Kunal Kohli didn’t want to get overshadowed

After handling the camera as a director, Kunal Kohli has finally moved to the other side, to make his acting debut in Phir Se opposite Jennifer Winget. He talks about his experience and more.

I am obsessed with films. Be it direction or acting, I enjoy the evolutionary process. I thought this was the right time to act in films and also I was mentally prepared for it. I feel these days the industry and the viewers are much evolved and are more accepting. I contacted Barry John and took some professional training. Also, I suited the role in Phir Se, so I took it up. It has been a great journey so far.

I wanted someone known but on the small screen. I didn’t want to get overshadowed by a big female lead in my very first film. Just like Farhan worked with Prachi Desai in Rock On, before moving on to Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. I felt that Jennifer and I are very similar in terms of popularity. She is beautiful and hard working and we share a great chemistry in the film.

When I was about to begin Phir Se, I met Kabir Khan at the airport lounge. He said, “Since I have known you as a director and now you are debuting as an actor, never bother about anything around you when you are giving a shot.” I always remember his words.

It was an unfortunate incident. I won’t say I paid compensation to her but it was more like a settlement.