Kunal Kemmu Reflects on the “Surreal” Experience of Directing Mother-in-Law Sharmila Tagore in New Film ‘Vibe’

Actor-turned-filmmaker Kunal Kemmu is set to make his second directorial outing with the upcoming comedy-caper Vibe, and the project has already achieved a major casting coup: securing a cameo from veteran cinematic legend and his mother-in-law, Sharmila Tagore.

The trailer for Vibe was unveiled in Mumbai on Wednesday, generating significant buzz ahead of its September 18 theatrical release. During the launch, Kemmu shared the charming backstory of how he brought the iconic actor on board.

A Gracious Collaboration

When asked if casting Tagore had been a long-term goal, Kemmu admitted he had approached her with trepidation, unsure if she would agree to the cameo.

“I asked her if she would play this part, and she asked, ‘Can I get the synopsis of the film?’” Kemmu recalled. After he provided the details, Tagore—ever the professional—revealed she had already made up her mind. “She told me that asking for the synopsis was just a trick question, and that she was going to do it anyway. She was gracious enough to step in.”

For the Madgaon Express director, the experience of guiding a titan of Indian cinema was a career-defining moment. “For me, it’s one of those checkboxes that I got to tick—something I never knew I would be able to do. I am very happy and proud that I could call ‘action’ and ‘cut’ on a legend like her,” he added.

On-Set Dynamics and Family Support

The event also saw attendance from Kemmu’s wife, Soha Ali Khan, who shared a humorous anecdote about her husband’s natural talent for comedy. “Whether it’s a wedding or a funeral, Kunal will make you laugh,” she remarked, noting that he is undeniably the funniest person in both their families.

However, not everyone on set was busy laughing. Preity Zinta, who plays a pivotal role in the film, shared that her experience was notably more stoic. Zinta, known for her vibrant screen presence, jokingly voiced a complaint against her director, noting that he kept her role strictly serious.

“We don’t laugh much during the making of a comedy film, and I had to be very serious,” Zinta said. “He didn’t give me too many funny scenes, and I hold that against him. It wasn’t an easy shoot; we worked 16–18 hours a day.” Despite the intensity, Zinta praised the “sincerity” that both Kemmu and co-star Sparsh Shrivastava brought to the project.

About ‘Vibe’

Beyond the star-studded cameo, Vibe features a diverse ensemble, including Sparsh Shrivastava, debutante Vanshika Dhir, Yashpal Sharma, and Bhojpuri star Dinesh Lal Yadav. Produced by Chirag Nihalani, son of the late filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani, the movie is poised to be one of the month’s most anticipated releases.

To learn more about the filmmaker’s journey and his thoughts on this ambitious project, you can read the full story on Kunal Kemmu’s directorial experience here.

Vibe hits theatres nationwide on September 18.