business side of cinema.
Q: How did your family react when you chose acting over engineering?
A: My father, a government employee, was understandably worried. Acting felt like an unstable dream. But seeing me save money during engineering to fund my move gave them confidence that I was serious. They couldn’t support me financially but gave their emotional blessing.
Q: You were once a casting assistant — how did that change your career path?
A: I realized casting directors often forgot me after a few months. I decided to become their colleague instead. Assisting directors like Mayank Dixit made me visible in the circuit and built relationships that led to consistent auditions.
Q: Chitrakut — how did it finally happen?
A: It was persistence paying off. I didn’t even audition for Chitrakut. Malhar Goenka, the casting director, showed my five years’ worth of audition tapes to director Himanshu Malik to convince him I was right for the part. That film was my ultimate validation and my real schooling as a lead actor.
Q: Lessons from Chitrakut that prepared you for Bayaan?
A: Chitrakut taught me the value of intense preparation — internalizing emotions so I could access them instantly on set. That discipline was crucial for the far more layered role in Bayaan.
Q: Bayaan at TIFF and Busan — what went through your mind?
A: It’s surreal. When I moved to Mumbai, my goal was just to become an actor. Watching Bayaan travel to TIFF and Busan proved that performance-driven Indian stories can resonate globally. It’s a huge honor.
Q: Was Bayaan tougher to shoot than Chitrakut?
A: Absolutely. Bayaan was larger in scale and far more research-driven under director Bikas Ranjan Mishra. It demanded more controlled, layered emotions compared to the raw, organic reactions in Chitrakut. It was fulfilling but intense.
Q: Your acting process sounds intense — what’s your method?
A: I owe my craft to Rob Reece at Whistling Woods. I follow a blend of Stanislavski, Strasberg, and Uta Hagen’s techniques — but the goal is simple: deliver a truthful, lived experience so the audience sees a human being, not an actor performing.
Q: Who are your acting idols?
A: Internationally, Daniel Day-Lewis for his immersive dedication. In Indian cinema, Irrfan Khan for depth and Govinda for effortless comedy — I’m a big fan of his comic timing.
Q: What kind of scripts excite you now?
A: Stories that offer fresh points of view, resonate globally, and have engaging screenplays. I want to be part of a cinema that’s meaningful yet widely appealing.
Q: What’s your advice for newcomers heading to Mumbai with big dreams?
A: Be patient but not passive. Fund your dream before you arrive — be prepared, not dependent. Train well, find a side skill you can monetize like I did with dubbing, and don’t sit around waiting to be discovered. Solve problems creatively.
Q: And finally, what’s next after Bayaan?
A: I’m thrilled with the global response to Bayaan and exploring scripts that challenge me further. The mission remains the same: to be part of meaningful cinema that pushes the boundaries of performance.
From an engineering graduate in Lucknow to a red-carpet name at TIFF, Vibhor’s journey proves that passion, persistence, and a problem-solving attitude can turn even the most distant dream into a remarkable reality.
