Vedang Raina Is Here to Chart His Own Diamond Path
With his inimitable cinematic charm, the actor indulges us in a quick chat wearing the coolest natural diamonds.
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The perfect blend of charm and charisma and a refreshing sense of relatability, Vedang Raina has a certain inherent ease about him. This sense of comfort is alarmingly disarming for those just getting to know one of the brightest stars on the block today. With his breakout role in Netflix’s The Archies (2023) as Reggie Mantle, Raina is irrefutably a diamond in the making.
As we run through the day’s schedule and the array of natural diamond jewellery for the shoot, one cannot help but notice his almost childlike interest in the process. Sporting a classic denim-on-denim look paired with diamond-encrusted Bvlgari jewels , Raina exclaimed, “I never imagined being decked in diamonds, but here we are, and I cannot wait to do this!”
Moving from Delhi to Mumbai in his early childhood, Raina found great solace and inspiration in the creative energy of Mumbai as a city. Tapping into his love for music, he performed at college shows, which further piqued his interest in the performing arts and initiated the first steps towards his skyrocketing career as an actor today. While his suave looks and heartthrob-like charm are pleasing to the eye, his acting prowess is an equal match and a defining part of who he is and how he aims to navigate the industry landscape. Read on as we chat with the rising star about singing, acting, indulgences, and his connection with natural diamonds.
Rumour has it that you are quite a music fanatic.
Did your morning start on a musical note?
I am! This morning, it was Get You by Daniel Caesar—a bit of smooth R&B and a lot of soul.
And we also hear you have great vocals. Is singing a casual hobby or a deep passion?
Honestly, it started as a hobby, but it turned into a passion over time. And it remains a strong passion of mine. I used to perform at my college and had a brief tryst with classical Indian music lessons. It gave me the confidence to perform, and today, it is a way for me to flow through my day.
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What are your first memories of acting, and how have they shaped your perspective and creative process?
When I was in college and started auditioning, these auditions were my lessons in acting. I learned a lot through that process itself.
Let’s say you had a chance to dine with an actor. Who would it be? And why?
Mr. Bachchan and Shah Rukh Sir, without a doubt. And both—I cannot choose one. They both have revolutionised Bollywood as we know it and opened doors for many actors to follow their lead. But I am not sure if one dinner would be enough.
What is that one movie you would have loved to be a part of?
Rockstar (2011) by Imtiaz Ali. Not only am I in awe of Ranbir’s acting in the movie, but I also resonate with the musician’s role he portrayed. Ever since I saw the movie, playing a musician on the silver screen has been part of my bucket list.
And if it wasn’t for acting, what would you be doing today?
Has to be something to do with music.
You have such a refreshing sense of style. Do you have a style icon?
I don’t really have one specific style icon, and my style reference changes with time; I guess right now, I really resonate with Austin Butler’s sense of style.
Three words to describe your personal style
Simple, chic, and edgy.
And your go-to fashion staples?
I usually wear sweatpants and a T-shirt on a daily basis. If I am going out, a leather jacket and boots are my go-to pieces. I’m, in fact, really into high-waisted pants lately.
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What does luxury mean to you? And a luxury piece you own and or is on your wishlist?
It means comfort and indulgence, so let’s call it an equal mix of both. I am really into watches lately and have been collecting pieces while travelling. I’m just starting to learn their names, specifications and am truly intrigued by the level of detail and craftsmanship that goes into making each timepiece.
Speaking of indulgence, what are your top three indulgences?
The first has to be movies, followed by a day well spent at home and good food.
Now, let’s talk about diamonds.
Let’s.
A diamond watch or a pendant?
Watch.
A diamond cuff or a tennis bracelet?
Cuff.
What is your diamond jewellery vibe?
Minimalist all the way, with a one-off diamond drip here and there.
If you were to inherit one piece of natural diamond jewellery from your mother, what would it be?
I would make a solitaire diamond ing that is part of our family inheritance into a necklace. That’s trendy, right? Honestly, I love the fact that it holds sentimental value.
More men are embracing diamond jewellery as part of their wardrobe staples. What kind of jewellery do you envision becoming a must-have in men’s fashion?
Diamond watches and necklaces. We have gone beyond the traditional ring to cooler pieces like this brooch I am wearing. It’s so refreshing to explore this whole new side of men’s styling.
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What quality of a natural diamond do you think Vedang Raina has?
Unbreakable.
On that note, what’s next for Vedang Raina?
There is Jigra with Alia Bhatt, who is beyond talented. If my role in The Archies was day, then my character in Jigra is night. The two movies are polar opposites. I have definitely discovered a lot about myself as an artist through this role. I want to make my audience proud.
