Young gun Vedang Raina — who impressed on debut as Reggie in The Archies last year — is all set for his next film Jigra, co-starring Alia Bhatt, releasing in October. The strapping and handsome youngster has also signed on as an ambassador of Garnier India. t2 caught up with Vedang for a chat.

In what ways do the brand values of Garnier India resonate with you?

Garnier India is very eco-friendly in its approach. We connected on that. And, of course, skincare is such an important part of our lives, and I feel that men still don’t utilise it to the degree that it should be. That is an approach I would like to change. I have taken to skincare recently.

So did you start taking care of your skin because of the demands of being an actor or because of more awareness?

I will be honest... it came with the job. When I started shooting for my first film (The Archies), I realised how normal it is to take care of one’s skin. Before that, nobody at home really advised me on how to approach skincare. All I would do is wash my face once or twice a day.

Once I became an actor, professionals got involved and they told me how to approach skincare, make-up and hair care. That is when I imbibed it into my daily routine. It makes me feel better and more confident. I have made it a part of my daily routine now.

You were in Singapore recently for the Garnier Green Academy event. What were your biggest takeaways from it?

It was a wonderful experience and there was so much to learn. I had always heard how sunscreen, moisturiser and so on are important for you. After attending this event, I now understand the science behind it and the drive to take care of my skin is even more now. I realised how that extra layer of protection on your skin is so important and that it pays off in the long run.

A highlight of the event was the need for sustainability. In ways big and small, how have you made sustainability a part of your daily life?

At home, we have always subconsciously done things. That includes basic habits like saving water, not wasting electricity, turning the lights off when you leave the room and so on. It is a part of my being to conserve and save. Garnier India is doing the same on a much larger scale. They take it seriously and I relate to those values.

A lot of India men, especially those of the younger generation, have embraced the idea of taking care of themselves beyond the basics of just maintaining hygiene. What do you think has brought about this change, the idea that skin and haircare is not just limited to women?

My sister had been into skincare and make-up before I knew anything about it. My journey started later but it was never a taboo. Among my generation, this has become normalised because of various factors, including social media. I never thought that it was something that men were not supposed to do or shouldn’t do.

But I think the generations before mine had a certain taboo associated with men overly taking care of themselves. I just look at it as another way of self-care, as normal as taking a shower or brushing your teeth every day. I see more and more men embracing it now. I think the generations after me are going to be completely gender-neutral.

When you started investing in skincare, was there anything you found uncomfortable doing at first but which has now made its way organically into your daily routine?

When I started, I would just put sunscreen because I had heard that one needs to do that, no matter what. But now I am more open and I have learnt how different products help you in different ways. Now I have a nighttime routine and a daytime routine. I use things like serum and micellar water, which are new to me.

Apart from the attention to personal grooming, what, for you, is the definition of the metrosexual man?

It is about being confident and about owning your individuality. That may not be what most people around you are doing, but that is okay.

It has been less than a year since you burst on to the screen with The Archies. Your portrayal of Reggie was singled out for praise. How has life changed for you since then?

It has changed quite a bit and, at the same time, not at all. I am still not used to being in the public eye and being recognised, even if that doesn’t happen too much. But just a couple of people saying: ‘Oh, we know who you are and we have seen what you have done’ is a bit new to me.

Embracing all the new things that come with the job is what has changed. I never thought I would be an actor in Hindi films. I am still getting used to it even though I have been here for a year.

Do you remember what it was like on the first day of shoot for
The Archies?

Yes, yes, I remember. Luckily, I was in a situation with my first film where, along with me, almost everyone else was also new and it was their first day of shoot as well. All of us were carrying that nervous energy with us. It was easier in a way because I guess it is a bit scarier if you are doing it with experienced professionals. Everyone was in the same boat and as nervous as I was.

I was very nervous during my first shot, even though it was absolutely nothing (laughs). I had to stand still in a really wide frame. But the fact that the camera is on you and that pressure of being in a film that you know will come on Netflix kind of gets to you. But you get used to the process and it becomes easier after that.

You have Jigra with Alia Bhatt coming up in October. It is a hard-hitting film about sibling ties, which is very different from your first film. What has that experience been like?

It was an experience as different as night and day from The Archies. The role in Jigra is very challenging. I felt like I was suddenly thrown into the deep after doing a film like The Archies. I had more senior co-actors here.

Acting with someone like Alia brings on some pressure and nervousness. She was phenomenal and made it so easy for me. She makes her co-actors look better than they are because of how good she is. She makes it an easy environment and so did Vasan (Bala), who is the best director, the best person on set.

There has been a lot of learning on set and I have grown so much as an actor. I found a certain rhythm. I am looking forward to the release of Jigra. It is the kind of story that you don’t see very often.

Who would you count as your inspirations?

There are so many actors I look up to and whose choices I have really enjoyed. Ranbir (Kapoor) is such a phenomenal actor. Ranveer (Singh) is so versatile. I love Vicky’s (Kaushal) work. There is a lot to learn from so many people in the industry.