Key Highlights:

  • A sense of belonging in Srinagar: Vedang Raina described Kashmir as "home," reflecting on the familiarity he feels each time he visits.
  • Panel discussion at IFFJK: He shared these thoughts alongside director Imtiaz Ali and actress Sharvari at the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Only his second visit: Vedang recalled his first trip to Kashmir was with his family, and said every visit leaves him deeply happy.
  • Drawing parallels with 'Main Vaapas Aaunga': He connected the film's themes to his own feeling of "returning" to his ancestral home in Rainawari.
  • Kashmiri Pandit roots: Vedang's family hails from Rainawari, Srinagar, though he was born in New Delhi and raised in Mumbai.
  • Career milestones: He debuted in "The Archies" (2023), starred in "Jigra" alongside Alia Bhatt, and found his first box-office success with "Main Vaapas Aaunga."

Mumbai: Actor Vedang Raina opened up about his emotional connection with Kashmir and described Srinagar as his "home."

At the recently held International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir, "The Archies" actor joined director Imtiaz Ali and actress Sharvari for a panel discussion, where he opened up about his deep-rooted connection with Kashmir. Reflecting on his visits to the Valley, Vedang spoke about the sense of familiarity and belonging he feels whenever he returns to Srinagar.

"This Is Only My Second Visit To Kashmir"

Vedang said this was only his second visit to Kashmir and recalled that his previous trip was with his family. He shared that each visit leaves him with a strong sense of belonging. "This is only my second visit to Kashmir. But whenever I come here, last time I came with my family, I am very happy. It feels like this is my home. And like you were saying about Main Vaapas Aaunga - our generation has never seen a partition. Neither has my generation seen Kashmir as much as I wanted to see. So I am very happy every time I come here," he shared.

"Main Vaapas Aa Gaya Hu": Drawing A Personal Parallel

Drawing a comparison with "Main Vaapas Aaunga," he continued, "I am getting the same feeling as Main Vaapas Aaunga. It truly feels like Main Vaapas Aa Gaya Hu… And Kashmir will always be home. Srinagar will always be home. I am from Raina Wari. My family is from Raina Wari. And when I come to Srinagar, I am very happy. I can't express it in words."

About Vedang Raina's Roots And Career

Vedang Raina hails from a Kashmiri Pandit family with roots in Rainawari, Srinagar. He was born in New Delhi and raised in Mumbai, while his grandparents originally belonged to Rainawari in Srinagar.

He made his acting debut with Zoya Akhtar's musical teen film "The Archies" in 2023, where he played Reggie Mantle. He later featured alongside Alia Bhatt in the action thriller "Jigra."

Most recently, he starred in Imtiaz Ali's romantic drama "Main Vaapas Aaunga," which marked his first box-office success and held special significance for the actor given his family's roots in Kashmir.

(With inputs from IANS)