Imtiaz Ali’s highly anticipated romantic drama “Main Vaapas Aaunga” is already generating massive buzz with lead actor Vedang Raina sharing insights into the intense emotional depth, rigorous preparation, and creative fulfilment of working with legendary filmmaker Ali.
The trailer of “Main Vaapas Aaunga” was unveiled on May 19. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari Wagh.
For Raina, the film marks a major career milestone. Stepping into the shoes of a Sikh character for the first time, the actor revealed that the role demanded extensive historical research and is the most challenging performance of his career so far.
"This is my first time playing a Sikh character who belongs to the 1940s. It took a lot of effort, research and reading with Imtiaz sir," Vedang said, adding, "I hope that people like the movie and the character."
The actor further elaborated on the scale of preparation involved in playing Keenu, calling it his "most difficult role" in terms of effort and time invested. "And I think preparation-wise, this will be the most difficult role for me in terms of how much time it took, how much hard work it took."
Vedang also revealed that the film marks the first time he has portrayed a lover on screen, adding another layer of unfamiliarity to the role. "This is my first film in which I have played the role of a lover. So that was also a different thing for me," he said.
The actor spoke extensively about Ali's directing process, praising the filmmaker for focusing on emotional truth rather than external performance cues. "He has a very unique way of directing," Vedang shared, adding, "He doesn't play on expression. He plays on emotions."
Also read: Diljit Dosanjh to star in Imtiaz Ali's ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
He said Imtiaz spent several minutes speaking to him before a shot to help him emotionally connect with the scene. Calling the experience deeply rewarding, Vedang added, "I say I am spoiled. Because an actor can't ask for more than this."
A key aspect of the film is Vedang's connection with veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, as he portrays the younger version of a character later played by Shah. He further revealed that portraying the younger version of a character brought immense pressure.
Describing his first meeting with the veteran actor, Vedang said he was overwhelmed. "It was not about pride. It was just nervousness," he admitted, adding, "I remember when I met Naseer sir for the first time. My hands were shaking."
"For me, he is a legend. But for me, he is also a teacher," Vedang said, adding that he had watched several of Shah's acting masterclasses during his audition years.
Interestingly, Vedang said the conversations between the two actors became a collaborative exchange about the same character across different timelines.
"He wanted to know how I am watching this character. So that 78 years later, he also has those things in his mind," he shared.
The film reunites composer AR Rahman, lyricist Irshad Kamil, and Imtiaz Ali, a creative collaboration known for delivering several acclaimed film soundtracks over the years. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 12.
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