Kunaal (in picture), who has been acting for nearly two decades, started his career with the TV show Just Mohabbat.
“Once you’re known as a comic actor, it’s difficult to break out. People say ‘Oh, he’s a good actor but very good at comedy’, so I think it’ll be a long-drawn-out process for me (to break that). That happens with other actors as well... It takes a few years to reinvent yourself, to straddle genres,” Kunaal told PTI.
The actor is aware of his own “shortcomings” — of not actively pursuing different films — but says he tries to make the best of what is offered.
“For me, as a Mumbai-bred guy, there is a certain zone in which I can or cannot be cast. That is something which people have now slowly started to see beyond. I’m hoping to do other kinds of roles — drama, serious stuff. But you can only do what comes your way.”
Kunaal stars in the just-released Kaalakaandi. Having already worked in dark comedies before, Kunaal says he understands the language and humour such films have to offer but the challenge for him as an actor is something else.
“You’re always struggling to get your voice heard. Sometimes, you feel you’ve lied to yourself, cheated in a certain performance. Those are compromises you end up making along the way. But sometimes, you also get opportunities which make you feel you can give it a shot.”
The actor is also looking forward to getting back at direction since making his directorial debut with the 2009 The President is Coming, starring Konkona Sen Sharma.
