On Cinema

Kunal’s views on cinema:

I don’t care what category the film falls under. I am ready to do any kind of movies, as long as people like them after all that’s what matters.

Acting was always at the back of my mind. I loved being in front of the camera. In fact, halfway through Aks, I’d decided that I wanted to be an actor. Whenever they needed anyone to stand in or give the cues, I’d volunteer. If a junior artist was missing, I used to fill in. I found the whole process very appealing.

Honestly, I’m a big film-buff. Besides the acting, I love everything else that goes into the making of a film- the editing, cinematography, production design and all the other technicalities. I am fascinated by the elements of cinema.

There are different reasons for choosing a role. Just recently, a director called me and asked me to read only three lines. I can’t name him as I’m in the process of signing, but those three lines were so interesting that I immediately latched on to the project. There are also times when a script doesn’t seem appealing on the first reading, and it takes even three or more readings to see how good it is. It’s not always the role. Sometimes the story attracts you and sometimes merely the opportunity to work with someone you admire, irrespective of the fact that you may not like the story. But you’re certain that the director will embellish it with his trademark style and vision, and push you as an actor to bring the best out of you.

I’m here to play different roles and characters…so be prepared to see me in an out and out masala film…dancing around the trees and all!

Nasseruddin Shah had once told me that if your director is adept, there’s nothing to worry about but if your director’s incompetent you’re screwed anyways!

Actors do not become caricatures of themselves so much as the audience enjoys them in a particular mode. As an actor you can play a role either with that notion in mind or not.

Acting is all about the thought; and if you play the same kind of roles you don’t have to worry about thinking differently for each role. But I don’t find that approach exciting. I’m here to play different kind of roles, different personalities and I would never be happy playing the same type of roles over and over again.

Cinema is a reflection of our society, and as people we are more emotional and dramatic. That is why cinema around the world is different, because it reflects the kind of society and culture that it comes from. Our society is dramatic by nature- you just have to put on the news and it’s like a soap opera!

As an actor you’re efforts should be directed towards the intent of the film.

On Spirituality

Kunal’s views on being spiritual:

I find alternative things very fascinating. I love reading books on philosophy and spirituality. I have been learning martial arts for a while now. The style I’m learning, is Goju-Ryu karate. I learn from my teacher, Adil, who comes home to teach me for an hour and 15 minutes, thrice a week. Prior to this, I was learning Tai Chi. I also go to the gym regularly, but focus more on freehand exercises, than on weights. As a form, Tai Chi is more meditative. I have a childlike fantasy to be a Shaolin monk; I find them really fascinating.

I got into the Art of Living course about 10 years ago, but couldn’t practice regularly. I lost touch as I was dabbling in a lot of other things. Art of Living centres around a really powerful breathing technique, called the Sudarshan kriya. It has helped me tremendously, physically and mentally. It’s given me a sense of calm and focus. Also, in today’s hyper world, you tend to get disconnected from yourself.

On being perceived as a sex-symbol

What does he think about it?

The sex symbol tag is okay with me as long as it gets me work. But I really don’t understand how a person who plays a character like Aslam in a film like RDB becomes a sex symbol.

On love and his personal life
Kunal speaks about his life off-screen
I have always been honest about my relations. People read more than what really exists.

I am not hiding anything about my relationships with women in Bollywood. And to inform everyone, I am single.

I think women are more demanding in any relationship as compared to men. On the contrary, men want more space. I don’t like the feeling of insecurity in women.

I don’t believe love at first sight. I am a romantic person from the core of my heart and believe in love relations like others. I am only different in way that I don’t believe in quick love. I am of the view that love takes its own time to develop.

I enjoy being around people, and meeting new people.