Sep 08, 2026 1:00pm IST
Kunal Kemmu Reveals Sharmila Tagore Asked to Star in ‘VIBE’: ‘Soha Told Me, “Amma Wants a Cameo”’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Kunal Kemmu's directorial “VIBE” is due for release on September 18. Kemmu, who has also written, co-produced and starred in the movie, opens up about mother-in-law Sharmila Tagore's cameo in the film. Speaking exclusively with Variety India, Kemmu admits feeling the pressure of directing someone who has previously worked with the likes of legendary filmmakers, Satyajit Ray and Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
When asked if she needed some convincing, Kemmu quips that she in fact, she wanted to star in one of his directorial. He shares, “After “Madgaon Express” she knew that I was making another film. Soha told me that Amma wants to make a cameo in my next film. I thought she was just saying that, so I went and asked her if she was serious. Amma said, ‘Yes. What do you have in mind?’ I told her that I had a cameo for her. She asked me to tell her about it. And then she jokingly said, ‘That was a trick question. Of course, I’ll do it.’”
Sharing more about collaborating with Tagore, Kemmu says, “I don't know if I can handle this pressure (of directing Tagore). I had told her that it would be one day of work. That is why I have maintained it is a cameo.”
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Directing Tagore has been nothing short of an achievement. The “Madgaon Express” filmmaker exclaims, “It is a tick in the checklist. It is like a feather in my hat to have said that I got to direct the great Sharmila Tagore. And I'm very thankful that she did this.”
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Kemmu believes Tagore was “gracious enough to make time for the shooting.” Commenting on why he didn't offer her a bigger role, he reasons, “I have to find a part worthy of her. If I had a strong part for her, I would have approached her for that. I wouldn't just cast her because she's my mother-in-law. She is first a legendary actress who I have been in awe of. My parents have also been in awe of her. The role is quirky and interesting and she justifies playing that part. ”
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