Television actor Vishal Malhotra candidly talked about being mobbed by fans following the release of the 2003 film Ishq Vishk.

In a recent chat, the 45-year-old actor recalled how he and co-actor Shahid Kapoor were physically scratched and swarmed by netizens outside a Mumbai theatre.

During an exclusive interview with the host Harshvardhan Pathak on Pinkvilla’s podcast Hindi Rush, the actor revealed that he, along with Shahid and filmmaker Ken Ghosh, went to watch the movie at the Gaiety Galaxy theatre in Bandra on the first day of it.

He stated, “At that time, it was a single screen in Bandra, Mumbai. But when we came out after watching the film… oh my god!”

“If someone asks me if I’ve ever been physically assaulted, it was that day. It wasn’t out of anger, but because the audience wanted to touch you,” he continued.

Furthermore, the Vicky & Vetaal actor confessed that the fans ' overwhelming response was unforgettable for him, as he mentioned, saying, “I still have a scar. It’s not a bad thing. They wanted you, a part of you. I still feel goosebumps and gratitude that I experienced that, that God allowed me to feel it.” 

Notably, the box-office hit movie earned over 4.42 crore in its first week.

 The romantic comedy starred Amrita Rao, Shenaz Treasurywala, Satish Shah, Neelima Azeem, Upasana Singh and Yash Tonk. 

Interestingly, the film’s success became a turning point for Vishal’s career.

 After gaining widespread recognition from the movie, he appeared in many films such as Kaal, Salaam-E-Ishq, Kismat Konnection, and Anjaana Anjaani.

Meanwhile, his television career is also remarkable, with memorable roles in dramas Shararat,  Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, and Chandragupta Maurya.