Mahesh Bhatt on discovering Kunal Kemmu: child actor in Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke to Kalyug lead
Synopsis
Mahesh Bhatt's appearance on Indian Idol wasn't just nostalgia — it was a masterclass in star-making. From casting Kunal Kemmu as a child extra to betting on him as the lead in Kalyug, Bhatt's eye for talent proved vindicated. Kemmu's journey from child roles to adult stardom, culminating in his real-life partnership with Soha Ali Khan, underscores how industry relationships often extend beyond the screen.
Key Takeaways
Mahesh Bhatt appeared on Indian Idol with daughter Pooja Bhatt to discuss his casting history with actor Kunal Kemmu .
Bhatt first cast Kemmu as a child actor in Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke , then as the lead in Kalyug (2005).
Kalyug , directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt , was a crime drama set in the porn industry.
Kunal Kemmu began as a child artist in Sir , Raja Hindustani , and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke before his adult debut.
Kemmu is married to actress Soha Ali Khan , whom he met on the sets of Dhoondhte Reh Jaoge ; they have a daughter Inaaya Kemmu .
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recently appeared on the music reality show Indian Idol alongside his daughter, actress Pooja Bhatt, where he reflected on his long association with actor Kunal Kemmu — from casting him as a child artist to launching him as a lead protagonist.
Discovering Kunal Kemmu
During the episode, wildcard contestant Chaitanya performed a rendition of the superhit song Jiya Dhadak Dhadak Jaye from Kalyug, prompting Bhatt to share his casting journey with Kemmu. Bhatt stated, "Maine toh Kunal ko 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke' time cast kiya tha tab toh voh bachaa tha aur fir baadmein Kalyug mein mujhe laga Kunal will do a good job as I always felt he is a phenomenal actor sach bolu toh." The filmmaker's confidence in Kemmu's talent proved prescient, as the actor delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the 2005 crime drama.
Kalyug: A landmark film
Kalyug, released in 2005, was directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt under Vishesh Films. Set against the backdrop of the dark world of the pornography industry, the film explored themes of exploitation, crime, and morality. The ensemble cast included Kunal Kemmu, Smiley Suri, Emraan Hashmi, and Deepal Shaw. The film marked Kemmu's transition from child roles to adult lead acting.
Kunal Kemmu's early career
Kunal Kemmu began his acting career as a child artist in films including Sir, Raja Hindustani, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, working across multiple genres and gaining early industry recognition. His progression from child roles to substantial lead parts demonstrated his versatility and commitment to the craft. Following Kalyug, Kemmu appeared in films such as Go Goa Gone, Golmaal, and Dhoondhte Reh Jaoge, establishing himself as a reliable performer in Hindi cinema.
Personal life and marriage
On the personal front, Kunal Kemmu is married to actress Soha Ali Khan. The couple met on the sets of Dhoondhte Reh Jaoge, where they dated for several years before marrying. They are parents to a daughter, Inaaya Kemmu. The actor continues to take on diverse film and web projects, maintaining a steady presence in Indian entertainment.
Point of View
And Kemmu's subsequent marriage to Soha Ali Khan — a product of on-set chemistry on Dhoondhte Reh Jaoge — shows how cinema often scripts real life. Yet Kemmu's post-Kalyug career, while steady, never reached the stratospheric heights his early promise suggested. The question remains: was Kalyug his peak, or has Hindi cinema simply failed to cast him in roles worthy of his range?
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mahesh Bhatt first cast Kunal Kemmu?
Mahesh Bhatt first cast Kunal Kemmu as a child actor in Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke. Years later, Bhatt cast him as the lead in Kalyug (2005), marking his transition to adult lead roles.
What is Kalyug about?
Kalyug is a 2005 crime drama directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt. The film is set against the backdrop of the pornography industry and explores themes of exploitation, crime, and morality, with Kunal Kemmu in the lead role.
Who is Kunal Kemmu married to?
Kunal Kemmu is married to actress Soha Ali Khan. The couple met on the sets of Dhoondhte Reh Jaoge, dated for several years, and married. They have a daughter named Inaaya Kemmu.
What films did Kunal Kemmu appear in as a child actor?
Kunal Kemmu appeared in films such as Sir, Raja Hindustani, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke as a child artist before transitioning to adult lead roles.
