Rising Bollywood star Sharvari Wagh has begun shooting for Imtiaz Ali’s highly anticipated untitled film on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, October 2, 2025, in Mumbai. Directed by the master storyteller behind Jab We Met and Rockstar, the project marks Sharvari’s pairing with Vedang Raina, known from The Archies, in a contemporary romantic narrative exploring love, longing, and identity. Produced by T-Series and Window Seat Films, the film features a stellar ensemble including Diljit Dosanjh and Naseeruddin Shah, with shooting commencing in the first quarter of 2026 after a June 2025 announcement. This collaboration, Sharvari’s first with Ali, promises emotional depth and visual poetry, exciting India’s 467 million social media users in the ₹101 billion entertainment industry.
A Dream Debut with the Master of Romance
Sharvari’s entry into Imtiaz Ali’s world is a career-defining moment, announced on her birthday in June 2025 as the “best birthday ever.” “Imtiaz Ali, Sir, I have manifested to be directed by you ever since I have dreamed of being an actor,” she expressed on Instagram, sharing her gratitude. The film, set for a Baisakhi 2026 release, reunites Ali with Diljit Dosanjh after Amar Singh Chamkila, blending their chemistry with Naseeruddin Shah’s gravitas and Vedang Raina’s fresh appeal. Sharvari, fresh off Munjya’s 2024 success, brings her versatile charm to a role that Ali described as “set on a large canvas, yet very personal,” inspired by poet Momin’s lines on love’s intimacy.
The Shooting Commences: Dussehra’s Auspicious Start
Filming kicked off on Dussehra, with Sharvari posting a heartfelt note: “Couldn’t be home for Saraswati Pooja today, so did my own little Pooja with the script in my room. Starting to shoot a very special film with a very special director and team.” The ritual, symbolizing wisdom’s invocation, set a spiritual tone for the project, which explores human connections through Ali’s signature emotional lens. Shooting, initially planned for August 2025, aligns with the film’s themes of longing and identity, promising scenic backdrops and soulful music by AR Rahman, who reunites with Ali after Rockstar. The cast’s chemistry, teased in a promotional video, hints at heartfelt moments and witty dialogues, positioning it as a pan-Indian love story.
Human Impact: From Manifestation to Milestone
For Sharvari, 27, this is a dream realized—her debut Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021) showed promise, but Ali’s guidance elevates her to leading lady status. “It’s a privilege to be part of his creative vision,” she said, reflecting on manifesting the opportunity. Vedang Raina, post-The Archies, adds youthful energy, while Dosanjh and Shah bring star power. Fans on X celebrated #SharvariWithImtiaz, trending with 500,000 posts, praising the “perfect Gen Z romance.” In India’s 780-language diverse landscape, the film bridges Bollywood’s emotional core with contemporary appeal, inspiring aspiring actors.
A Canvas of Love and Longing
Imtiaz Ali’s untitled film with Sharvari isn’t just a project—it’s a poetic exploration of the heart. As shooting begins on Dussehra, it asks: Can love’s longing transcend screens? With Rahman’s melodies and Ali’s touch, the 2026 release promises yes, painting a masterpiece of modern romance.
-By Manoj H