Actor Rohit Saraf, the emerging talent in the Indian film industry, is set to charm audiences again with his lead role in the highly-anticipated film “Ishq Vishk Rebound.” Speaking at a promotional event on Tuesday, Saraf made it clear that the upcoming film is not a remake or a sequel of the 2003 Shahid Kapoor-starrer “Ishq Vishk.” The original film marked Shahid Kapoor’s debut in the industry and despite its modest reception initially, it grew to become a sleeper hit, receiving accolades for its engaging soundtrack from both critics and audiences alike. Directed by Ken Ghosh, the first “Ishq Vishk” delighted viewers with its fresh take on romantic comedy, featuring Amrita Rao and Shenaz Treasurywala opposite Shahid Kapoor.
Marathi filmmaker Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari is at the helm of “Ishq Vishk Rebound.” When asked about the relation between the two films, Saraf emphasized, “It is not a remake or sequel of Ishq Vishk. The thing common between the two films is that they belong to the same franchise. But it’s a new story altogether, a love story about Gen Z.” Saraf’s comments have set clear expectations for fans and critics, marking a distinct boundary between the nostalgic original and this new rendition tailored for the younger generation.
The role in “Ishq Vishk Rebound” is a significant opportunity for Saraf, as he acknowledged with humility. “I don’t want to dilute that by putting pressure on myself,” Saraf remarked. “There are people around me talking about the pressure, now I feel I should start taking the pressure.” Such candidness resonates well with fans who have seen him grow through roles in popular Netflix series “Mismatched” and films like “Ludo,” “The Sky is Pink,” and the Hindi version of “Vikram Vedha.”
Reflecting on his connection with the original “Ishq Vishk,” Saraf expressed a surreal nostalgia. He confessed that he had grown up listening to the songs from “Ishq Vishk,” calling it “bizarre” to now be featured in the new version of the title track.
. “It is a dream come true; it (title song) has a legacy. I’m still a fan boy over what Shahid did in the song and to be able to do that is sheer blessing,” Saraf added, underscoring the emotional weight of taking part in a film that carries forward such a widely cherished soundtrack.
Pashmina Roshan, another key cast member and cousin to Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, also plays a significant role in the film. Reflecting on her family’s celebrated history in the film industry, Pashmina acknowledged the expectations that come with her prestigious surname. “The pride, the luck, their support and advice is what I’ve but the pressure is to live up to their advice, to their (body of) work and make a place for myself in the industry and in the hearts of the audience,” Pashmina shared. Her statement reflected the weight of expectations and the resolve to make her own mark in the industry, a sentiment that resonates with many second-generation actors.
Also joining the cast are Jibraan Khan, best known for his role as a child artist in “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” and Naila Grewal of “Mamla Legal Hai” fame. This mixture of emerging talents and legacy children promises a dynamic ensemble for “Ishq Vishk Rebound,” a film aiming to capture the zeitgeist of Gen Z love stories while paying homage to its roots.
Produced by Ramesh Taurani and co-produced by Jaya Taurani under the banner Tips Films Limited, “Ishq Vishk Rebound” is set to hit theatres on June 21. The reunion of the beloved franchise, even under a new theme and direction, creates an air of excitement and nostalgia among the original film’s fans while promising to appeal to a new generation.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds, not just for the storytelling, but also for the music that had made “Ishq Vishk” so memorable. Bollywood’s re-imaginings often walk a tightrope between honoring beloved originals and creating fresh content for contemporary audiences. With “Ishq Vishk Rebound,” both the cast and crew seem to be acutely aware of this balance, aiming to create a film that carves its own niche in the heart of romantic comedies.
Fans are eagerly awaiting June 21, curious to see how “Ishq Vishk Rebound” weaves new narratives while upholding the essence of a franchise that captured millions of hearts two decades ago.
