Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Kunal Kemmu Reworked VIBE Role to Challenge Sparsh’s Image
Sparsh Shrivastava became very popular after Laapataa Ladies.
He worries that people might keep offering him similar roles.
In VIBE, he wants to show that he can play something different.
Kunal Kemmu originally wrote Bugs as an older character.
He changed the character to make Bugs younger for Sparsh.
He also changed Bugs’s relationship with Hardik.
Kemmu likes choosing actors in surprising roles instead of typecasting them.
He says his own experiences made him want to create chances for talented actors.
VIBE is an action comedy about two friends whose lives become an unpredictable adventure.
Kunal Kemmu reshaped the character Bugs so Sparsh Shrivastava could play him in VIBE.
Kemmu made Bugs younger and changed his relationship with Hardik, the character Kemmu plays.
Sparsh hopes the role will help him move beyond his image from Laapataa Ladies.
Kemmu said he wants to cast capable actors in opportunities he once wished he had received.
VIBE also stars Preity Zinta and features Sharmila Tagore in a small but crucial cameo.
- Who
- Kunal Kemmu, Sparsh Shrivastava, Preity Zinta and Sharmila Tagore are involved in VIBE.
- What
- Kemmu adapted Bugs for Sparsh and discussed casting against expectations and creating opportunities for actors.
- When
- VIBE is scheduled to release in theatres on September 18; the interviews do not specify a year.
- Where
- The discussion concerns the Hindi film industry; no specific filming location is given.
- Why
- Kemmu wanted to cast Sparsh in an unexpected role and avoid repeating the type of part associated with Laapataa Ladies.
Casting Against Expectations
Pressure to Prove Yourself
Avoiding typecasting
Casting Against Expectations
Kunal Kemmu said actors should not be limited to the roles audiences typically expect from them, which led him to reshape Bugs for Sparsh.
Pressure to Prove Yourself
Sparsh said he is making a conscious effort to do new work after the success of Laapataa Ladies, although he has limited choices because he is still early in his career.
Opportunities and industry competition
Casting Against Expectations
Kemmu said his own experiences of feeling he had received fewer opportunities influenced his desire to work with capable actors who have not found the right platform.
Pressure to Prove Yourself
Sparsh said the growing competition and pressure after his breakthrough push him to work hard, improve and consistently deliver strong performances.
- Film
- VIBE
- Writer-director
- Kunal Kemmu, who also produces the film
- Adapted character
- Bugs was made younger and given a changed relationship dynamic with Hardik
- Sparsh’s breakthrough
- Laapataa Ladies
- Film genre
- Action comedy about two inseparable friends facing an unpredictable adventure
- Additional cast
- Preity Zinta and debutant Vanshika Dhir
- Sharmila Tagore’s role
- A small but crucial cameo
- Theatrical release
- September 18
