There was a time when Kunal Kemmu had films lined up one after another, and there were also months when the phone simply stopped ringing. The actor, who is now juggling multiple projects while hosting the reality show The Alliance, recently looked back on one of the toughest phases of his career. He spoke candidly about spending months without work, dealing with uncertainty, and the kind of advice he received from people within the film industry to stay relevant.
For many actors, success in Bollywood can change overnight, and Kunal admitted he has experienced both extremes. While he is currently enjoying a busy schedule, he believes every actor lives with the possibility that another dry spell could arrive at any time.
Kunal Kemmu Opens Up About Industry Advice
During a conversation with News18, Kunal revealed that several people suggested he become more socially active if he wanted better opportunities. According to him, he was encouraged to build a strong public relations team, attend industry gatherings, host influential people, and even send gifts to stay in the spotlight. Although he understands why such advice is given, he admitted that it never suited his personality.
Sharing his experience, Kunal said, “That’s the thing about advice. If it works for you, it’s good, and if it doesn’t, it’s bad. What I got wasn’t really bad advice but it didn’t work for me. I was told that I must have a PR and a PR machinery behind me because it’s very important. I was also told to show up at places, be in the circles, host people and send them gifts. But I don’t think all this is bad advice.”
Instead of following that path, the actor chose to rely on patience and focus on improving his work. Over the years, Kunal has often been praised for his performances in comedy as well as serious roles, but he has largely stayed away from the aggressive networking culture that many believe is necessary to survive in the industry.
The Fear Of Being Without Work Never Goes Away
Kunal also reflected on the emotional toll that comes with long periods of unemployment. He recalled that after working continuously for years, there were times when a film failed and suddenly there was no work for months. Those moments, he said, brought anxiety and self-doubt, making him question when the next opportunity would arrive.
Speaking about that difficult period, he shared, “Now I’m busier but there have been times in my life where I was working continuously for two years without getting a day off. And then, a film didn’t work and I was home for six-eight months or even a year. I know that phase can come back. When you’re out of work is also when you’re nervous, wondering will I work again? That’s the unpredictable nature of the business that all actors go through – right from the biggest stars to newcomers.”
The actor explained that this uncertainty is something nearly everyone in the film business experiences, regardless of their popularity. Whether it is an established star or someone just beginning their career, every actor eventually faces moments where opportunities slow down. According to Kunal, handling those phases mentally can often be more challenging than preparing for a role.
He further spoke about the difficult choices actors sometimes have to make between waiting for meaningful projects and accepting work simply to remain active. That balance, he said, becomes even harder when there are limited opportunities available. Many performers struggle with deciding whether to stay patient for the right script or take whatever comes their way to keep their careers moving.
Busy Schedule Marks A New Chapter
The conversation comes at a time when Kunal Kemmu is entering one of the busiest phases of his professional journey. After making his directorial debut with Madgaon Express, which earned appreciation for its blend of comedy and adventure, he has expanded his work both in front of and behind the camera. Alongside acting assignments, he is also exploring filmmaking with greater confidence.
Kunal is next set to appear in Golmaal 5, the latest installment in Rohit Shetty’s popular comedy franchise featuring Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor and several familiar faces. He is also preparing to direct Vibe, a film that marks Preity Zinta’s return to the big screen. The project will also feature Kunal himself alongside Sparsh Shrivastava, Vanshika Dhir, Dinesh Lal Yadav and Yashpal Sharma.
His journey reflects how unpredictable the entertainment industry can be, where long periods of uncertainty often exist alongside moments of remarkable success. For Kunal, however, staying committed to his craft has remained more important than chasing visibility, and he believes that approach has ultimately helped shape the career he has today.
