Life as he sees it…
Actor. Dreamer. Doer. And a maverick on a mission. From playing a silent patriot in the cult film Rang De Basanti to building India’s largest crowdfunding platform Ketto, Kunal Kapoor isn’t just acting in front of a camera—he’s scripting a life of meaning behind the scenes too. Kunal is the co-founder of Ketto, India’s largest crowdfunding platform. It’s a unique start-up that promises to tackle real-world problems with creativity and compassion. The multi-hyphenate star lets us immerse into his inspiring orbit.
Of roots & reverie
Born in Mumbai, but shaped by summers in Amritsar and winters in Delhi, Kunal grew up amidst a buzzing extended family. A dreamy child with a head full of stories, his early escapism became the foundation of his art.
“Looking back, I think those early daydreams were the first signs of the storyteller in me,” he reveals.
Behind the scenes
Before the spotlight found him, Kunal was behind it—working as an assistant director, learning to build a story from scratch.
His debut in Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities marked the beginning of a deeply sincere filmography.
Rang De Basanti soon followed, rewriting everything. “Even 19 years later, that film still resonates,” he says, his voice warm with gratitude. “It changed my life.”
Layers unpeeled
Acting, to Kunal, has been a journey inward. “When you start out, there’s this pressure to perform, to prove you’re acting,” he laughs.
“Now, I realise it’s about being real, vulnerable, present. The most powerful moments come from being, not showing.”
Ketto & the power of purpose
“The best businesses—like the best films—should make an impact,” muses Kunal. While acting remained his first love, Kunal’s heart tugged him toward change.
Working with NGOs opened his eyes to the broken ways of fundraising. “Sometimes 40–50 per cent of donations went into admin costs—it felt wrong,” he says. And just like that, Ketto was born.
“It’s still storytelling,” he smiles. “We share stories of real people and invite others to be a part of their hope.”
Melody of meaning
Raised in a home where his mother sang for the radio and his dad collected rare tunes, melody was everywhere.
“The singing gene skipped me,” he jokes, “but I’m surrounded by music.”
His wife, Naina, is a trained pianist—and music continues to nourish the dreamer in him.
Guided by fire
“Discover what ignites you—and build your life around that fire.” Kunal doesn’t chase trends—he listens to his inner compass. “The path won’t always be clear,” he says, “but when you stop chasing validation, you find a life that’s yours.”
On Jewel Thief
Despite his recent film The Jewel Thief on Netflix (with Saif Ali Khan) receiving mixed reviews, Kunal stands by the project with quiet pride. “It was never meant to be this profound thing… It was supposed to be a fun ride — and it has delivered on that,” he says.
Known for meaningful cinema, Kunal has embraced this lighter role with honesty. “You’d obviously want the film to land 100 per cent, but if people enjoyed it as a fun film, I believe they enjoyed my work.”
Rewriting success
“Today, success means impact more than achievement.” Where others run a race, Kunal walks a path of his own. “I’m developing scripts, working on roles I believe in,” he says.
He’s also mentoring writers, hoping to tell stories that stir the soul. “It’s no longer about how much you do—but how deeply you feel about it.”
Final word to dreamers
To those struggling to follow their many passions, Kunal has a simple message — “Don’t let them put you in a box. You can be this and that.”
“I’m an actor, entrepreneur, I fly planes, race cars, and write. Let your interests collide,” he says. “That mix—that’s your magic.”
In a world obsessed with labels, Kunal Kapoor reminds us that it’s okay to colour outside the lines.
Lifestyle