The entertainment industry is abuzz as Rohit Saraf gears up for a significant milestone in his acting career. Set to be launched as a Hindi film hero in the highly anticipated sequel, Ishq Vishk Rebound, Saraf, known for his popular role in the web series Mismatched, steps into the limelight as a mainstream hero. This new venture places him at the forefront of a franchise that began with Shahid Kapoor’s breakout film, Ishq Vishk, back in 2003.
Having already won over the Gen-Z demographic through OTT platforms, Rohit Saraf sees his feature film debut as a pivotal point in his career. “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,” Saraf candidly shares.
Ishq Vishk Rebound, a college caper, features a talented ensemble cast including Pashmina Roshan, Jibraan Khan, and Naila Grewal. Being a part of this franchise is a cherished dream for Saraf, who recalls watching the original film during his childhood. Despite the excitement, the association with Shahid Kapoor’s successful debut inevitably brings about comparisons between the two actors.
Rohit addresses these comparisons with maturity and pragmatism. “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,” he emphasizes.
The original Ishq Vishk, while beloved, has faced modern critique for its gender politics. Rohit, who has built a reputation as a “green flag” in his past roles, was particularly mindful of how the story’s romance and character dynamics were portrayed in the new rendition. “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.”
In the larger context of the Hindi film industry, there’s a prevailing belief that a big launch with a theatrical release is crucial for achieving stardom. However, Saraf’s journey diverges from this orthodoxy. Thanks to his substantial fan base from his work on digital platforms, he already enjoys a degree of stardom. This experience brings a unique perspective to his film debut. “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 reiterates.
The challenges of transitioning from a successful web series actor to a film hero are significant. Yet, Rohit Saraf appears undaunted by these obstacles. His dedication to his craft and understanding of the different demands of film acting are evident. He views Ishq Vishk Rebound as a continuation of his professional journey rather than a departure. “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.”
As Ishq Vishk Rebound prepares for its release, anticipation is building among fans of the original movie and new viewers alike. Saraf’s mindful approach to his role ensures that he remains true to the character while navigating the modern expectations of a romantic hero. This balance between respect for the franchise’s legacy and the fresh portrayal of new characters makes Ishq Vishk Rebound a highly anticipated release in contemporary Hindi cinema.
