BOY MEETS WORLD

VEDANG RAINA IS THE HOT YOUNG SENSATION IN TOWN. HE SPILLS THE TEA ON HIS SHOWBIZ ADVENTURES TO JITESH PILLAAI

- JITESH PILLAAI

Vedang Raina made his presence felt playing Reggie in Zoya Akhtar’s adaptation of The Archies. Lately, one also saw him as Alia Bhatt’s younger brother in Vasan Bala’s Jigra. In just a short spell at showbiz, he’s making a mark for himself as a dependable actor. Tell him he reminds you of Ranveer Singh and his smile broadens. He says he wouldn’t mind having the senior actor’s popularity and talent. He’s hugely popular himself, especially among girls. He grins and says he doesn’t mind the attention and hasn’t let it go to his head. He’s also a budding singer and musician and perhaps would make a parallel career as a performer in future. The goodlooking actor comes clean on everything from his dream debut, his struggles, singleton status to love sutras in an exclusive chat. Excerpts:

Reggie Mantle or Archie Andrews?

Reggie. It’s closer to my heart. But I have a soft spot for Archie as well. The reason I have a soft spot for him is that I thought he’s this musician who’s aspiring to make it through his music. I was kind of in that same headspace at that time, because I also sing and play the guitar.

Do you have a mean streak like Reggie?

I don’t think so. Though I think other people would know better.

How different are Suhana and Khushi from each other?

Very different. Also their characters were so different. Khushi is a bit more introverted like me, a bit more shy. Suhana is a bit opposite to her. She’s a lot more confident in herself.

You come from a non-film background, so getting a break wouldn’t have been easy.

I was in business school and I was auditioning on the side. I thought if it works out, then great. But I had a backup with my degree. The Archie’s just happened. That was one of those lucky things that just clicked.

What set the ball rolling?