Imtiaz Ali on casting Sharvari for Main Vaapas Aaunga: 'Wanted a look inspired by 1940s cinema'

While talking about it on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra, Season 3, produced by Gautam Thakker Films, Imtiaz Ali shares, "I spoke to Naseer because it is a finely calibrated role, a 95-year-sikh going through the most intense experience of his life. That role led to Naseeruddin Shah, who I don’t remember ever playing a turbaned Sikh gentleman. I wanted it to feel fresh and charming, and thankfully, he didn’t say no. For the younger parts, Vedang had the face and charm to grow up to be Naseer at 95, and I was looking for someone who could play his character 78 years ago.” 

He goes on to reveal how the rest of the cast came together: “For Sharvari, I wanted a look inspired by 1940s cinema, westernised, pristine, yet slightly foreign, and she fit the bill completely. Also, I had this itch of an idea while working with Diljit on Chamkila. I was thinking about this story, but I had not approached him or discussed it in detail. Only much later, as the story took shape, I realised it was increasingly reflecting who Diljit is.”

Imtiaz Ali’s careful casting ensures that every character in Main Vaapas Aaunga feels authentic and impactful. From Diljit Dosanjh with his signature charm to emerging talent Vedang Raina, every actor brings a distinct energy to the story. The film promises to be a memorable cinematic experience. 

About Main Vaapas Aaunga

The teaser shows that the story unfolds across two timelines and hints at a love story set during the Partition of India. Diljit appears to serve as the narrator who bridges the past and the present. Meanwhile, Naseeruddin Shah is seen lying on a hospital bed, dealing with an age-related illness, reminiscing about his old girlfriend whom he lost. The teaser suggests that Vedang may be portraying the younger version of Naseeruddin's character. 

The film is jointly produced by Applause Entertainment, Window Seat Films and Mohit Choudhary, and also brings back the celebrated creative trio of Imtiaz Ali, A.R. Rahman and Irshad Kamil.