Creating characters and telling stories

TALENTED ACTOR KUNAL KHEMU ON HIS LIFE-LONG JOURNEY IN CINEMA

by ASJAD NAZIR

THE life-long cinematic journey of Kunal Khemu started as a naturally gifted child star who evolved into a powerful performer able to take on any role.

That versatility has enabled the chameleon like Indian actor to fit seamlessly into any role and resulted in a diverse body of work.

Today, the devoted husband and father balances work with family life and is married to talented actress Soha Ali Khan. His varied forthcoming projects, which will continue his long journey, include the films Lootcase and Go Goa Gone 2, and the second season of web series Abhay.

Eastern Eye caught up with Kunal Khemu to discuss his amazing cinema journey, future hopes, acting heroes, how he’s coping with the coronavirus disruption and more.

You have been working in cinema since your were a kid, how do you look back on this long journey?

It’s been quite a ride so far. I say ride because being in this industry is like being on a rollercoaster, but a really slow one. The only thing similar is the ups, downs, twists and unexpected turns that come along. I have a lot to be grateful for and there is a lot more that I still want to do. The industry and the players within it are constantly evolving, along with the audience and content we are making, which motivates me to look forward.

You have done interesting projects, but which of your roles has given you the greatest joy?

I’ve enjoyed playing all the roles completely as they have all been so different from one another. But if I had to pick one then it has to be Hardik from Go Goa Gone as it was also something that I wrote for, and was probably the first time ever a character like that was seen in a Hindi film.

Which role challenged you the most?

Michael Rodriguez from my last release Malang. It was different. It had many layers and shades to it, most of which I had never portrayed before, and it was a role that took me out of my comfort zone. It made me challenge myself physically and mentally, which is what you look for as an actor.

You have worked with some incredible people, but who has been the most memorable?

It has to be Mahesh Bhatt. I feel blessed to have had an opportunity of working with him so early on in my life. He saw me not as a kid, but as an actor even when I was all of eight-years-old. He always spoke to me as an equal and heard me like one too. He has been responsible for me being an actor today by giving me films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Zakhm and then launching me with Kalyug. My love and respect for him goes beyond just these films.

Is finding that great role the biggest challenge you face?

The biggest challenge sometimes is to find someone to back the film with that great role. The business of films is one that is based on a lot of mathematics that’s not always just dependent on talent. Careers get made and sometimes destroyed on a Friday, based on the box office collections. So as actors, we all strive to do films that we believe in and hope that all things add up, and it works at the box office. And once we have a couple of those, it becomes easier to make the maths work in your favour.

You are a versatile actor. Do you have a set method of preparing for a role or creating a character?

I think it’s a process that works more at a subconscious level. I like to understand the role first from the writer and director, so that I know what it is they had in their mind and then I try to make it my own. Sometimes you start getting it right from day one and sometimes you slowly get into the groove over a couple of days.

Who is your own acting hero?

It would be impossible to choose just one. Honestly, they keep changing. While Al Pacino and Robert De Niro maintain that legendary status, just like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, there are others who have impacted me with specific roles, including Steve Carrel and Jim Carey. There is off course Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Joker in The Dark Knight. Now, Joaquin Phoenix in Joker! So, they are actors that have made an impact on me. Not that I try to be like them in any way, but it’s performances like those that you aspire to deliver.

You are married to talented actress Soha Ali Khan. How much of a support system is she?

She is the first one I turn to in happiness and sorrow. I seek her advice on things from time to time and now she gets me better than anyone else.

What do you most like about Soha as an actor?

I like the elegance and charm she brings to all the roles that she has played.

You are both talented actors, but how much do you discuss your work at home?

Actually, we don’t discuss work a lot. It is mostly just information basis, unless either of us needs each other’s point of view or advice on something.

Is it easy for you to balance work and family life?

It’s been all good so far, besides the fact that sometimes I miss spending more time with (daughter) Inaaya. Other than that, I think we have a good balance and I hope to maintain it in the future as well.

How are you coping with the coronavirus disrupting everything and what are you doing with this enforced break?

It’s been a matter of serious concern globally. I was filming for season two of my show Abhay, and we have now had to stop work on account of the virus as a safety measure. The well-being of people comes before anything else. It has affected all businesses and life in general. We are taking all possible precautions and hoping that it settles down with minimal damage to lives all around the world. How long the enforced break lasts remains to be seen.

What films do you have on the way?

I have a film called Lootcase that is up for release soon. Other than that, Abhay season two launches in a couple of months. I am also looking forward to Golmaal 5 and Go Goa Gone 2 later this year.

What is the master plan going forward?

I just want to keep doing what I love and feel blessed to be in this industry. I don’t really waste time making plans because plans rarely work out exactly the way you plan them. Right?

Do you have a dream role?

I believe as an actor, you have to remain open to all challenges. I don’t really have a dream role as such, but something like Joker would be just amazing.

Apart from spending time with family, what are your big passions away from work?

I enjoy writing, music, riding motorbikes, diving and travelling.

What inspires you?

Like most creative people, I am open to inspiration from anywhere. But if you are talking more specifically then a good film, show or a performance really inspires me, as does a well-written scene.

If you could master something new now, what would it be?

I would love to master directing a film. I have loved watching films from a very early age and film is a director’s medium. They are the captain of that ship and the storyteller, so I would love to tell a good story on screen one day and direct.

Why do you love cinema?

Cinema has been a part of me my whole life. It is the only medium for me besides real life that has the power to invoke emotions and make one believe and dream.