Mumbai, Dec 7 — Actor Kunal Kemmu has taken a walk down memory lane, reflecting on his experience filming the National Award‑winning movie Zakhm.
In a recent chat with LatestNewsX while promoting his new streaming series “Single Papa,” the versatile Bollywood talent recalled working on Zakhm, a story deeply inspired by the life of Mahesh Bhatt, who directed the film.
Kunal said, “That film was a turning point for me as an actor. Before Zakhm, I felt like a kid in a movie—half the time I wasn’t sure if people saw me only as a cute kid or if they truly cared about my character. I used to wonder, ‘Do they find me funny or do they appreciate the depth? Were they laughing simply because of some one‑liners?’ In the early days, such as in Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, I felt I was just an eight‑year‑old delivering lines.”
He continued, “With Zakhm, it was the first time I felt respected beyond my appearance. That meant a lot to me. Also, working with Bhatt sahab remains one of my most cherished memories. He has been a huge influence on my career, constantly motivating and encouraging me—especially when he gave me a fresh start with Kalyug.”
Kunal pointed out the historical significance of Zakhm: it was Mahesh Bhatt’s last directorial work until the release of Sadak 2, and it marked Pooja Bhatt’s final film as an actress, as well as Bhatt’s last outing as a child actor.
He shared that being part of Zakhm held special weight: “I was thrilled to join the project. Years before filming, Mahesh Bhatt told me he wanted to make this movie and that, ‘If you’re not in it, I won’t make it.’ I thought he was joking. It was around my 10th‑standard year, and I faced doubts about stepping into the role. Then Mukesh Bhatt called my house, spoke to my dad, and said, ‘Bhatt sahab will not make the film if you’re not on board. Please confirm your decision because he’s set on making it.’ I have immense respect and love for Bhatt sahab for that insistence and for providing me such a chance. Even today, we still talk about it. At 15, that movie became one of the most pivotal moments of my life.”
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