Showing posts with label Rohit Saraf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rohit Saraf. Show all posts
Sajid Ali denies rumours of Rohit Saraf shooting for Heer Ranjha
9:35 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 2, 2026)
Filmmaker Sajid Ali’s next, Heer Ranjha has been the subject of casting speculation ever since it was announced on Valentine’s Day this year. While an earlier report claimed that Rohit Saraf had been locked to play Ranjha, rumours surfaced online suggesting that the actor had begun shooting for the film.
Speaking to us, however, Sajid dismisses both claims, maintaining that the casting process is still underway: “Nothing has been finalized till now... This old news (about Saraf’s casting) has resurfaced; I don’t know out of where.” He adds that the female lead, expected to be a newcomer, has not been locked yet.
Further, Sajid reveals that the film is yet to go on floors and will begin production only in mid-October. “There is nothing much to talk about yet, but we’re starting in mid-October. We will be shooting in Dehradun,” he concludes.
There will be a comparison to Laila Majnu, says Sajid Ali on Heer Ranjha
8:58 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 19, 2026)
Filmmaker Sajid Ali says the growing conversation around his next film, Heer Ranjha, a spiritual follow-up to Laila Majnu (2018), is reassuring for him as a storyteller.
“It warms my heart that people feel it is worth their time to talk about it,” Ali says about the buzz surrounding the project, as he is busy with the pre-production.
He adds, “It gives us a lot of confidence and also raises the bar so that we know that we can’t be underwhelming because there will be an obvious comparison to Laila Majnu.”
At the same time, he stresses that the film is still in a very early stage of development: “It’s a little too early because we’re still in the pre-production planning stage. We’re casting and looking at locations. Abhi, it’s quite kacha at the moment.”
There were reports recently that actors Sara Arjun and Rohit Saraf have been finalized as the leads in the film. However, Sajid denies these reports, saying, “I woke up to this rumour recently. People have been asking me, and I’m as clueless as anybody else.”
Reflecting on the journey of Laila Majnu, which was a flop initially but a superhit during its re-release in 2024, Ali says predicting audience behaviour is never easy. “When a film has been appreciated in terms of at least numbers, then you know that people have had their fun with it. They’ve gone out, and they’ve enjoyed it and probably seen it twice in the rerun.”
Rohit Saraf, Nitanshi Goel, Rasha Thadani to unite for an intense love story by Neerja makers
10:22 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 22, 2026)
If the mammoth success of Saiyaara (2025) has taught the Hindi film industry something, it’s that the audience wants to see young love on screen. Not surprisingly then, there’s another in the making. mid-day has exclusively learnt that producers Atul Kasbekar and Tanuj Garg of Neerja (2016) fame are in talks with actors Rohit Saraf, Nitanshi Goel, and Rasha Thadani for an intense love story.
An insider shares, “Rohit has a soft, romantic charm, far from the alpha heroes we see on screen today. His popularity has only increased with Mismatched. Nitanshi and Rasha caught the audience’s attention with their respective maiden Bollywood ventures, Laapataa Ladies [2024] and Azaad [2025]. The makers felt it would be interesting to bring the trio together in a space that they haven’t explored before.”
While discussions with the actors are said to be progressing swiftly, we’ve heard the makers have yet to zero in on a director.
Women don’t need saving; they want to be heard and loved-Rohit Saraf
9:37 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; December 7, 2025)
At 15, he packed his dreams and moved to Mumbai—no influential last name, no industry godfather, no Plan B. Over the years, audiences have embraced him as the charming, emotionally expressive boy-next-door who redefined what a modern leading man could look like. On the Philips LatteGo presents Bombay Times Lounge powered by instax FUJIFILM in association with Skechers & U.S. Polo Assn. that dropped this week, Rohit Saraf, the grounded and self-aware Mismatched star, talks about how heartbreaks shaped him, the people who keep him real and why the new-age hero doesn’t need a cape — just honesty, vulnerability, and a whole lot of heart. This is Rohit Saraf, unfiltered. Watch the full episode on the Bombay Times YouTube channel.
I believe it was your father’s dream that you become an actor, but deep down, did you also harbour that dream?
When you grow up hearing something so much, it kind of becomes a part of your being, it becomes a part of your reality. I didn’t think that there was another option. I’ve always heard my father say, ‘I want you to become an actor’, and it didn’t feel like he said it in passing. So, I didn’t have a Plan B. I never gave myself the opportunity to believe that Plan B existed. For me, Plan A (acting) had to happen.
You moved to Mumbai when you were 15 to chase your dreams. However, you missed out on the experience of going to college. Many actors say those wonder years shaped them personally and creatively. For you, did life on set become its own kind of classroom?
I don’t think it’s a place that teaches you things about life, I believe it’s the people and the experiences that teach you things. When my friends were going to college, I was going to set. When they were failing exams, I was failing auditions, and when they were celebrating their percentiles, I was celebrating a different kind of achievement in my career. It’s the people and it’s the experiences that have taught me a lot. Having said that, I think going to college would have been incredible, but I don’t regret the choice I made.
For decades, Bollywood has celebrated the larger-than-life, hype masculine hero—fearless, muscular, almost invincible. But now we’re seeing a rise in non-alpha leading men who are softer, emotionally expressive, funny, flawed, yet strong. How do you view this shift? The characters you’ve portrayed —whether in Mismatched or Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari—are emotionally available and sensitive. Do you feel audiences today are actively seeking out leading men with these qualities?
Of course, and I think the portrayal of the new-age hero is a reflection of our society. I don’t think it’s just something that can happen if our society doesn’t want it. The kind of heroes we saw earlier are still very celebrated and I, too, want to be one of those - 100%. However, I also think that women don’t need saving, they want to be heard, understood and loved. Women want somebody who can openly cry for them – and I think those are the kind of roles that are being written and I absolutely love them.
Growing up in a home with three sisters, did that shape the way you understand love and relationships? Do you feel it gave you a different perspective, a different lens when it comes to emotions?
The way I am is a lot to do with the kind of upbringing I’ve had. And it’s not just because of my sisters and my mom, I’ve had so many women around me all my life that I can’t ever imagine being any other way. I don’t think anything in my life would allow that, not the people, not my conscience. I do think that my upbringing and the kind of people I’ve had around me throughout my life, which have been a lot of women, have shaped me into what I am today.
You landed in the film industry when you were really young, without any influential backing. The industry isn’t an easy space to navigate. There must have been heartbreaks and rejections, how did you cope with that?
For me, my heartbreaks have been points of reflection in my life. When I came to Mumbai, I knew literally nobody. I didn’t have a single friend here. My family had a business in Delhi and some of our employees and their families lived here, and those are the people who I stayed with for the first four days in this city. I literally had no idea what I was doing. But starting from there to wherever I’ve reached today and the kind of love I enjoy, I don’t think it’s something that I would give up for anything.
How does your family react to all the love and adulation you enjoy? I believe your mom gets Insta DMs from girls who call her mummyji. Is that true?
She loves it. Believe me when I say this, every single thing about me on the internet, my mom has seen it and read it. There are so many times when, by chance, if I’ve behaved in a certain way that she doesn’t agree with, she will tell me that it’s wrong. She’s the one who’s also policing me every day. Somehow, I have managed to find people in my life who love giving me reality checks. From my mom, three sisters and brother, to my two best friends and my manager, who’s also a really close friend – they all give me reality checks. So, I have more than enough people to slap me down whenever they feel I’m not being right.
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Title sponsor: Philips LatteGo
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Contrary to many different opinions on the internet, I’m single-Rohit Saraf
9:57 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; November 28, 2025)
Whether he’s melting hearts as the nation’s favourite Mismatched crush or stepping into full-blown Bollywood-hero territory with Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Rohit Saraf still shows up with that easy, genuine warmth that his fans can’t help but adore. During the shoot of our episode of the Philips LatteGo presents Bombay Times Lounge powered by instax FUJIFILM in association with Skechers & U.S. Polo Assn., Rohit had the live audience completely smitten – especially when he posed for pictures with every eager fan present there. No rush, no airs, just peak Rohit Saraf behaviour.
The hype around the 26-year-old isn’t just real – it’s earned. With the promo of the episode dropping today, here’s a little starter pack of quotes and moments that capture the vibe. Think of this as your warm-up to a conversation that’s equal parts honest, fun, reflective and unmistakably Rohit Saraf. Watch out for the full episode with Rohit Saraf on the Bombay Times YouTube channel, dropping soon.
‘It is easy to get swayed by the love online, but meeting your fans is the real deal’
Reflecting on the immense popularity he enjoys, Rohit says, “It is so easy to be swayed by all the love that you get on Instagram, but the real deal is when you meet people in person, I absolutely love it. When people give you a hug, and you see a fan crying because you’ve given them a hug – those moments stay with you. Every single time that happens, it feels like a scene from a film.”
Looking back at his journey, he says, “When I came to Mumbai at 15, I literally knew no one and had no idea what I was doing. Starting from there to wherever I’ve reached today and the kind of love I enjoy, I don’t think it’s something that I would give up for anything.”
While he has shared screen space with many renowned actors, there's one leading lady he is crazy about. Rohit shares, “It’s a known fact, but whoever does not know this, I am completely obsessed with Vidya Balan ma’am. She’s incredible. I think she’s a beautiful human being and a phenomenal actor. I’m actively, every single day, manifesting a project that I get to work with her on.”
But behind the popularity is immense hard work, and it does get tough sometimes. The actor says, “There have been times when I felt, why am I putting myself through this when it’s just easier to not. But then I remind myself why I started out doing this, and I know this sounds like such an Instagram quote – ‘Remind yourself of why you started’, but honestly, that’s what’s helped me.”
‘I am fascinated by people who are ambitious’
Rohit made the term ‘future wife’ in Mismatched a viral trend. When asked what are the traits his future wife needs to have, he replied, “I think ambition is very, very important to me. Not just my future wife, but any person I meet and anyone I talk to – I am really fascinated by people who are ambitious. Also, she should be respectful, and if she has long hair, it’ll be a bonus.”
‘I’m single’
Ask him about his relationship status, and he says, “I would really like it if my fans stop thinking that I date every single actress I work with, or every girl I am seen with. It’s crazy! Contrary to many different opinions on the internet, I’m single.”
Rohit’s sweet newspaper nostalgia
Talking about being excited to himself in the newspapers, Rohit shared an anecdote from his school days.
He said, “When we were in school, we would see photos of toppers with their percentiles published in newspapers. For us, that was like the biggest thing ever... like you have arrived in life if your photograph is in the newspapers. The school would make cutouts of the articles and put them up on notice boards. And I would say to myself…one day I’ll be there. So now, every time I see myself on the pages of a newspaper, I secretly want to take a cutout and go back to school and pin it up on those notice boards.”
The promo for the episode with Rohit Saraf drops today. Look out for the conversation filled with spontaneous, charming and unforgettable moments that drops soon on the Bombay Times YouTube Channel.
Sponsors:
Title sponsor: Philips LatteGo
Powered by: instax FUJIFILM
In association with: Skechers & U.S. Polo Assn.
Akshay Oberoi on Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: "It’s a delightful change with a twist"
10:34 AM
As he wraps Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Akshay Oberoi on how the film broke the impression that he is a serious actor
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 27, 2025)
Known for his intense and unconventional performances last few years in projects such as Fighter, Illegal 3, Broken News 2, Ghuspaithiya, and Kisko Tha Pata, Akshay Oberoi now embraces a lighter, more family-friendly character in the much-anticipated film, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. Produced by Karan Johar and directed by Shashank Khaitan, the film sees Oberoi portray a realistic boy-next-door role, unlike his previous dark and gritty characters.
Reflecting on this transition, the actor says stepping into the Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf-starrer has been an incredibly refreshing experience for him.
“Over the last few years, I have explored intense, layered characters—roles that were dark, complex, and psychologically demanding. But this film allowed me to tap into a completely different energy. I play a warm, charming, and family-oriented character, which is a delightful change, but it also comes with a twist. I’m excited for audiences to see this side of me. This has been such a clutter breaker. The kind of roles that I am getting now are so different from the gritty ones before.”
Oberoi credits the cast for making his journey special. He shares, “The energy on set has been electric. Collaborating with Varun, Janhvi, Sanya, and Rohit has been an absolute joy. Of course, Karan and Shashank have ensured that the film is filled with heart, laughter, and entertainment.”
Akshay Oberoi on Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: "First time I’ll be seen grooving to 4 songs in a single film"
8:44 AM
Akshay Oberoi on stepping up his game to groove with Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’s cast as they shot four songs back-to-back
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 28, 2025)
Four weeks of dancing may sound like fun to some. But for others, it spells hard work. Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf and Akshay Oberoi are in the midst of shooting four songs back-to-back in the last schedule of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. With two dance numbers already shot at a set in Madh Island, Oberoi admits that matching steps with seasoned dancers like Dhawan, Kapoor and Malhotra has been challenging.
Actor Akshay Oberoi, who plays a pivotal role in the film, shared exclusive details about the intense shoot and his own challenges while matching steps with seasoned dancers like Varun, Janhvi, and Sanya.
"It’s been an incredible learning experience. I had to really step up my game because these three are natural dancers, and their energy is infectious. I went through rigorous dance training before the shoot to make sure I could keep up," he says.
The songs, choreographed by some of the best names in the industry including Ganesh Acharya, are all different high-energy dance numbers, including an elaborate wedding dance party. The shoot has been an exhilarating ride for the team, with each day bringing in a new set of challenges—from intricate footwork to maintaining stamina for long rehearsals and back-to-back takes. Two of the songs have already been shot at a set in Madh and the team is shooting for two more tracks over the next two weeks.
While Varun is known for his effortless moves and Janhvi has showcased her flair for dance in multiple projects, Sanya, too, brings her flair as a gracious dancer to the table. Akshay adds, "I’ve always enjoyed dancing, but this is the first time I’ll be seen grooving to 4 songs in a single film. Dancing with Hrithik Roshan in Sher Khul Gaye was an incredible experience, but that was just one song. We have Varun, Sanya and Janhvi. They all are great dancers and with Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, I get to truly explore this side of me, and it’s such an exhilarating feeling. The script demanded that there be that many peppy numbers. I have never had this opportunity to be part of a role that demanded to display so much dancing on the big screen. Until now. So excited to see how this shapes out. I for one have had a blast shooting for these numbers”.
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari team begin three-week schedule in Udaipur
8:34 AM
Varun, Janhvi, Sanya kick off Udaipur leg of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari; director to film all ensemble sequences in stint
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 10, 2024)
The joy of an ensemble film is that it feels less like work and more like fun. The cast of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari would agree. After kicking off Shashank Khaitan’s directorial venture in May in Mumbai, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor have now headed to Udaipur.
Akshay Oberoi, who is part of the romantic comedy that also features Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf, says the ongoing schedule has been delightful. “Anyone can imagine the scenario on the set—the laughter, the bonding, and all the fun behind the scenes. I’m enjoying every bit of it,” he shares.
We hear Khaitan has charted out a three-week schedule in Rajasthan during which most combination scenes will be canned. The unit will follow it up with another stint in Mumbai. Oberoi says being part of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has only reinforced his faith in ensemble films.
“I remember those ’80s films that had all the stars— from Vinod Khanna to Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor. The audiences used to love those movies because they would see so many different characters on screen. [Another advantage is] that the weight of the entire film does not rest on one person. Ensemble films bring your favourite heroes together on screen; we should be doing more of them.”
Meet chef Akshay Arora who has provides meals to Sidharth Malhotra, Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani
10:23 AM
Feeding a bevy of stars with his meal plans, chef Akshay discusses using his culinary skills to help them meet their fitness goals for films
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; August 28, 2024)
Having accompanied a friend who was serving as an assistant director on Student Of The Year 2 (2019) to the set, Akshay Arora recalls having witnessed the manner in which food was being served to the cast and crew. “I saw that it was not an enjoyable situation,” recalls the chef, who subsequently arrived at the idea of creating vanity kitchens for those on set.
“Having been an athlete, I had a sense of nutrition, so we thought [of serving healthy meals on set].”
While several meal subscription plans have made their way to the market, Arora says his company is distinguished in the fact that the quality of ingredients they serve is superior. “I knew that the food that I would provide would be of the same quality that I would use to put something into my system. We set a benchmark in that aspect, and also spent a lot of time, effort, and money into research and development so that we could create healthy food that was also tasty,” says the chef, who was admitted to an international university for a course on real estate development, but began to also accompany his friend to culinary classes during his time spent there.
“We use different culinary techniques to make food more appetizing, and our passion kept pushing us to do better.”
Being a celebrity chef
A bevy of stars, including Sidharth Malhotra, Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar, Kiara Advani, Rohit Saraf, Arjun Kapoor, Vaani Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala, Mahesh Babu, and Ram Charan, among others, have availed of his services. After having bagged his first client in Malhotra, he recalls having been approached by Kaushal’s team as the actor was “transforming [his physique] for several projects at the time”.
Arora often finds himself aboard such projects that require actors to undergo a physical transformation. “We need to subsequently be in touch with their coaches and nutritionists to help them meet the purpose of making [the actors] ready for the film.”
Unlike the standard meals provided to the cast and crew on set, Arora creates custom-made meals for each actor. “Because it is tailor-made, we need to understand everyone’s nutritional requirement. During the filming of Student Of The Year 2, Tiger Shroff was on a really strict diet, and we created dishes around his requirements. We have a nutrition department, where nutritionists understand the actor’s goals, and current lifestyle. We also have a culinary department that caters to an actor’s culinary palette, and focuses on creativity. Each one reacts to food in a different way. Nutrition, for the human body is like astrology—it depends on each person’s individual problem. After we understand what works for people, we then inquire about their preferences. For example, some clients may like street foods like wada pav, and we need to [cater to those needs]. We also have to keep track of their lifestyle, sleeping patterns, hormones, and age. Many of them get only three to four hours of sleep due to their erratic schedules.”
The good and bad
Ask him if catering to celeb clients who are vegetarian is as difficult as it is perpetuated, and he responds in the affirmative. “It gets difficult when the calorie allowance is set, which it usually is. So, if someone can only eat about 1,000 calories, it becomes difficult to add enough proteins because a majority of the vegan proteins have high amounts of carbs and fats [which increase the number of calories consumed]. But if you’ve got enough macros to play with, you can easily get a good amount of protein through a vegan diet.”
A defining aspect of his job is ensuring his team meets the demands of his clients, who are “high-achievers”. “Every minute of their life is dedicated towards being productive in the space that they’re working in, so our life has to match that. If our client has a 4 am call time, our team has to wake up an hour earlier, and sleep an hour after the client sleeps, to ensure they are [served each meal]. Usually, the team dedicated to the client has to be on the same schedule that the client is on.”
It’s a surreal moment to be cast as a Dharma hero-Rohit Saraf
8:05 AM
Terming it a ‘huge deal’ to bag a KJo film so early on in his career, Rohit Saraf says working with all-star cast of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari will better his craft
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 13, 2024)
For Rohit Saraf, the past few weeks have been straight out of a dream. Late last month, the actor was launched as a mainstream hero with Ishq Vishk Rebound, and now, he finds himself on the set of a Karan Johar production.
“It’s a surreal moment to be cast as a Dharma hero,” he tells us. Saraf has been cast in director Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which stars Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor and Sanya Malhotra. It certainly is an opportunity that most youngsters hope for, and few get.
“To be directed by Shashank Khaitan is a huge deal. Varun, Janhvi and Sanya are not merely stars, but talented actors. I am not at all nonchalant; I am freaking out about this film. I love the story, the script and am so grateful for this opportunity. We’ve shot for a few days,” he says.
Saraf became something of a Gen-Z darling with his hit series, Mismatched. But it has taken him 12 years to make the journey from YA television shows to supporting roles in films, and now, big-ticket projects.
“I count myself lucky to be part of this storytelling community. Yet, success doesn’t diminish my ambition. I’m driven by a desire for personal growth and continuous improvement, rather than external validation.”
Happy as he is to have ticked a Johar film off his wish-list so early on in the movies, he is eager to see what lies ahead. “I’m satisfied with how far I have come, yet an insatiable curiosity drives me forward. There is scope for improvement, and I’ll be able to do that on sets like these.”
It would be silly to take the pressure of imitating Shahid Kapoor’s career-Rohit Saraf
9:24 AM
Set to be launched as a Hindi film hero in Ishq Vishk Rebound, Mismatched actor and Gen-Z’s darling Rohit says franchise’s OG star Kapoor and his paths are different
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 19, 2024)
The popular industry belief is that a big launch with a theatrical release is the first step to stardom. Things are a bit different for Rohit Saraf though—he is already a popular face on OTT, thanks to his web series Mismatched, and is the darling of the YA demographic. Now, he is set to be presented as a mainstream hero with Ishq Vishk Rebound. The actor considers it a launch of sorts.
“It’s a big deal for me that I get to lead a film. A huge responsibility comes with headlining a movie of this nature. You have to deliver in every scene, in every promotional shot, every single day. On some days, I was physically and emotionally spent, and still knew that I had to show up,” he says.
The college caper—also starring Pashmina Roshan, Jibraan Khan and Naila Grrewal—takes forward the franchise that was launched with Shahid Kapoor’s Ishq Vishk (2003). Being part of the franchise is a dream come true for Saraf, who watched the original while growing up. But it also brings comparisons with Kapoor, who had debuted with Ken Ghosh’s directorial venture 21 years ago.
“I can’t operate from the place that I could have Shahid’s destiny. It was his first acting gig; I have done Mismatched. So, I treat it as another project. These are two different films releasing 21 years apart. People ask me if I am daunted; I’m not. Shahid and my paths are different. It would be silly to take the pressure of imitating Shahid’s career. He is someone I look up to as a dancer and actor. But I won’t be able to imitate his choices because that won’t be me.”
The original Ishq Vishk may be critiqued today for its gender politics. As the team shot the latest edition, Saraf—who is seen as something of a green flag because of his past work— says he was mindful about the story since the idea of a romantic hero has changed dramatically.
“Here, I didn’t agree with some of my character’s actions. But I have to surrender to the director’s vision. I cannot be Rohit; it’s the character Raghav’s actions. I was mindful of how it played out. As my director explained, I tweaked my approach.”
What Shahid Kapoor did in Ishq Vishk was fantastic. I am trying to be my own person-Rohit Saraf
8:06 AM
Rohit, who fronts Ishq Vishk Rebound, says sequel has nothing in common with Shahid’s debut film, barring title
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 20, 2022)
The universe works in strange ways. As a teenager, Rohit Saraf aspired to be like Shahid Kapoor’s character from Ishq Vishk (2003). Today, the actor finds himself in the universe of the popular campus caper. His next, Ishq Vishk Rebound, is the spiritual sequel to Kapoor’s debut movie. “I love that film. We have all been either Shahid, or Amrita [Rao], or Shenaz [Treasury] at some point in our lives,” grins Saraf.
Ishq Vishk looked at the romantic hopes, misadventures and heartbreaks that define one’s college years. In 2023, the story gets an update. Saraf, who is joined by Pashmina Roshan, Naila Grewal and Jibraan Khan, states that the similarity between the two films stops at the title. Tell him that comparisons with Kapoor are inevitable, and he says, “We aren’t trying to recreate anything; it’s a completely different film. What Shahid did was fantastic. I am trying to be my own person. I feel no pressure because the two movies are 20 years apart.”
The actor has become the poster boy of contemporary young romances, courtesy his successful series, Mismatched. He proudly wears the tag of a soft romantic hero, a rare feature today as hyper-masculinity is returning to the screen with a vengeance.
“We haven’t explored romance in the last few years; we mostly see crime thrillers today. Romance needs to come back because it’s the strongest emotion in the world. I want to do romantic films as long as I can, while presenting variety within that space. So, while my character in Mismatched was an old-school lover, Ishq Vishk Rebound explores the theme of rebounds.”
I was perplexed about playing Rishi again, as I was no longer the person I was when I did Mismatched Season 1-Rohit Saraf
8:36 AM
Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli discuss the challenge of reprising their characters in Mismatched 2
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; November 8, 2022)
The idea that opposites attract is hardly novel, but it became endearing when we witnessed it in 2020, as Mismatched became a runaway hit. People loved the chemistry between Dimple and Rishi, played by Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf respectively. The second season saw the much-loved couple part ways, find new love interests, only to find their way back to each other. While the journey seemed effortless on screen, behind the camera, things were not that simple, at least for Saraf.
Koli says that despite the two-year gap between the two seasons, Dimple’s character never left her, owing to “the constant love that slipped into our social media”. “In the time that we spent apart, I watched Mismatched too many times. So, in a way she never left me,” says Koli, adding, “Dimple is personally dear to me because I relate to her, and I am always rooting for her irrespective of whether she is right or wrong.”
Of course, the attachment also scares the actor, but she wouldn’t have it any other way, especially since it was her acting debut. Saraf, who came back to the show after several projects in the interim, says he couldn’t relate to the 22-year-old protagonist anymore, especially more so post the Coronavirus pandemic.
“During a lunch meet organized for the cast and crew, we read a few lines. I was perplexed about playing Rishi again, because I was no longer the person I was when I did the first season. The pandemic had changed too much in my life — not just professionally, but personally too. We lost people and family dynamics had changed. I was suddenly an emotional wreck, which I didn’t think was possible,” reminisces Saraf, who finally found relief when he noticed that director Akarsh Khurana was in the same boat.
“I wasn’t the only one feeling like that. It did take hard work to come back to Rishi, which was exciting and challenging. After the pandemic, people came back with more sensitivity and actors brought in more depth to their characters,” he adds.
Since the second edition focused on their individual trajectories, did Saraf feel envious of the chemistry between Vihaan Samat, who played the character of Harsh, and Koli? “Initially, I did feel threatened as an actor when I saw Vihaan perform.” says Saraf, while reassuring himself that it is okay for the project to be bigger than himself.
“I feel if the show gets more attention because people like a certain track that doesn’t involve me, so be it. I remember being on set and watching a beautifully written scene between Vihaan and Prajakta. What he brought to the table that day was exceptional. I heard Akarsh, who is usually a man of few words, say, ‘Outstanding’. While I was proud that this scene was going to be part of our show and that Vihaan was getting the opportunity to do it, I wondered why I haven’t got it. It was challenging and that pushed me to work harder.”
I upped my performance to match Hrithik Roshan's-Rohit Saraf
8:29 AM
Fan-boy Rohit Saraf says Vikram Vedha co-star Hrithik’s dedication to craft was a lesson for him
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 5, 2022)
In stark contrast to his loverboy character in 'Mismatched', Rohit Saraf plays a criminal in Vikram Vedha. The actor, who plays Hrithik Roshan’s brother, says rubbing shoulders with him was a “dream come true”.
“Every aspiring actor needs co-actors who can encourage you. I am relatively new in the industry, and Hrithik Roshan, for me, was that guy. I upped my performance to match his. We often hear about our co-stars’ personalities. Everyone had told me that Hrithik sir is well prepared for every shot, and indeed his preparation is amazing. He is on point, and so dedicated to his craft that what he does with each scene [is magical]. When he is on set, he is not Hrithik Roshan. He is [his character] Vedha. It was a huge learning experience for me. To achieve his brilliance will take years of practice, but to see the process up close and personal was fascinating.”
If Roshan taught him to up his act on screen, he also taught him the importance of being empathetic to his crew, behind the scenes. “He ensures his co-actors are taken care of as well. When we did scenes together, he would look at not just his close-ups on the monitor, but mine too.”
Certain that this film portrays another aspect of his skill set, he adds, “I am chasing versatility, and the film takes me to every nook and corner of the country.” Saraf’s last project, Mismatched 2, released recently, and featured Prajakta Koli.
I feel like I am being stereotyped or pigeonholed-Rohit Saraf
9:14 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 3, 2022)
Known for his chocolate boy image, Rohit Saraf has a strong fan base. But the actor feels he is being typecast, and that’s something he is trying to wriggle out of. “I feel like I am being stereotyped or pigeonholed,” Saraf says, adding that he understands the reason behind it. “The producers and directors don’t see me as somebody who can play a heartland part. It is also because of the way I look, carry myself, speak and the kinds of parts I have done before… they have all been urban. While the characters were different, they all come under one umbrella, which is urban,” he says.
After featuring in Dear Zindagi (2016), Saraf went on to do projects such as Hichki (2018), The Sky Is Pink (2019), Ludo (2020), Mismatched and Feels Like Ishq. Referring to these outings, the 25-year-old shares, “They (filmmakers and audiences) have seen me in urban roles. If I keep feeding them with that kind of content, they will end up imagining me in just that. Having said that, I hope I can change that (the perception) with Vikram Vedha (his upcoming film). It (his role) is something I have not done before. I am keen to see how the audience and filmmakers receive it.”
With every step in the industry, he is fulfilling his dreams, and the actor admits that he is daring to see bigger ones now. “It might sound cliché, but every single project that I am choosing to be a part of or I am getting to be a part of is teaching me something,” Saraf ends.
I don’t want to put myself in a box saying that I’m an OTT star-Rohit Saraf
8:06 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 6, 2022)
Actor Rohit Saraf might have had back to back releases on the digital platform, but he doesn’t want that to define him. That’s why he is not okay with the label of being an OTT star.
The 25-year-old asserts, “I do not want to label myself as an OTT actor, or a film actor. If there is even a street play, and I think it is really exciting and something from which I can learn, I will do it.”
Saraf walked into Bollywood with Dear Zindagi in 2016, following it up with Hichki (2018), and The Sky Is Pink (2019). It was followed by back to back OTT outings with Ludo (2020), Mismatched and Feels Like Ishq.
He admits his focus is on doing good work which makes him happy. “Now, whether that project releases on an OTT platform, on YouTube or in the theatre, it doesn’t really matter. But I don’t want to put myself in a box saying that I’m an OTT star” says the actor.
Saraf continues, “That’s because it was never the case to begin with. I started off with films, which did well at the box office, and simultaneously I was doing TV commercials. Ludo was also for theatre, but released on the OTT platform because of the pandemic.”
For him, the idea is to expand himself where he can reach every single person in this country and the world. “This year is very exciting for me. There is Mismatched Season 2, and Vikram Vedha with (actor) Hrithik Roshan, which has been a dream. It is also something outside of my comfort zone... Things are looking brighter for me,” he concludes.
I will spend Valentine’s Day with my family; celebrating singlehood is fun-Rohit Saraf
8:08 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 11, 2022)
There’s always some buzz around actor Rohit Saraf’s love life, but he asserts that it isn’t as exciting as it seems on paper. Saraf admits that he is “very much single and really happy about it”.
In fact, he is excited to celebrate singlehood, this Valentine’s Day. “I wish I was dating somebody, then I’d have been able to share some exciting plans with you,” he quips, adding, “I will spend Valentine’s with my family. My niece has got a pup, we’ll celebrate it with the pup.”
On the subject of celebrating being single, Saraf jokes about the memes he came across on social media recently. “Valentine’s Day is also about self-love. I saw a meme which said that people who celebrate self-love on Valentine’s are the most single people ever. I laughed… (but) it is sad when you see such memes. Celebrating singlehood is fun though,” stresses the Ludo (2020) actor.
He goes on to urge single people not to fret about their relationship status. “You are not going to be single for the rest of your life. I’m sure there’s somebody special for everyone. I’m sure whenever you find them, every day will be like Valentine’s Day,” says the 25-year-old.
The actor continues, “I know a lot of teenagers, as I’m a chachu and mamu, and they get disheartened to not have a date on that day… But I feel there’s no rush. You can have your version of Galentine’s Day or a boys’ day out. The idea is to celebrate love. It doesn’t necessarily have to be with your significant other.”
Ask him about his dating game, and he doesn’t describe himself as someone into dating apps. “I found it to be forced. But I have nothing against anyone who uses it,” Saraf mentions, adding that he’s also scared of being catfished.
That’s why he is relying on finding love organically. “I haven’t really found anyone who I would be interested in while I am working. And I haven’t really met people outside of my work. But, never say never! I hope to find that person soon, maybe on the next project that I am working on,” Saraf concludes on a hopeful note.
My mother keeps teasing with all these DMs that she gets for my marriage-Rohit Saraf
8:04 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 8, 2021)
Five years ago, actor Rohit Saraf made his debut with the Alia Bhatt-starrer Dear Zindagi. But he admits he hasn’t been able to completely understand the workings of the film industry, yet. He tells us, “I’m still figuring my way out in this glamour world. I still have a lot to learn. Honestly, I’ve been lucky to have had a chance of working with some impeccable artistes early in my career. So, I would like to believe that filmmakers have always taken me seriously as an actor and graced me with great opportunities.”
Saraf believes that 2021 got him a lot of exposure due to his body of work. “While I’m getting used to the nature of work here, I think the recent year introduced me to a new world, and I’m glad to have gained more recognition,” he shares.
Known for his chocolate boy looks, he has earned the epithet of a national crush. Talking about it, the Mismatched actor says, “It is flattering, for sure. But I’m yet to come to terms with the tag. It makes me feel rather grateful, and it is sweet of the audience to shower me with so much love.”
He adds that his mother continues to receive marriage proposals from young girls for him. “My mother enjoys it a lot. She keeps teasing with all these DMs that she gets. It is a little embarrassing. But it also makes me want to work harder to live up to their expectations,” he shares.
Saraf, who turns 25 today, is looking forward to spending the day with his family. “With a back-to-back shooting slate, I could not really scrape the time out to visit my family. But I’m finally home in Delhi after a year, and I am so excited to celebrate the day with them,” he ends.
On the sets of Mismatched, I picked up a new lingo from the youngsters-Akarsh Khurana
8:10 AM
'Twice the age' of his actors, Mismatched director Akarsh Khurana discusses how he bridged the age gap with youngsters Prajakta Koli, Rohit Saraf
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 19, 2020)
After the Irrfan-led road trip movie Karwaan (2018), Akarsh Khurana has wielded the directorial baton again for Mismatched. The coming-of-age series, which revolves around two students building an app while dealing with peers and professors, features Rannvijay Singha, YouTube sensation Prajakta Koli and Ludo actor Rohit Saraf.
"The show is about young adults, so almost the entire cast comprises kids. I realised I was twice the age of most actors on the set," laughs the director, admitting that one needs patience when dealing with youngsters. "Since I hail from a theatre background, I have a high threshold of tolerance. I realised they come from a different world. They can surprise and shock you at the same time. On the set, I picked up a new lingo from them."
As the captain of the ship, Khurana not only worked towards giving shape to the project, but also created a happy environment that encouraged creativity. "I always aim to create an atmosphere that is conducive to team work. When work starts feeling like a job, I run away. I have done so from several corporate jobs."
Written by Gazal Dhaliwal, the Netflix series is an adaptation of Sandhya Menon's 2017 book, When Dimple Met Rishi. While the book is set in the USA, the writer-director duo decided to reimagine their story in Rajasthan. "We wanted a setting where we could juxtapose the old school of thought with the new-age beliefs, which is the show's underlying theme. Since I had written the last two films I directed, I consciously wanted to work with someone else's story this time around," explains Khurana, who is currently shooting Rashmi Rocket.
It’s important for me to form an emotional bond with my cast-Shonali Bose
8:01 AM
The Sky Is Pink director talks about how she brought her characters to life on screen
BOMBAY TIMES (October 5, 2019)
A film is an amalgamation of many factors, but its core lies in the idea that stems from one person. And in the case of The Sky Is Pink, it is director Shonali Bose. The film is about a family celebrating the beauty of life as well as death, and it resonated with Shonali on a personal and emotional level. Bringing together the feelings of happiness, loss and peace, she worked towards making the big screen come live with these characters.To begin with, the National Award-winning filmmaker, who has written the film with Nilesh Maniyar, decided to forge a bond with all her actors. Recalling her first meeting with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, she said, “It’s important for me to form a close, emotional bond with my cast. Great performances are also about the exchange of energy between actors and director, and among themselves. Priyanka and I bonded fast, as we spoke about the death of my son and her father. These conversations are a core part of the work that went into her brilliant performance.”
Speaking about Farhan Akhtar, she adds, “I was very intimidated with him, as he is not only a brilliant actor, but also an excellent director. But when Sid (Siddharth Roy Kapur, producer) and I met him to discuss the film, he just looked into my eyes and said that he will do it, but that he is terrified. And that he was going to place himself in my hands. The trust, power and confidence he gave me was amazing. We had a beautiful relationship from that moment.”Shonali shares how crucial the young actors, Zaira Wasim and Rohit Saraf, too, are to the story. She says, “Zaira plays the role of Aisha and that is a huge responsibility. Though it’s based on a real person, I didn’t want the character to be a carbon copy. And, the best way to avoid that was to cast somebody who does not look like Aisha. I did not want her to lose weight either, because I don’t believe in it. What I wanted for this character is a beautiful spark in the eyes, and Zaira has that. She has the spirit and spunk that Aisha had. She is the heart and soul of this film and is spectacular in it. Aditi (Chaudhary, Aisha’s mother) said at the world premiere in Toronto International Film Festival that she feels as if Aisha was reborn on this day.”
Shonali adds, “As for Rohit (Saraf), he has a very special place in my heart as he is playing Ishaan, Aisha’s brother. He was the only one who had to audition for the role. He was one of the hundred actors who auditioned to play Ishaan Chaudhary, and he stole my heart right away. His vulnerability was beautiful even in the audition and I absolutely loved him. He was also easy to work with.” .
As a true captain of the ship, Shonali became the support system for all her actors in challenging situations. During Aisha’s death scene, all the actors (and some crew members) broke down at different points, and looked to her for strength. Having dealt with grief multiple times in her own life, Shonali effortlessly transformed into a pillar of strength for her team. The filmmaker says, “I was in a place of light, peace and strength on that day, as that has now become my relationship with death. I was able to hold them in my arms and give them the love and support they needed to be able to perform. Each of them surpassed themselves, giving me goosebumps.”
The Sky Is Pink, produced by RSVP and Roy Kapur Films, in association with S K Global and Purple Pebble Pictures, releases on October 11.
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