Vedang Raina, the 24-year-old heartthrob known for his striking looks and undeniable charm, stars in the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Jitesh Pillai, Filmfare, this engaging talk show offers fans an exclusive glimpse into the lives and careers of some of the most sought-after talents in the film and OTT industries, all set against the backdrop of a live audience that heightens the immersive experience.

In this captivating conversation, Vedang reflects on his debut role in The Archies and shares details about his upcoming project with Alia Bhatt in Jigra. He talks about his experiences working with acclaimed directors Zoya Akhtar and Vasan Bala, highlighting their distinct filmmaking styles. Vedang also opens up about his personal struggles with anxiety and offers insights into the key “don’ts” in relationships. He also touches on his journey from business school to acting, revealing how this transition has shaped both his career as an actor and as an individual.

Sharing his journey to venturing into acting, Vedang reveals, “I wasn’t sure about acting at first. I was in business school; I was auditioning on the side but didn’t think this was my – ‘be all and end all.’ It all started with music. Then, acting just clicked, I thought if I can sing, I can act too. Music has always been my passion; I even used to impress girls with my guitar (laughs). I’ve been listening to Rafi Saab and Kishore Kumar for as long as I can remember.”

Reflecting on the evolving nature of the industry, he adds, “A casting director once asked me how many followers I had, and I thought, ‘What does that have to do with my acting skills?’ But I’m glad things have changed now. Today, casting teams focus more on talent than follower count.”

Comparing directors Zoya Akhtar and Vasan Bala, he notes, “Vasan is more of a ‘go with the flow’ type of person, he’s spontaneous and likes to create in the moment. Zoya, on the other hand, is incredibly precise. She knows exactly what she wants. Both are brilliant in their own ways.”

Recalling his early audition experiences, Vedang shares, “One of my first auditions was for a shampoo commercial, where I had to play a guy with dandruff. It was horrible, but somehow, I got hooked on the process.”

Speaking about his family’s influence, he says, “My family keeps me grounded. When I scored 97% in my board exams, their reaction was just ‘okay, move on.’ But I know they’re always proud of me, even if they don’t show it, they like to keep me humble.”

On the challenges of being an actor, Vedang highlights, “You have to be the best version of yourself and give 100 percent in every scene. There’s no room for compromise, you have to distance yourself from emotions and focus solely on the role. Auditions are definitely the hardest part; it’s a constant grind.”

When it comes to female attention, Vedang blushes, “Luckily, I’ve never had to turn anyone down. I’ve made the first move a couple of times, but I’m not really that daring. Though, I’ve definitely noticed some eyes on me!”

On his dream character to date, he confesses, “I’d love to date someone like Medha from 12th Fail. That’s the kind of character I’d be drawn to.”

Sharing his thoughts on red flags in relationships, Vedang is clear, “Don’t check your partner’s phone, and being unkind to people around you, that’s a huge no for me.”