Cinema VinesIn an interview with the Hindustan Times, veteran actor‑turned‑director Kunal Kemmu opened up about a strange chapter from his childhood that still haunts him. The 39‑year‑old, who first made a name for himself as a precocious child star in the early 1990s, revealed that one of the most memorable—and most regrettable—moments of his early career took place on the set of the 1993 Mahesh Bhatt film Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke.
At just seven years old, Kemmu was cast in the film alongside future stars Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla. While the shoot was in full swing, his school’s annual picnic fell on the same day. The young actor was eager to join his friends, but the production schedule demanded his presence. According to Kemmu, Bhatt approached his father to discuss the conflict, and the father simply declined to intervene, leaving the director to find another solution.
Bhatt allegedly “bribed” the boy by offering him a popular Samurai video game that had just hit the market. Kemmu recounted that he had no such game, so the director purchased one for him in an attempt to keep the child on set. The deal, however, came at a steep price: Kemmu missed the picnic and watched as his classmates rode the school bus, waving and shouting, “Tu nahi aa raha?” (You aren’t coming?)
Despite the awkwardness of the incident, Kemmu’s early work earned him critical praise, notably for his role in the 1993 film Zakhm. He later transitioned to adult roles, making his debut as a lead in the 2005 Mahesh Bhatt‑produced film Kalyug, and in 2024 he stepped behind the camera for his directorial debut, Madgaon Express.
Now, Kemmu is back in front of the camera and behind the wheel of a new project. The spy comedy Vibe, slated for a September 18 theatrical release, sees the actor both directing and starring. The film also features Preity Zinta, Vanshika Dhir, Dinesh Lal Yadav, and Yashpal Sharma, and is produced by Kemmu’s own banner, Drongo Films, in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios.
