Vedang Calls ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ Toughest Role; Sharvari Praises Imtiaz Ali

The upcoming film ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romantic dramas of the year, with actors Vedang Raina and Sharvari Wagh opening up about the intense preparation, emotional depth and creative experience of working under filmmaker Imtiaz Ali.

Speaking to ANI, Vedang Raina said the role has been the most challenging of his career so far, as he portrays a Sikh character from the 1940s for the first time, which required extensive research.

“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.

“This is the first time I have played such a character, a Sikh character, a Punjabi character and a character from the 1940s. It took a lot of hard work, a lot of research, a lot of readings with Imtiaz sir,” he said.

“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 Imtiaz 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.”

According to Vedang, Imtiaz Ali would often spend several minutes speaking to him before a shot to help him emotionally connect with the scene.

“He used to talk to me for 5-10 minutes before each shot. That’s what things are going on in your mind. In which phase of your life are you now. What things are you seeing around you,” he said.

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 with nervousness.

“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.”

The actor recalled visiting Naseeruddin Shah with a notebook and pen, approaching the meeting as a student eager to learn from a master performer.

“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.

Vedang also spoke warmly about his co-star Sharvari Wagh, comparing her real-life personality to her on-screen character Jia.

“There is a special similarity between the two,” he said, adding, “Sharvari is also very bubbly. Like Jia in real life.”