Mumbai: More than a decade after Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani released, Rana Daggubati has admitted that his short role in the film came together so quickly that he has almost no memory of filming it. Speaking at IFP 2026 at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai, the actor shared the behind-the-scenes story of how he was pulled into the 2013 romantic comedy.
A bigger star said no first
The part of Vikram Jaiswal was not supposed to be his. Rana said the role was first offered to another big star, who declined. With the small part still open, director Ayan Mukerji and actor Ranbir Kapoor arrived at his hotel room while he was shooting another project. Their plan was direct: bring him to Udaipur that night, film the scene, and send him back to work.
Rana described the moment in his own words. “They just kidnapped me,” he said. He was put on a flight, shot the scene, and returned to his other set by morning. Asked about the experience now, he says he vaguely remembers something happening at night and then being back at work.
The wedding scene fans remember
In the film, Rana plays Vikram Jaiswal, a photographer covering Aditi’s wedding. Aditi, played by Kalki Koechlin, is a close friend of Naina and Bunny. Vikram tries to flirt with Naina, and Bunny steps in to pull him away. The beat is brief, but it gives the film a light flicker of jealousy before the celebrations move on. For a film built on friendship and longing, the moment is a small, effective reminder of Bunny’s feelings.
- Rana shot the cameo overnight in Udaipur.
- He was already filming another project at the time.
- He says he remembers almost nothing about the actual scene.
Why the memory still matters
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar and Hiroo Yash Johar under Dharma Productions, was a major box-office success. Its soundtrack, from Badtameez Dil to Kabira, remains a playlist staple, and the wedding sequence gives the story a clear turning point. Fans still return to the film for the music and the chemistry among its four leads. Rana’s cameo is a small but recognisable part of that package.
The new anecdote explains why the scene feels so fleeting. It literally was. Rana also drew a line between cameos and full-fledged roles: he does not think of a quick appearance in the same way as a lead part, and his light memory of the night reflects that. The film may have a long afterlife, but this particular role was over before breakfast.
For Bollywood fans, the IFP revelation is exactly the kind of trivia that rewards a rewatch. Next time Vikram appears on screen, the audience can appreciate that the man playing him had no idea he would be there twenty-four hours earlier.
Where the leads are now
For fans tracking the cast, Ranbir Kapoor’s next film Ramayana is slated for November 5, while Deepika Padukone has Shah Rukh Khan’s King and Allu Arjun’s Raaka on the way.
Source: Hindustan Times