Latest news with #VaibhavRajGupta
News18
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Vaibhav Raj Gupta On His Transformation In Mandala Murders: ‘It Changed Everything'
The transformation went beyond just appearances, eventually marking a shift in how Vaibhav Raj Gupta carried himself, both on and off the screen. Mandala Murders, the latest thriller on Netflix, has quickly become a fan favourite, thanks to its gripping storyline and strong performances. Among the standout names is actor Vaibhav Raj Gupta, known for his role in Gullak. For the show, the actor stepped into a completely different zone and even underwent a major physical transformation. In a conversation with ETimes, Vaibhav shared, 'This is the first time I went through a physical transformation." He added, 'I was on a strict diet for eight months during the shoot. When you have a good body, you feel confident. Even the stylists are excited to work with you because you can carry off anything!" Vaibhav Raj Gupta Feels Good After Transformation The transformation went beyond just appearances, eventually marking a shift in how he carried himself, both on and off the screen. He added, 'Before this show, I looked very different. I didn't go to the gym or follow any diet. But the transformation changed everything—your personality, your presence. You start getting noticed more. There's a shift in your aura. You walk into a room and there's a new kind of energy. My health is good, I look good, and I feel good today." Although Vaibhav is now earning recognition for his role in Mandala Murders, his journey in the industry has been far from easy. He started his career with small roles, like playing a traffic signal boy in Noor and had his fair share of challenges and lessons in his journey. Recalling the early days, he noted, 'When you're new and unaware of how things work, it's easy to be misled. I was once promised a lead role, and during narration, they made it sound like an important character. But later, I found myself just standing in a crowd, cheering for the hero." The Plot Of Mandala Murders The plot of the show revolves around detectives Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor) and Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) investigating a string of bizarre murders which leads them to a complex web of secrets. As they uncover mysterious symbols and hidden motives, it leads them to face a secret society where the line between faith and madness is blurred. First Published: August 02, 2025, 15:39 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vaibhav Raj Gupta on his physical transformation! Says I look good, I feel good
Vaibhav Raj Gupta For his latest show Mandala Murders, actor Vaibhav Raj Gupta underwent a striking physical transformation—one that he says significantly boosted his confidence. 'This is the first time I went through a physical transformation,' Vaibhav shares. 'I was on a strict diet for eight months during the shoot. When you have a good body, you feel confident. Even the stylists are excited to work with you because you can carry off anything!' Reflecting on how far he has come, he adds, 'Before this show, I looked very different. I didn't go to the gym or follow any diet. But the transformation changed everything—your personality, your presence. You start getting noticed more. There's a shift in your aura. You walk into a room and there's a new kind of energy. My health is good, I look good, and I feel good today.' Best known for his role in the acclaimed series Gullak, Vaibhav has had a long and evolving journey in the industry. From minor roles—like playing a traffic signal boy in Noor—to now taking on meatier characters, it hasn't always been smooth sailing. Speaking candidly about the early struggles, he recalls, 'When you're new and unaware of how things work, it's easy to be misled. I was once promised a lead role, and during narration, they made it sound like an important character. But later, I found myself just standing in a crowd, cheering for the hero. That happens a lot in the beginning.' Despite the setbacks, he harbours no resentment. 'I have gone through so much,' he says with a smile. 'But these are the experiences you learn from. I'm proud of my journey. Mumbai doesn't teach you anything directly—but it teaches you a lot about yourself: what kind of person you are, and the kind of artiste you can become.'
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak's ‘Annu' steps into darker territory in Mandala Murders
Vaibhav Raj Gupta is showing audiences that he's far more than Gullak's affable Annu. In Netflix's gripping crime thriller Mandala Murders, he takes on a starkly contrasting role as a suspended cop caught in a maze of serial murders and haunting pasts. His powerful performance is being lauded for breaking type and revealing a darker, more intense facet of his talent. If you don't know who he is, we have got you covered. Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak actor now in Mandala Murders Vaibhav Raj Gupta, born on January 19, 1991, in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, began his career in theatre before moving into film and television. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Anand 'Annu' Mishra in the popular web series Gullak (2019–2024), where his relatable performance resonated with audiences throughout its run. Before his breakout role, he featured in projects like Noor (2017) and Good Bad Girl (2022), steadily establishing himself as a performer committed to strong storytelling and nuanced characters. Vaibhav Raj Gupta in Mandala Murders In Netflix's thriller Mandala Murders, Vaibhav steps into a much darker role as Vikram Singh, a suspended police officer haunted by his past. He joins forces with CBI officer Rea Thomas (played by Vaani Kapoor) to investigate a string of ritualistic killings in the fictional town of Charandaspur, Uttar Pradesh. His powerful performance in the series has drawn praise from critics, who have commended his ability to shed the affable image of 'Annu' and embrace a more intense, emotionally layered character, highlighting his remarkable versatility as an actor. Vaibhav Raj Gupta talks about the success of Gullak As per The New Indian Express, reflecting on the moment he knew the show was a success, Vaibhav Raj Gupta recounted how deeply moved he was by the reactions of his family especially his parents, grandmother, and aunt after watching the first season. Seeing the happiness in their eyes made him feel confident that the show had truly connected with its audience. He credited the show's success to its thoughtful writing and well-developed characters, noting that even the best actors can't salvage a poorly written script. Vaibhav also praised the dedication of the entire team, from directors and writers to actors and crew and admitted that Gullak holds a special place in his heart as his favourite project to date.
India.com
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Mandala Murders Trailer Out: Dive Into Mythological Crime-Thriller Ahead Of Its Release
Mumbai: Netflix treated the movie buffs with the enchanting trailer of its forthcoming mythological crime-thriller, "Mandala Murders" on Tuesday. Set against the backdrop of an eerie town called Charandaspur, the series will show detectives Rea Thomas (Played by Vaani Kapoor) and Vikram Singh (Played by Vaibhav Raj Gupta) attempting to resolve a series of ritualistic killings linked to a centuries-old secret society. Aside from Vaani and Vaibhav, "Mandala Murders" will also see Shriya Pilgaonkar, Siddhanth Kapoor, Rahul Bagga, Raghubir Yadav, and Monica Choudhary in key roles. Talking about "Mandala Murders", Gopi Puthran, creator and director said, 'From the start, our goal with Mandala Murders was to create a world that feels unknown yet grounded — where every truth has layers and every answer leads to more questions. Crafting the tension, weaving in symbolism, and watching this brilliant cast bring it to life has been incredibly rewarding. Partnering with Netflix gave us the scale and vision to bring this layered story to life.' Director Manan Rawat added, 'Every episode adds another piece to the puzzle - challenging everything you think you know. Vaani, Vaibhav, and Surveen bring a rare blend of raw emotion and intensity with their performances. With Netflix we were able to craft a world that's as visually compelling as it is emotionally charged — where every frame deepens the suspense, and every character leaves an impact.' Tanya Bami, Series Head at Netflix shared, 'Mandala Murders, our next offering is very exciting series that blends the world of crime and mythology, where every layer reveals something more mysterious and eerie. This compelling mystery unravels with every episode, where each murder or killing takes the audience a step deeper into the mandala! We absolutely love the concept and the mythology that Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat have created, not only is it intriguing but also distinctly rooted in our storytelling culture. With Yash Raj Films, our longstanding creative partners backing this vision, and a standout cast led by Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, and Shriya Pilgaonkar, this is a story that grips you from the get-go." "Mandala Murders" will premiere on Netflix on July 25.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Mandala Murders trailer: Vaani Kapoor plays detective investigating ritualistic killings in the crime-thriller series. Watch
Mandala Murders trailer: The trailer of Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Surveen Chalwa's upcoming web series Mandala Murders was released on July 15. Produced by YRF Entertainment and directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat, the crime-thriller will premiere on Netflix on July 25. In her OTT debut, Vaani will be seen playing the role of a detective. Taking to their official Instagram handle, Netflix India shared the trailer and wrote in the caption, 'Kuch rahasya vigyaan aur vishwaas se pare hai. Mol chukane ka samay aa gaya hai. Watch Mandala Murders, out 25 July, only on Netflix.' Mandala Murders, set in the town of Charandaspur, follows two detectives as they solve the mystery of a series of ritualistic murders, connected to a secret society that has been present in the shadows for centuries. In the trailer, Vaani Kapoor's Rea Thomas and her partner Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) are seen dealing with political pressure as they investigate a series of murders, only to uncover that they're part of a chilling conspiracy, not ordinary crimes. Check out the trailer of Mandala Murders here: The ensemble cast of the series also features Shriya Pilgaonkar, Siddhanth Kapoor, Rahul Bagga, Raghubir Yadav, and Monica Choudhary in key roles. ALSO READ | Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's film Abir Gulaal faces opposition from MNS: 'Won't let the film release in Maharashtra' Co-director and creator Gopi Puthran opened up about the making of Mandala Murders and said, 'From the start, our goal was to build a world that feels both unfamiliar and real, a place where every truth has multiple layers and every answer raises new questions. Crafting the atmosphere of tension and symbolism, and seeing such a gifted cast bring the story to life, has been incredibly rewarding. Partnering with Netflix has given us the platform to realise this vision on a grand scale.' Co-director Manan Rawat added, 'Each episode peels back another piece of the puzzle, constantly challenging viewers' assumptions. Vaani, Vaibhav, and Surveen deliver performances rich with emotion and intensity, bringing authenticity to their complex characters. Netflix enabled us to create a visually stunning world that also pulses with emotional depth — every frame adds to the suspense, and every character leaves a lasting impression.'
