According to Kunal, the scheduling conflict arose when his school picnic happened to fall on the same day as a shooting schedule for the film. Faced with this dilemma, his father chose not to make the decision on his behalf, instead asking Kunal and Mahesh Bhatt to work it out between themselves-a move that placed the young actor directly at the center of the negotiation.
Ever resourceful, Bhatt turned to something he knew would appeal to a seven-year-old: a popular samurai video game that Kunal didn't yet own. Bhatt asked what it would take for Kunal to stay back and continue shooting instead of joining his classmates. When Kunal mentioned he didn't have the video game, Bhatt promptly arranged for him to get it-sealing the deal.
At the time, Kunal happily agreed to the trade, believing he had struck a fair bargain in exchange for missing the picnic.
Why It Matters: A Lighthearted Look at Child Stardom
Anecdotes like these offer a rare, humanizing glimpse into the everyday realities faced by child actors, who often had to balance ordinary childhood experiences with professional commitments from a very young age. Kunal's story, while humorous in retrospect, subtly highlights how such trade-offs-however small they may seem to adults-can carry significant emotional weight for a child navigating both worlds simultaneously.
Regret the Next Morning
Despite his initial enthusiasm for the deal, Kunal admitted that his feelings shifted dramatically the very next day. He explained that his school was visible from his house, and as he watched the school bus depart for the picnic with his friends, the reality of his decision hit hard. His classmates reportedly spotted him from the bus, pointing and asking why he wasn't joining them.
Reflecting on that moment, Kunal humorously noted that he considered trading his picnic for a video game "the worst deal of his life" at the time-a sentiment he can now look back on with fondness and amusement.
A Long-Standing Bond With Mahesh Bhatt
This anecdote is just one chapter in a much longer professional relationship between Kunal and Mahesh Bhatt. "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" was Kunal's second film, following his debut in "Sir" (1993), also directed by Bhatt. He went on to appear in other Bhatt-associated projects as a child actor, including "Zakhm." Years later, Bhatt played a pivotal role in relaunching Kunal's career, casting him as the lead actor in "Kalyug" (2005)-a film produced under the Bhatt banner that marked Kunal's transition from child actor to leading man.
What's Next for Kunal Khemu
On the professional front, Kunal continues to expand his presence both in front of and behind the camera. Following his well-received directorial debut with "Madgaon Express" in 2024, he returns with his second directorial venture, "Vibe," where he also stars alongside Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Vanshika Dhir. The action-comedy, produced under Kunal's own Drongo Films banner in association with Amazon MGM Studios, is scheduled to release in theatres on September 18.
Industry Takeaway
Kunal Khemu's fond recollection of his early years with Mahesh Bhatt underscores the lasting influence mentors can have on young talent in the film industry-shaping not just early career opportunities, but also personal memories that actors carry with them well into their adult careers. As he steps further into directing with "Vibe," this nostalgic look back serves as a reminder of just how far his journey has come since those early days on set.
