In an exclusive conversation with BeyondSpotlight.in, actor-director Kunal Mehta reflects on his journey from a shy boy in Karnal to building a career in television, films and direction. He speaks candidly about theatre, struggles, meaningful cinema, the responsibilities of a director and why young actors should focus on mastering the craft rather than chasing instant fame.
There are some journeys that are built not on shortcuts but on years of patience, learning and perseverance. Actor-director Kunal Mehta’s story is one such journey.
With over 15 years in the entertainment industry, Kunal has established himself as an actor, theatre performer and director. Yet, despite his achievements, he remains grounded and deeply committed to his craft.
A Journey That Began in Karnal
Kunal belongs to Karnal, Haryana, and comes from an educated family. His father retired from the Central Police Department as an officer, while his mother retired as a Head Teacher. With no one from the entertainment industry in his family, acting was never an obvious career choice.
“I was a very shy child,” Kunal recalls. “In school, I used to watch my friends perform skits. One day, a friend asked me if I would play the role of a thief. I agreed, and that one performance changed everything.”
His passion for acting grew after joining Sarthak Kala Manch, a theatre group in Karnal. Through stage performances and Youth Festivals across India, he realised that acting was more than a hobby—it was his life’s calling.
“After travelling across the country through theatre, I realised that acting was the only thing I truly wanted to do.”
A graduate of Kurukshetra University, Kunal later auditioned for the National School of Drama (NSD). Although he couldn’t make it to the final selection, he attended an acting workshop there before moving to Mumbai to pursue his dream.
Recalling his mother’s words, he smiles and says:
“Jithe da daana-paani likheya, bande ne othe hi jana hai.”
The Reality Behind the Glamour
Like countless newcomers, Kunal’s initial years in Mumbai were filled with uncertainty.
Whenever acting assignments were limited, he worked on dubbing projects and language coaching to support himself financially.
“Talent is important, but luck is equally important. There is no guarantee in this profession.”
He says that newcomers often face delayed payments and difficult working conditions before establishing themselves.
From Theatre to Television and Direction
Kunal’s television journey began with Na Aana Is Des Laado. He later appeared in Singhasan Battisi and also worked on Sony SAB Special 10.
He will soon be seen in the films Shaadi-Vivah and Talaq Mubarak as an actor.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Kunal developed a greater interest in direction. He worked as the Second Unit Director on the web series Anomaly, Rani ka Raja and later served as the Associate Director for Zee Bullet’s vertical series Wrong Rishta.
According to him, acting and direction require completely different mindsets.
“As an actor, I only focus on my character. But as a director, I have to think about every character, every scene and every department. The director is the captain of the team.”
He believes audiences often underestimate the immense effort that goes into filmmaking behind the camera.
“Pre-production, shooting and post-production involve countless people working together. Even many actors don’t realise how much work goes into creating the final product.”
“Acting Is a Beautiful Lie”
One sentence perfectly sums up Kunal Mehta’s philosophy of acting.
“Abhinay ek aisa jhooth hai jo dekhne wale ko sach lagna chahiye.”
He believes that understanding the script is the first responsibility of an actor.
“Read the script carefully. Then read it again. Understand the character’s emotions and connect them with your own experiences.”
Drawn Towards Complex Characters
Kunal hopes to explore more negative and psychologically layered characters in the future.
“Every human being has another side that remains hidden. Those darker shades fascinate me because they reveal the complexities of human nature.”
One such role will be seen in his upcoming film Talaq Mubarak.
Cinema That Leaves an Impact
For Kunal, meaningful storytelling is more important than spectacle.
Among his favourite films are Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool by the legendary Guru Dutt, and Raincoat, starring Ajay Devgan and Aishwarya Rai.
“I enjoy stories that stay with you emotionally. Every language has its own style of storytelling, so actors should watch cinema from every language. That’s where you discover new ideas, emotions and perspectives.”
A Message for Young Actors
Kunal feels that many aspiring actors today spend more time creating reels than learning acting.
“Don’t spend all your time making reels. Acting is much bigger than lip-sync videos.”
He also encourages newcomers to improve their language, pronunciation and reading habits.
“Read books. Watch good cinema. Observe people. Acting is a craft that demands continuous learning.”
One actor he has always admired is .
“I have never had the opportunity to work with or meet Naseer sir as yet. If one day I can reach his level as an actor, it would truly be a dream fulfilled.”
Beyond the Spotlight
Despite working in a public profession, Kunal prefers to keep his personal life private.
“I don’t want every secret of my life to become public. I don’t even dream of writing an autobiography.”
Instead, he hopes to be remembered for the kind of person he was.
“I simply want people to remember me as a good human being and a sincere artist.”
As the conversation concluded, one message stood out above everything else. For Kunal Mehta, success isn’t measured by fame alone. It is earned through discipline, patience, honesty and an endless desire to learn.
His journey reminds every aspiring artist that the spotlight may attract people, but it is dedication to the craft that truly keeps them there.
“Acting is a beautiful lie that feels real.”
By Siddhant Saxena | Founder, BeyondSpotlight.in
