The Ultimate Groomsman: Vedang Raina Spills The Tea

Quick takes with Vedang Raina

Jan 19, 2026
  • Vedang Raina
    A little tea to spillManifest

    There’s an old-world charm about Vedang Raina that makes you look twice—the kind that doesn’t try too hard but still leaves an impression. He walks into a room with the easy confidence of someone comfortable in his skin, not because he’s trying to prove anything, but because he doesn’t need to. As he navigates the world of films, Vedang embodies a certain sophisticated grace—a blend of old-school elegance and a refreshingly contemporary spirit. Dapper in a sharply tailored suit, a knowing smile playing on his lips, and a quiet charisma that feels cinematic—Vedang is every bit the modern-day gentleman we imagine at the heart of a wedding celebration. As Manifest’s digital coverstar, Vedang steps into the role of the ultimate groomsman. One who brings just the right mix of style, soul, and subtle swagger. Between shots, he chats with Manifest about fashion, film, love, and why balance—not bravado—is what he is chasing. Vedang doesn’t believe in boxing himself, be it for his roles on screen or his wardrobe. “Style, for me, is about expression more than rules,” he shares. “I wouldn’t say I stick to one thing; it depends on the occasion. But I ensure that whatever I wear speaks to me and says something about who I am. Lately, I’ve been enjoying experimenting a little, trying out new silhouettes, and navigating what truly reflects my energy.”


    Vedang is also deeply drawn to icons who’ve redefined fashion in their own right. “Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler… all of them bring something personal to the table, and I love that. They don’t just wear clothes; they own them,” he tells us. So what’s his go-to look when he’s heading out for a special evening? “You can never go wrong with a classic, formal shirt and well-tailored pants,” he shares. “Boots or loafers, depending on the vibe. I may not follow trends, but great tailoring…that, to me, is timeless.” And if there’s one style tip he’d give to grooms or wedding guests gearing up for the big day? “Confidence is the best accessory. Whether you’re being flamboyant, cheeky, or just keeping it cool—own your vibe. That’s what people remember.” Amidst all the newness in his wardrobe, the one piece that has stayed is a jacket gifted by his uncle, full of sentiment and years of wear. “I’ve had it for the longest time, and I know it’s going to be with me for many more years.

    VR1

    In another conversation with Manifest, Vedang spills the tea on his quick takes.


    Manifest: If there was one city that you could live in forever, which one would it be?

    Vedang: “My favourite city in the world is Srinagar.”


    M: What's that one song that is always at the tip of your tongue?

    V: “The one song I often find myself singing or humming is Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish.”


    M: Tea or coffee, what do you prefer?

    V: Coffee


    M: If you weren't an actor, what do you think you would have been doing?

    V: “If I weren't an actor, I’d be pursuing music or something in Business Management.”


    M: What is that one accessory that is always important for your ensemble?

    V: “I am a total watch person, and my wishlist has quite a few pieces right now!"


    M: What is that one film that you can watch on repeat?

    V: “The one film I can watch on repeat is… La La Land [2016]."

    VR112

    M: Okay, pick one- “At a wedding, you’d catch me...” 1. Up to some mischief 2. Sitting in a corner 3. Dancing the night away 4. Making sure everyone’s having a great time 5. Taking ’Gram-worthy photos of other people

    V: All of the Above


    M: How do you unwind after a busy day?

    V: “I unwind after a busy day by watching a new series, or playing PS5, or spending time with my pet.”


    M: What's your go-to fragrances

    V: “I love fragrances by Tom Ford”

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    For Manifest to become one of Cambridge Dictionary's most viewed words of 2024 — 1,30,000 hits and counting — it means some of us must have Googled it at least once. I know, I hit that search button over and over again
    because each time I looked at it, I saw a new meaning.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Putting together a homegrown title at a time when the demise of print has been long announced may seem surprising...
    ...but it has long been a dream of mine to give India a magazine it deserves. A magazine that is the country.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    And nothing, absolutely nothing, represents India more than our weddings.It is a time when families are brought together. Traditions come alive as they are adapted to each couple's beliefs. And lives are joined in a way that the romantic in me still enjoys.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    The fact that it comes with band, baaja and baraat — what's not to love?And that is the reason our first issue celebrates:
    THE NEW BRIDE.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    If you look at
    'Curate Beautiful, Create Happy'individually, they are powerful but when you put them together, they become a promise. While each section is dedicated to a word, I hope you will see this as your first of many handbooks for happiness.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Curate
    Where we give you a fast-paced look into everything you should wish list when you start to think about marriage. What to buy and how to dress, along with modern mithai and the homegrown fragrance makers to bookmark. Make special note of the feature on alta.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Beautiful
    It has everything you need to make your wedding special. From the big comeback of red and pink in bridal wear to how the cool kids are wearing corsets to the celebration, there is only one way to get ready for a wedding —with enjoyment.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Create
    This section is a building block, a step to a better life. A place where we have all the answers. Or at least the beginning of a great conversation.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Happy
    This needs very little description. It has travel with a special focus on incredible India, and a collection of wedding albums, sourced randomly, but collected with abundance because happiness has no limits.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    This first issue has a lot more, including a carefully edited address book of everything you need to make your wedding perfectly 'gramworthy! But it doesn't stop there. Each issue will be different because each one of you is unique.
    Because we manifested this difference, now we will celebrate you.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media