Vaibhav Modi On Friendship Writing Mental Health And Why He Would Choose Words Over Everything

For Vaibhav Modi, writing has never been simply a profession. It is a part of his identity, a creative space he has returned to across films, television, streaming and music. A writer, lyricist, producer and the founder of Victor Tango Entertainment, Modi has spent more than two decades working across different forms of storytelling. His professional journey includes writing and creating content across television and digital platforms, while his production company has been behind projects including Mukhbir: The Story of a Spy and Tripling. In a recent conversation, Modi opened up about friendship, the importance of audience feedback, his deep connection with poetry and ghazals, the emotional role of music and literature, and what young people should remember while navigating an increasingly fast-paced world.

Talking about the relationship between creators and the people who follow their work, Vaibhav Modi said, “A very common thing among my friends is that, these days, the primary way we stay connected is through a WhatsApp group—usually with some quirky name—where we constantly share things. So, if something comes up—say, a promo drops or I come across an article—and I haven't shared it with them beforehand, the first complaint I get is, 'Why didn't you tell us?' I usually tell them, 'Look, you all have your own professions, right? If you're a broker, you don't tell me exactly how many plots of land you've sold or when you sold them.' But they argue, 'No, that’s not the same thing; you’re just one of us doing something unique, so it’s our birthright to know.' Friends play such a vital, significant role in our lives.” For Modi, the anecdote captures something larger about creative work: when friends and audiences feel personally connected to what a creator does, their encouragement becomes an important part of the journey.

That connection to writing becomes even clearer when Modi is asked what he enjoys most among all the things he has done professionally. He has worked as a writer, lyricist and producer, but there is little hesitation in his answer. Vaibhav said, “I’ve been absolutely clear on the answer to that for years. The reason I became a producer was so that if I ever faced trouble finding work as a writer or lyricist, I could at least hire myself. I didn't want to be dependent on anyone else for writing—something so close to my heart, whether it’s poetry, ghazals, or any other form. Plus, being a producer gives you certain advantages; it allows you to take forward other people's stories, your own stories and poems, and the work of others." He then explained why production was also a natural fit for him, adding, “...so I felt I could do it. I do possess certain capabilities—knowing how to run organizations and manage teams, for instance. But if you asked me to choose, I would prefer writing any day.” That philosophy sits comfortably alongside Modi’s long association with writing and music, including his recent work in the ghazal space with singer Papon. His creative work has continued to move between commercial storytelling and more intimate forms of poetry.

The conversation then moved towards a subject that has become increasingly relevant for younger audiences: mental health and the role that music, poetry and literature can play in providing emotional relief. Modi was careful not to present himself as an expert on the clinical aspects of mental health. Instead, he focused on the emotional and reflective value of art. Vaibhav said, “Look, mental health is a vast subject with clinical aspects—areas I am perhaps not the right person to speak on. I may not be qualified to express an opinion on those specific facets. However, there is one thing I would certainly like to say: whether it is music or literature, both offer a sense of solace. We need that solace because the hectic, fast-paced lives we often find ourselves leading can gradually become the default rhythm of our existence. We forget to pause and take a breath; we forget to stop for a moment and reflect on ourselves; we forget to ask if we are losing ourselves in the process. But the moment you turn to music or poetry, you find a sense of grounding. It acts as a mirror, showing you who you truly are. There is a wonderful saying: while science tells us where we are headed, the arts tell us where we come from. Staying connected to that keeps you grounded. It helps resolve negative feelings, deep-seated complexes, or any form of anxiety. That said, regarding the clinical aspect of mental health—as a society, it is our duty to ensure that anyone struggling gets the right help; music and literature cannot replace that. That is what I would like to emphasize.” His distinction is important: while Modi sees art as a source of comfort and self-reflection, he explicitly separates that emotional support from professional care for clinical mental health concerns.

When asked about upcoming projects, Modi offered audiences a small but intriguing tease without revealing too much. Vaibhva said, “I can tell you right now that the second season of a very popular series of ours is definitely coming soon. I’m not in a position to reveal exactly which one it is just yet.” While the title remains under wraps, the announcement adds another chapter to a career that has moved between scripted and unscripted entertainment, production and writing. Victor Tango Entertainment describes itself as a content and events studio working across scripted series, non-scripted formats, branded content and events, with Modi as one of its co-founders. His portfolio has included projects such as Mukhbir: The Story of a Spy, while his writing and creative work has also extended into music and poetry.

For his final message, Modi turned his attention to the younger generation and the importance of remaining engaged with the world beyond one's immediate creative or professional ambitions. Vaibhav said, “As for my message to the audience—especially the younger generation—I would urge you to follow your passions. Stay informed about society and even politics. We have seen that when an entire generation unites to raise its voice for a worthy cause, real change happens. So, I think the most important and exciting thing I want to convey to viewers is this: stay aware, and speak up whenever it is necessary.” It is a message that brings together many of the ideas he discussed during the conversation: follow what genuinely matters to you, remain connected to people around you, make time for art and reflection, and do not become so consumed by the speed of modern life that you stop paying attention to the world. For Modi, writing may remain the thing he would choose “any day,” but his larger creative philosophy appears to be about staying curious, grounded and connected—and allowing those experiences to eventually find their way into the stories we tell.