In the world of fashion, it is routine for the life cycle of trends to repeat or metamorphose into newer, cooler forms. However, in the world of cinema, it is routine to wait for the arrival of a ‘superstar in the making’ every time a new crew of actors makes their debut, although it is almost impossible to determine who will shine the brightest. Ultimately, the way the audience responds to the ‘object of their affection’ serves as the litmus test that finally seals the fate of an actor. FACTS: the 23-year-old Vedang Raina must be aware of…or so I would like to believe before my interview with the young actor, who by virtue of his disarming screen presence managed to create a perma place in everyone’s heart, in his portrayal of Reggie Mantle in the Netflix film (2023). When we finally first meet at our shoot and then later ease into our chat over call, it is clear as crystal that Vedang’s effortless charm onscreen comes from a place of quiet self-confidence that is refreshingly rooted in set post a seven-hour flight delay the night before from Delhi to Mumbai, and a string of back-toback media rounds, but he shows no sign of fatigue, staying ‘present’ through and through, making it easy for everyone to work with him without the ‘I’ve made it, especially post my soon-to-be-released film opposite Alia Bhatt’ hangover. Befitting of his recent onboarding as brand ambassador for Crocs, driving home the whole #ComeAsYouAre vibe quite naturally.
