Kunal Khemu made his debut as a child actor with Doordarshan’s 'Gul Gulshan Gulfaam' and quickly caught everyone’s attention.
In the film industry, there’s a common belief that child stars rarely match their early fame as adults. Kunal Khemu’s journey fits that narrative in many ways. As a child actor, he was a household name—charming, natural, and unforgettable on screen. Over the years, he has delivered solid performances in films like 'Kalyug', 'Go Goa Gone', and series like 'Abhay'. He has found success, no doubt—but the kind of fame he enjoyed as a child has somehow always stayed a few steps ahead.
On the actor-filmmaker's 42nd birthday, let’s take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the roles that made young Kunal a star.
'Sir', directed by Mahesh Bhatt, was Kunal’s grand Bollywood entrance at age 10, and boy, did he make a splash! This gritty drama starred Naseeruddin Shah as a professor caught in a gang war, with Pooja Bhatt and Atul Agnihotri as his allies. Kunal played the professor’s son, a small but pivotal role as an innocent victim whose tragic death sets the film’s intense plot in motion. His wide-eyed vulnerability tugged at heartstrings, making the audience root for justice before they even knew his name. His natural chemistry with Shah added a layer of authenticity—imagine a kid holding his own against a legend like Shah!
In the Aamir Khan-Karisma Kapoor blockbuster 'Raja Hindustani', Kunal played Rajnikant, Aamir’s cheeky sidekick whose mischief lights up the screen. This romantic drama, drenched in 90s Bollywood masala, follows a taxi driver’s love story against class divides. Rajnikant, named after the legendary superstar, is a pint-sized assistant who helps Aamir’s Raja navigate life and love with a twinkle in his eyes. Kunal’s flirtatious charm and comic timing were so spot-on that some say he nearly overshadowed Aamir! His sassy one-liners and playful banters brought levity to the film’s heavier moments, making Rajnikant the ultimate wingman.
Mahesh Bhatt’s 'Zakhm' is a gut-wrenching tale of communal strife, and Kunal’s role as young Ajay, the childhood version of Ajay Devgn, was haunting. Appearing in flashbacks, Kunal portrayed the son of a Muslim mother (Pooja Bhatt) and a Hindu father (Nagarjuna), caught in the crossfire of religious tensions. The actor's expressive eyes and raw emotion as the character navigates his mother’s struggles won him awards and the audience tears alike. Kunal’s performance added depth to Devgn’s adult character, showing the scars of a childhood marred by prejudice. His scenes with Pooja Bhatt were tender yet heavy, showcasing a depth that made grown-ups jealous.
(Credit: BollyHD 1080p Music)
In the action-packed 'Bhai', Kunal played Kishna, the younger brother of Suniel Shetty’s character, Kundan. This film, a classic 90s masala flick, revolves around Kundan’s fight against corruption, with Kishna’s tragic death at the climax fueling the hero’s rage. Kunal’s role was small but mighty—his bond with Shetty was so heartfelt that it made the audience root for vengeance when things went south. His innocence was the film’s emotional anchor, and his ability to convey love and loss in just a few scenes was pure magic. He proved he could make even a supporting role unforgettable.
Who can forget Sunny, the naughty little rascal in 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke'? In this Aamir Khan-Juhi Chawla rom-com, Kunal played the youngest of three mischievous kids living with their uncle, Rahul (Aamir). Sunny’s pranks and cheeky grin were the heart of the film’s humor, turning chaotic family moments into laugh-out-loud scenes. Kunal’s chemistry with Aamir and the other kids (played by Kunal’s real-life cousins) was so natural it felt like a real family squabble. His ability to balance mischief with moments of vulnerability—like when the kids realize their uncle’s struggles—added warmth to the film. More than a comic relief, Sunny was the glue that made the family’s love shine. His infectious energy made Sunny the poster child for 90s Bollywood brats, and we loved every bit of it.
In the intense thriller 'Dushman', Kunal played Bhim, the loyal “orderly” to Sanjay Dutt’s blind ex-army officer. This film, a tale of revenge and redemption, saw him as the caretaker who brings light to Sanjay’s dark world. Named Bheem Bahadur Singh (because why not give a kid a name that screams epic?), his character was a mix of loyalty and spunk, helping Sanjay’s character navigate his emotional and physical battles. Kunal’s earnestness made you believe this kid would follow Sanjay to the ends of the earth. His performance proved that even as a child, he could hold his own in a high-stakes drama.
Kunal Khemu's ability to match heavyweights like Aamir Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sanjay Dutt at such a young age was miraculous, to say the least. He has indeed come a long way!
