From code to camera: Kunal Sharma's unconventional journey into films
Kunal Sharma
Actor-director
Kunal Sharma
didn't take the traditional route into the world of cinema. A BTech graduate in Computer Science, his career began in the predictable world of IT, which initially brought him to Mumbai. But the city had other plans. 'Working in an IT firm left me feeling creatively stifled,' he recalls, adding 'Attending an
international film festival
in Mumbai changed everything. It opened my eyes to the power of cinema and made me realise this is what I wanted to do with my life.'
That moment sparked a deep commitment to learning the craft. Inspired by the works of Kim Ki-duk, Giuseppe Tornatore, and Guru Dutt, Kunal began exploring all facets of filmmaking — from acting and editing to direction. With no formal background in the arts, he knew the journey would require serious dedication. His first big break came behind the scenes while assisting director Manish Gupta on Rahasya. He recalls, 'During pre-production, I was auditioning actors for a key role. But none of the candidates clicked. One day, Manish sir asked me to audition for the part. I was caught off guard but gave it everything I had. A few weeks later, he offered me the role.'
Kunal in Rahasya
That unexpected opportunity became Kunal's acting debut, placing him alongside respected talents like Kay Kay Menon, Ashish Vidyarthi, Tisca Chopra, and Mita Vashisht. He says, 'Watching them work up close was an education in itself. Their craft, discipline, and presence on set shaped my understanding of acting more than any formal training could have.'
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Since then, Kunal has steadily built his acting credentials, appearing in films and shows including The Legend of Michael Mishra,
The Ghazi Attack
, Saas Bahu And Flamingo, Kanguva and Plan B. He will soon be seen in
Maqam
, an MMA-based sports drama that he describes as a significant next step in his acting journey.
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