Imtiaz Ali Says Vedang Raina Reminded Him Of Alia Bhatt In Highway: 'Some Newcomers...'

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has gained a reputation for extracting emotionally layered performances from his performers. And with his upcoming film, Main Vaapas Aaunga, the director has walked the same path with Vedang Raina. The filmmaker believes that acting is less about experience and more about emotional authenticity. As Main Vaapas Aaunga inches closer to its release date, Ali drew an interesting comparison between Vedang Raina and Alia Bhatt from her Highway days.

Imtiaz Ali opened up about the emotional depth and maturity he spots in certain younger actors. He said, “You know, Alia Bhatt in Highway or Vedang Raina in this film (Main Vaapas Aaunga) have portrayed certain depth of emotion. Some newcomers unexpectedly do that. There is a certain maturity that these

people possess.”

Reflecting on his approach towards casting, he shared, “I have an individualistic take on actors.” For him, what matters the most is emotional intellect. “So, I feel that actors are very individualistic. They never become veterans. They always remain the same.”

During the recently held trailer launch event, Vedang Raina reacted to being called the youngest hero in Imtiaz Ali’s world and described it as the “most amazing thing” to happen to him.

“It makes me feel young and also very, very honoured. I mean, to be part of an Imtiaz Ali film, even at the age of whatever, would have been a privilege. This is a really interesting title, to be the youngest. But, you know, I keep saying it. It’s the most amazing thing that could have happened to me, especially this early in my career. And I’d just like to thank you again,” he says.

The filmmaker is gearing up for the ambitious release of Main Vaapas Aaunga, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari and Vedang Raina in leading roles. Set against the backdrop of partition, Main Vaapas Aaunga is a story of love and longing, and it hits theatres on June 12.

Main Vaapas Aaunga is set in Imtiaz Ali’s evocative world of love and longing, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh and Vedang Raina in pivotal roles. Produced by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal of Applause Entertainment and Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, the film releases in cinemas on 12th June 2026.