Kunal Kemmu began his career as a child artist and has since built a versatile portfolio spanning comedy, drama, and character-driven roles. With his directorial debut Madgaon Express (2024) earning critical acclaim, he now balances acting and directing. Additionally, he has ventured into music, releasing his debut single Locha last year and his second track Nindiya recently.
On Creative Freedom and Perceptions
Despite his multiple reinventions, Kunal remains remarkably detached from industry perceptions. When asked if people overlook his broader creative range due to his light-hearted roles, he says, “To be honest, one part of maturing has been that I have stopped complaining about things and thinking about what others think of me. I love the things that I do and I just want to keep creating.”
Directing’s Impact on Acting
Transitioning behind the camera has refined Kunal’s acting approach. He explains, “I feel much more at ease as an actor now on set. I’m no longer imagining what it could be if I had to approach a scene as a filmmaker. I feel like I get to do that with my own films and so now I’m only working on giving the director what he wants from me and it’s easier to switch off the director within.”
Parenting Away from the Spotlight
Kunal and wife Soha Ali Khan, both from film families, maintain a grounded environment for their daughter Inaaya. He shares, “We have always lived the way we feel comfortable and happy, with no special effort made. As far as exposure goes, we’ve again just done what we’re comfortable with and refused what didn’t make sense to us. There’s no judgment, and there’s no right or wrong approach for anyone. Every parent decides what’s right or wrong for their children and for their family.”
Writing a Lullaby for Inaaya
The song Nindiya originated from bedtime rituals with his daughter. Kunal recalls, “I would often tell Inaaya stories at bedtime and even sing songs — mostly lullabies. She would ask me lots of questions about them, so I promised her that I would write and sing one for her, and that’s how Nindiya happened. I knew that someone out there would connect with it and play it for their kids as well. I’m an instinct-driven person when it comes to most things in my life, especially music and films.”
