Kunal Thakur's father visits 'Glory' set after 9 years—actor calls it his 'real moment'
Synopsis
Nine years into his acting career, Kunal Thakur finally had his father witness him at work on the 'Glory' set—a moment he says surpassed any premiere or award. The Netflix actor's candid reflection on familial validation over industry accolades struck a chord, revealing how personal milestones can dwarf professional ones.
Key Takeaways
Actor Kunal Thakur , who plays Raka Singh Beniwal in 'Glory' , had his father visit a film set for the first time in his 9-year career.
His parents live in Abu Dhabi ; co-star Mukti Mohan arranged the unexpected visit during shooting. 'Glory' is a 7-episode Netflix sports crime thriller that premiered on 1 May 2024 .
Created by Karan Anshuman and Karmanya Ahuja , the series features an ensemble cast including Divyenndu , Suvinder Vicky , and Jannat Zubair .
Thakur called the moment his "real moment of Glory," placing familial presence above applause or screen time.
Actor Kunal Thakur, who played Raka Singh Beniwal in the Netflix sports crime thriller 'Glory', recently shared an emotionally charged recollection from the production, revealing that his father stepped onto a film set for the first time in his nine-year acting career. The moment, which unfolded during shooting in Mumbai, became what Thakur described as more meaningful than any premiere or screen accolade.
A rare family milestone
Thakur's parents reside in Abu Dhabi, and across nearly a decade of auditions, shoots, and industry struggles, scheduling conflicts and geographical distance had prevented his father from witnessing him at work in person. That changed during the 'Glory' shoot, when co-star Mukti Mohan orchestrated the visit, bringing his father into what Thakur called the "world I've been chasing for almost a decade."
The weight of silent validation
Thakur posted on Instagram describing the scene: his father standing quietly on set, observing him embody Raka, absorbing the reality of his son's professional life. For the actor, that silent presence carried profound significance—not applause or critical recognition, but acknowledgment from the person whose approval mattered most. He wrote, "This was my real moment of Glory, And honestly, nothing will ever top that for me."
About 'Glory'
The seven-episode series, created by Karan Anshuman and Karmanya Ahuja, premiered on Netflix on 1 May 2024. Directed by Anshuman in collaboration with Kanishk Varma, the crime thriller ensemble includes Divyenndu, Suvinder Vicky, Jannat Zubair, Ashutosh Rana, Sikandar Kher, Sayani Gupta, Yashpal Sharma, and Kashmira Pardeshi.
Why it resonates
In an industry often measured by box-office numbers and social-media metrics, Thakur's reflection underscores a quieter truth: that familial presence and understanding can eclipse external validation. His candid post tapped into a relatable tension many performers face—the distance between professional ambition and personal relationships. The moment also highlights how casting decisions and set dynamics can create space for life outside the script.
Point of View
Box-office numbers, premiere attendance—Kunal Thakur's reflection cuts through the noise. His candid post about his father's set visit is a quiet indictment of how the entertainment ecosystem often marginalizes the personal for the professional. That a co-star had to 'make it happen' for a parent to witness their child's work after nearly a decade speaks to the structural isolation of the industry, not just individual circumstance. The fact that he considers it his truest 'moment of glory' is both touching and telling.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kunal Thakur and what is his role in 'Glory'?
Kunal Thakur is an actor who plays Raka Singh Beniwal in the Netflix web series 'Glory' , a seven-episode sports crime thriller that premiered on 1 May 2024 . He is known for his work in Indian television and digital content.
When did Kunal Thakur's father visit him on the 'Glory' set?
Kunal Thakur's father visited the 'Glory' set during the show's production, marking the first time in 9 years that his father had witnessed him working on a film or television set in person. The exact date was not disclosed in his Instagram post.
How did Kunal Thakur's father manage to visit the set?
Co-star Mukti Mohan orchestrated the visit, bringing Thakur's father to the set despite the logistical challenges posed by his parents' residence in Abu Dhabi . Thakur credited Mohan for making the moment happen.
What is 'Glory' and when did it premiere?
'Glory' is a seven-episode Netflix sports crime thriller created by Karan Anshuman and Karmanya Ahuja , directed by Anshuman in collaboration with Kanishk Varma . The series premiered on Netflix on 1 May 2024 and features an ensemble cast including Divyenndu , Suvinder Vicky , Jannat Zubair , and others.
