CREDITS-
Photographer: Vaishnav Praveen of The House of Pixels
Stylist: Mohit Rai
Location Courtesy: City Palace, Jaipur
Make-up: Vivek Singh
Hair: Alistan Fernandes
Model: Chhavi Dhiman (Anima)
Jewellery: Karma Fine Jewelry, The Gem Palace, Tallin Jewels & Raniwala 1881
Shoes: Pellé Santino
Styling Assistant: Ruchi Krishna
Artist Reputation Management: Communiquè Films PR
Wardrobe: Falguni Shane Peacock
BOLLYWOOD’S YOUNGEST HEARTTHROB – VEDANG RAINA
Vedang Raina is a rare find—a young actor who pairs raw talent with unrelenting dedication to his craft. As you dive into his candid conversation with The Peacock Magazine, prepare to be in awe by the same earnestness and curiosity that make him a rising star to watch.
I had only recently watched Jigra when I learned that Vedang Raina would grace the anniversary cover as one of its stars. The first thought that crossed my mind was simply ‘Now this will be interesting’. At just 24, Vedang has carved out a space for himself with remarkable finesse. To make a striking debut in an ensemble cast and then follow it up with another stellar performance in his second film is no small feat. Vedang Raina is *that* actor—the one who commands attention with every role and leaves you convinced that Bollywood has found its next bankable star.
But Vedang’s journey with the spotlight began long before his cinematic debut. Known first as a singer, he swooned audiences with his covers of Bollywood classics, infusing them with a soulful authenticity that felt like they were his own. The limelight, it seems, was always destined to follow him. Now, as he navigates the world of films, he does so with a conviction and sincerity that makes his characters unforgettable.
Take, for instance, his seamless portrayal of Reggie Mantle in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies—a cheeky, charming character—and the quiet transformation he brings to Ankur Anand in Jigra, a young man with big dreams, tragically sentenced to a short life. While both roles may not be the central protagonists, Vedang’s nuanced performances ensure you’re rooting for them, longing for a climax or resolution that feels right. He brings such depth and sincerity to his characters that they linger with you long after the credits roll. It’s this ability to embody his roles so earnestly that cements Vedang as one of the most promising actors of his generation.
An anecdote from our cover shoot perfectly sums up the kind of artist Vedang is. While shooting at the magnificent Sabha Niwas in City Palace, Vedang posed around a Sitar for one of the shots. As the team prepared to move on, he lingered, staring thoughtfully at the instrument. Moments later, he pulled out his phone and quietly watched a YouTube tutorial on how to sit like a traditional Sitar player. Then, he requested to redo the shot, this time positioning himself with the elegance and authenticity of a prince immersed in the learning of the craft. The result? A frame so perfect, that it looked as though he had spent years mastering the musical instrument!
Q) What kind of movies did you grow up watching?
Vedang Raina (VR): My first experience of watching a movie in a theatre was Bunty aur Babli. Later, I grew fond of Hrithik Roshan. He is one of my favourite actors. I couldn’t have missed out on his film Krrish. It was one of my most favourite films as a child. I would watch all of his movies in theatres. Since childhood, I have been one of his biggest fans. I just can’t put it into words! When I was 10, my father introduced me to Bruce Lee movies and eventually, I developed a diverse taste in cinema.
Q) What is your favourite genre of movies as an audience?
VR: I do like to enjoy a wide range of movies, so I don’t have a particular genre. While thrillers excite me, I often see myself gravitating towards slice-of-life films, alongside sports drama.
Q) Any particular film that is close to your heart? Why?
VR: There are many such films. But the one that is particularly the closest is 3 Idiots because I feel it influenced me a lot as a child.
Q) When did you first realise that you wanted to become an actor?
VR: To be honest, it was never my childhood dream to become an actor. I always wanted to do something in music and my marks in college were quite good so my backup was to do MBA (Master’s in Business Administration). So, I started performing while I was in school and then in college. Although I really enjoyed it, I realised I couldn’t make a living out of it. So, I signed up with a talent management agency that insisted I go for acting auditions while I recorded my music. I even used to make covers for music and post them on my YouTube page and during the lockdown, I used to record my auditions and post them as an unlisted link. I found the whole process a fascinating process–it helped me a lot.
Q) How did you get your debut film?
VR: I was auditioning for a lot of projects during the lockdown and one day I got a call for the auditions of The Archies. When the call first came, I did not believe it but I slowly started believing in it when I made it to the final round of auditions and knew that it was finally happening. I was grateful to get the part of Reggie in The Archies–it changed my life 180 degrees.
Q) Was The Archies just the movie you had always thought you’d make your debut with? How was your experience working with Zoya Akhtar and your co-stars?
VR: The Archies was a launch that I hadn’t dreamt of, but I’m quite grateful for everything that happened. While working with director Zoya Akhtar, I understood the value of a good mentor. She took care of us like we were her kids. Besides, working alongside my co-actors was really fun, and I would never ever forget the fun we had on the sets. It’s a memory that I will cherish forever.
Q) Would you say that you have a different approach to acting today than before?
VR: Yes, I do think that my approach has changed. The Archies was more of a lighthearted film, whereas Jigra was more on the emotional side. Before I start filming for a scene, I like to put myself in the headspace (of my character) for 2-3 hours and be mentally prepared for it. There can be many more ways to do justice to a character, but this is how I have been approaching my characters, and so far, it’s working out really well.
Q) Would you say you have more creative energy these days?
VR: I’d say that I don’t restrict myself to exploring creative spaces. I have been passionate about singing for a long time, and I am quite grateful to have had the opportunity to explore acting and singing in Jigra. It was a dream come true for me. Acting and singing are my strongest creative spaces, and I’m beyond glad to have highlighted them in my film.
Q) How do you decide when to say ‘yes’ to a film project?
VR: I feel it completely depends on the script and the challenges that come with it. I love challenging myself as an actor and post Jigra, I’m looking forward to more scripts that completely blow me away and push the envelope for me as an actor.
Q) Any particular film that helped you discover the actor in-depth in you?
VR: I would say Boyhood–watching that film was a lesson in acting itself.
Q) After working in two critically acclaimed films, how confident have you grown as an actor?
VR: I believe that I’ve found my potential as an actor, but there’s still a long way to go. I would like to explore more genres, grow as an actor even more and explore my mettle as a performer. I truly believe that my craft is getting better every day and I want to push it more.
Q) Did you enter the Hindi film industry with the aim of becoming any particular kind of hero? What’s your plan?
VR: I entered the industry without a concrete plan or the specific ambition of becoming a hero. For me, it has always been about the craft and the journey of growing as an artiste. My goal is to be remembered as an actor who gives his heart and soul to every role, someone who is committed to delivering his best and consistently contributing to meaningful and impactful storytelling.
Q) As an actor who has received rave reviews for both your performances, how much does commercial and critical success mean to you?
VR: I don’t think about this much; like I said earlier I always want to be remembered as an actor who always does his best in everything and I want to keep surprising my fans with my work–their love means everything to me. Somewhere deep down, I do want a 100-crore film in my kitty, so fingers crossed! (laughs)
Q) Who has been the biggest influence/mentor in your career?
VR: I would say Zoya (Akhtar) and Vasan (Bala) sir as my biggest mentors in the industry. I have learned so many things from both of them.
Q) Did you have a career-defining moment in your acting journey up to this point?
VR: The biggest career-defining moment in my acting journey was winning the prestigious Filmfare Award for ‘Best Debut’ for The Archies. It felt like a full-circle moment for me, as I grew up watching the Filmfare Awards on television and dreaming about being a part of Bollywood one day. To actually hold that trophy last year was surreal and truly one of the most significant milestones of my career so far.
Q) You have been in the limelight right from your modelling days to now with your brand endorsements, magazine features and more. Do you think an actor today can be relevant and trending with this kind of fame or is it only the number of films and its box office earnings that speak for him or her?
VR: In today’s time, being an all-rounder is more important than ever. Whether it’s honing your craft, exploring new opportunities or staying adaptable–versatility is key to staying relevant and making an impact. However, while it’s important to embrace different facets of growth, I firmly believe that at the core, it’s your work that should always speak for you. Authenticity and dedication to your craft will always leave a lasting impression.
Q) You’re an actor of the Internet generation. How do you deal with your vulnerabilities? Do you often put up a strong front?
VR: It’s very different to be an actor in the Internet generation because your every move is being watched by all. I always end up putting a strong face in most of the situations because I believe that as an artiste, I can’t get affected by everything.
Q) We can’t close the interview without talking about your love for music and singing. How did you get into it? Do you plan to continue singing for most of your projects henceforth?
VR: If I get the opportunity, I definitely wouldn’t say no to it. I had started singing during my childhood days, but I soon realised that I could not make a living out of it. So, I solely focused on acting thereafter. But, in Jigra, I had the opportunity to do both and if the opportunity knocks on my door again, I’m not saying no to it!
Q) What projects are you working on next?
VR: I’m working on something very interesting. I’m not allowed to talk about it at the moment but I’ll be announcing it very soon.
Q) Tell us about your style.
VR: After being in the industry, I’ve become more aware of fashion now and even more conscious of my style. My fashion choices include a lot of baggy clothes and oversized shirts. I feel that the evolving fashion trends also change your take on fashion choices, and baggy outfits have proven to be a game changer for me.
Q) Fashion to you is…
VR: An expression and an extension of your personality. I believe that one’s fashion choices speak their mind and give an idea about the kind of person somebody is–whether extrovert, introvert, open, talkative, reserved, and so on.
Q) Minimalist or Maximalist?
VR: Minimalist. Anytime, minimalist! I like to keep my fashion choices low-key but bold at the same time. I look at experimenting with colours, patterns and fabrics, but not to the extent that it becomes the only thing one notices. So, I like to blend my outfits with minimalist aspects but make a statement at the same time.
Q) Your go-to style is: suave and dapper or cool and casual?
VR: I’d like to blend suave with a bit of casual and hints of dapper. While mostly I like to keep it comfortable with baggy, oversized clothes, I also like to experiment with traditional clothes and give them a contemporary twist.
Q) A particular fashion moment when you felt you’ve arrived?
VR: None really. It feels more like a gradual process, nothing distinctly pivotal.
Q) A current fashion trend you’re obsessing about?
VR: I’ve developed a bit of an obsession with baggy jeans, oversized shirts and jackets. I find comfort in wearing them–it’s almost like going into your own bubble. So, the baggy trend is something that I’m growing immensely fond of.
Q) A fashion trend you’d dare not be seen in?
VR: I would absolutely not dare to get into the trend of skinny jeans. I think baggy outfits are the blooming trend that’s spreading out like wildfire. The fashion dynamics have shifted drastically, and honestly, I find comfort in baggy clothes. It feels like you’re never out of style.
Q) Favourite perfume?
VR: Tom Ford.
Q) Favourite shoes?
VR: Chelsea Boots.
Q) Do you wear your favourite piece till its death?
VR: Yes, I still have a jacket my uncle gave me that I’ve been wearing for a long time and will in the future too.
Q) Your number one fashion inspiration?
VR: Timothee Chalamet.
Q) A celebrity whose wardrobe you would like to raid.
VR: Austin Butler.
Q) What are you most likely to wear on your dates?
VR: Currently, dating is not on my checklist. But if that ever happens, I’d like to opt for something comfortable, but stylish at the same time and something that dishes out lighthearted vibes. You know what they say, the first impression is the last! For that, I’d like to put on a plain black T-shirt and denim, pair it with a jacket and throw on some light accessories.
Q) A colour that dominates your wardrobe?
VR: Currently, blacks and whites are dominating my wardrobe big time. It’s the go-to colour that anyone can have at any time, and ace it. Not only does it make you look fine and classy, but it opens up doors to experimenting with fashion. Blacks and whites can be paired with pastels, bold colours, patterns and everything in between. And I strongly feel that one can make the most out of it!