Having aced the art of twinning with your wife, how fun is it to complement each other’s outfits?
Have I? Let me just be honest here and tell you that we have never planned or pre-planned to twin our styles, Soha likes to decide much more in advance than I do about what to wear. I’m usually the one to stare at the cupboard just 30 mins before we have to leave to figure out what I should be wearing that particular day. So most times if we do end up looking like we are twinning, it’s just a coincidence!
From being a child artist to who you are now, what made sure that the passion never faded in every ups and downs of your professional life?
I really don’t know. It’s what I have enjoyed doing since I was a kid. I think it comes naturally to me. I love entertaining people, and when I see them entertained, I want to do it all over again. This makes me want to do it in different ways and better myself at it. Besides the passion within, it’s also the support of family, friends and audiences that help me get through low phases.
Who would you credit as your biggest support and cheerleader in life?
My biggest support is my wife Soha and there is no doubt in that! And my very own cheerleaders would be a close competition between my mother, sister and Soha. But they have all now been defeated by my little Inaaya, who is my number one cheerleader. And she doesn’t even know what I do. (smiles)
Presence is the most wonderful present. With a hectic schedule, how do you make sure to find time for your family?
It’s easy to maintain relationships when you have a lot of free time but the true test is finding time for the relationships when you have little. So it is a mix of some planning and scheduling the time better. And sometimes you gotta just swap your time with a little less sleeping hours, skipping a workout or other things so as to prioritise your relationship. Because, as it goes unsaid, family comes first!
What really sparked the idea of getting a tattoo and how significant is it to you as a father?
I’m very instinctive about most things in my life. If I want to do something, I just do it and most of the time I am happy about these instinctive decisions I make. So it was one of those moments that I just wanted to get a tattoo done. It’s the name of my daughter Inaaya written in an interesting way. It is my most favourite tattoo and I love that in some way she is actually physically a part of me.
If falling in love is a blessing, what is being in love like?
Being in love is a bigger blessing. It’s what keeps life moving forth, be it the love for my family, friends, my passion or the love I receive from my fans. Love makes life worth living and as I mentioned before if you are not in love then it’s hard to face life. My love for acting, my love for family are something that stood the test of time and I believe it always will. And that’s a blessing in itself.
When it comes to love do you think ‘opposite attracts’? How true is it in your life?
I think opposites might attract, but it’s essential to also find similarities else it won’t last very long. Same goes in our relationship too. We are very different people but also have a lot in common when it comes to lifestyle and interests. That is where you find a common ground and develop a better understanding of each other. Because at the end of the day we are all in search of home, comfort and love. And these are nothing materialistic but the person who makes you feel home and I guess similarities is what helps there.
One thing you are thankful for in 2021 and takeaways from 2020
2020 was quite a ride! I’m thankful that we all made it through 2020 well and healthy. I’m also very much grateful to know that there is a cure now! 2020 has been a learning curve for all of us. It’s also been professionally a very fulfilling year with all my work, including films and a web show that went very well and received so much love. I’m excited to begin 2021 and I hope it has got everything fine, better and nice.
With better hopes and a lot to be thankful for, we winded our conversation with Kunal Kemmu equally excited as him to chase newer dreams, prioritise love, create happiness and see how the rest of this beautiful year unfolds.