Kunal Khemu

aka Kunal Kemmu

Actor

Summary

Kunal Khemu, born on May 25, 1983, is a versatile Indian actor, writer, director, and singer-composer with a distinguished career in Hindi cinema. Born into a Kashmiri Pandit family in Srinagar to actors Ravi and Jyoti Kemmu, he descends from a rich intellectual lineage; his grandfather, Moti Lal Kemmu, was a celebrated Kashmiri playwright and recipient of the Padma Shri. After his family relocated to Mumbai due to the insurgency in Kashmir during the 1990s, Khemu pursued his education at N. L. Dalmia High School and Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics. His artistic journey began as a child actor in the TV series Gul Gulshan Gulfaam and films such as Raja Hindustani and Zakhm. He transitioned into leading roles with the 2005 film Kalyug and later gained widespread acclaim for his impeccable comic timing in the Golmaal franchise as Laxman, as well as in offbeat hits like Go Goa Gone and Lootcase. Beyond acting, he has showcased his range in thrillers like Malang and Bhaag Johnny. In 2024, Khemu expanded his creative repertoire by debuting as a writer and director with the comedy thriller Madgaon Express, a project that earned him the IIFA and Filmfare Awards for Best Debut Director. He is married to actress Soha Ali Khan, with whom he shares a daughter, Inaaya Naumi Khemu.