EP-267 | Life as a Kashmiri Pandit, Attack on Saif, Movies, Family & More | Kunal Kemmu

Born in Srinagar, Kunal Kemmu comes from a family of actors. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Raja Hindustani (1996), and Zakhm (1998).

Kunal made his debut as a lead actor in Kalyug (2005) and went on to star in several films, including the Golmaal franchise, Go Goa Gone (2013), and intense dramas like Traffic Signal (2007) and Blood Money (2012).

In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kunal opens up about the Kashmiri Pandit exodus in the 1990s and how it affected his family. He also shares why he chose to become an actor and what life was like growing up in Srinagar.

Kunal talks about the attack on his brother-in-law, Saif Ali Khan, and recalls the terrifying incident when his wife, Soha Ali Khan’s, house was robbed, explaining how he dealt with the situation.

He also discusses his directorial debut, Madgaon Express (2024), how fatherhood has changed him, and the important role fitness plays in his life.

00:00 - Introduction

00:44 - Growing Up as a Kashmiri Pandit

08:33 - Will Kashmiri Pandits Return to the Valley?

10:37 - Life in Bombay vs. Kashmir

12:17 - Entering the Industry as a Child Actor

18:50 - Transitioning from Child Actor to Adult Roles

22:36 - Working with Different Directors

24:00 - Directing 'Madgaon Express'

29:50 - Film on the Kashmiri Pandit Exodus

32:47 - Conversations at Actors' Family Dinners

35:40 - Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Incident

42:18 - Growing Up in the Public Eye as an Actor’s Kid

45:27 - How Social Media is Affecting Children

47:49 - Love for Travel

53:35 - Staying Physically Fit

1:06:37 - What’s Coming Up in 2025