From Child Artist to Contemporary Star

Kunal Khemu’s journey in Bollywood reads like a road‑trip documentary – full of twists, scenic detours, and moments where he had to take the wheel himself. Starting as a child actor in the late 1990s, Kunal transitioned into adult roles with a blend of grit and charm, earning critical acclaim for films such as Kalyug (2005) and Go Goa Gone (2013). In a recent candid interview with The Quint, he opened up about his upcoming project ‘Vibe’, the influence of veteran actresses Preity Zinta and Sharmila Tagore, and why he feels it’s time to drive his own narrative.

‘Vibe’: A Sonic‑Visual Experiment

‘Vibe’ is not just another Bollywood thriller; it’s an experimental blend of music, technology, and storytelling. Kunal describes it as:

“A film that lives on the rhythm of everyday life, where each frame is a beat and every dialogue is a chord.”

The movie reportedly explores the lives of three urban millennials whose destinies intersect at a music‑festival‑turned‑crash‑site. Kunal, who also serves as a co‑producer, says the script was inspired by his own experiences navigating the chaotic traffic of Mumbai – both literal and metaphorical. He likens the film’s structure to a DJ set, where tracks are layered, remixed, and dropped at just the right moment.

Why the Title Matters

The word vibe captures the film’s core philosophy: energy over ego. In an industry often dominated by star‑power, Kunal believes a resonant vibe can out‑shine flashbulbs. He hopes the project will encourage younger creators to focus on authenticity rather than formulaic glamour.

Learning from the Legends: Preity Zinta & Sharmila Tagore

Kunal’s reverence for Preity Zinta and Sharmila Tagore goes beyond fan‑admiration; it’s a mentorship model that reflects a broader shift toward female empowerment in Indian cinema.

• Preity Zinta – Known for her fearless roles in Dil Se and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Preity’s off‑screen activism (especially her support for the Indian Premier League’s women’s initiatives) resonated with Kunal. He credits her for teaching him the importance of standing up for one’s convictions, even when the script or industry trends push otherwise.
• Sharmila Tagore – A timeless icon, Sharmila’s evolution from a Madhubala‑era beauty to a powerful voice in the Parliament of India offers a masterclass in reinvention. Kunal says, “Watching Sharmila transition from silver‑screen royalty to a parliamentarian reminded me that the real drama happens beyond the set.”

These conversations have shaped Kunal’s approach to taking the driver’s seat in his career – a metaphor he uses to describe both literal driving scenes in Vibe and his strategic choices in selecting roles.

Taking the Driver’s Seat: A Metaphor for Agency

In the interview, Kunal recounted a scene from Vibe where his character must drive through a monsoon‑soaked Mumbai lane, symbolizing the tumultuous path of a modern Indian youth. The director asked Kunal to pilot the actual car during the shoot, a decision Kunal embraced to inject realism. He reflects:

“When you’re behind the wheel, you control the speed, the direction, and the reaction to obstacles. It’s the same with my career – I’m no longer a passenger to trends; I’m steering my own story.”

The Bigger Picture

Kunal’s narrative aligns with a growing trend among Bollywood’s younger generation: ownership of content. Actors like Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are increasingly co‑producing, writing, and even directing. This shift signals a democratization of storytelling, where creative control is no longer the sole domain of a handful of producers.

Takeaways for Aspiring Artists

1. Mentorship Matters – Seek guidance from seasoned professionals, regardless of gender.
2. Own Your Narrative – Whether it’s a film, a song, or a career decision, be the driver.
3. Embrace Experimentation – Projects like Vibe prove that risk‑taking can yield fresh, resonant art.
4. Stay Grounded in Reality – Authenticity, as Kunal demonstrates, often stems from lived experiences – even a rainy Mumbai drive.

Looking Ahead

‘Vibe’ is slated for a late‑2024 release, with Kunal promising a soundtrack curated by indie musicians and visuals shot across Mumbai’s lesser‑known lanes. As he prepares to step behind the camera and the steering wheel, the industry watches with anticipation. If his words hold true, Kunal Khemu may just redefine what it means to drive Bollywood forward.

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By [Your Name], Senior Chief Editor & Photojournalist Director

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Original Reporting & Source: The Quint