08 September,2026 03:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kunal Kemmu and Sharmila Tagore. Pic via Instagram
Kunal Kemmu is returning to the director's chair with VIBE, but his latest outing came with an added challenge, directing veteran actor Sharmila Tagore. The film, which releases on September 18, sees Kemmu double up as its writer, co-producer and actor. Tagore, who is also Kemmu's mother-in-law, makes a cameo in the film.
For Kemmu, the opportunity was both exciting and daunting. Tagore's illustrious career includes collaborations with filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, something that was not lost on the actor-turned-director. "I don't know if I can handle this pressure," he admitted while speaking to Variety India.
Interestingly, Kemmu did not have to do much convincing to get Tagore on board. After Madgaon Express, the veteran actor was aware that her son-in-law was working on another film. Kemmu recalled how Soha Ali Khan first told him that her mother wanted to make a cameo in his next project.
"I thought she was just saying that, so I went and asked her if she was serious," he said. Tagore, however, was ready to hear him out, asking, "âYes. What do you have in mind?'"
Kemmu told her about the cameo, only for Tagore to turn the conversation into a joke. "And then she jokingly said, âThat was a trick question. Of course, I'll do it,'" he recalled. VIBE also stars Preity Zinta in a pivotal role.
While having Tagore on his set was a special moment, Kemmu was conscious of not casting her simply because of their family connection. "I have to find a part worthy of her," he said, adding that if he had found a substantial role that suited her, he would have approached her for it.
"I wouldn't just cast her because she's my mother-in-law. She is first a legendary actress who I have been in awe of," Kemmu said. For him, the character in VIBE had to justify her presence. "The role is quirky and interesting and she justifies playing that part," he explained.
Looking back at the experience, Kemmu considers directing Tagore a milestone in his filmmaking journey. "It is a tick in the checklist. It is like a feather in my hat to have said that I got to direct the great Sharmila Tagore," he said, while expressing gratitude to the actor for making time for the shoot.
With VIBE set to hit theatres on September 18, Kemmu will now see how audiences respond to his latest directorial venture and to his memorable collaboration with one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated actors.
