An Interview

Kunickaa Lall is famous for her acting. However, there’s much more this to this lady than her estranged liaisons.

Out of action for nearly three years Kunickaa took time off to concentrate on other activities. However, it’s always difficult for an actor to stay away long from the camera. The seasoned actress now marks her return to acting with a negative role in the upcoming show Ranbir Rano. That’s not all; she’s set her sights on producing a Hindi film that is based on the Naxal movement. There’s more joy in store for Kunickaa, as despite enduring two divorces, there’s a new man in her life.


It’s been long since we’ve seen you in the industry. Where were you all this while?

It’s been a long wait. I’m returning to the industry after nearly three years. During these years, I switched attention to business and politics. I’d had ventured into a business partnership with a friend. We‘ve set up spas, banquet hall and few Italian restaurants in Goregaon. We did pretty well but now I’m out of this partnership.

Didn’t this partnership prove to be profitable?

No, the business is doing fine it’s just that there has been a breakdown in our relations. As often, celebrity partnerships have a short shelf life. My partner didn’t require me anymore. Besides it was causing me a lot of stress, confusion and I didn’t like his possessiveness. He wasn’t happy with me going to shoot and so I chose to take a break from acting.

If it was so bad then why in first place did you enter in such a partnership?

This guy had few properties and wanted to make use of them. That’s when he came up with the business proposal. Beauty and food are my passion and I always wanted to venture into something like this. Besides, he had invested so much of faith and money in me and it would have been hard for me to turn him down.

So, have you got your share from the business?

I never asked for it. It’s up to him give to decide. Besides you don’t’ ask for share from your friends. I’ve always believed in good karma and never bothered about results. He’s a still a friend.

Was it just business activity that occupied most of your time?

No, I got into politics and also took to production. I’ve’ produced a Bhojupri film called Mati. Soon, I hope to come with a Hindi film that twill be based on the Naxal issue. Unfortunately, not many corporates are willing to back it. I’ve approached big names like Reliance, UTV and percept but thus far it’s been a struggle to get the finance on board. However, I’m confident that eventually this film will get going. Parveen Dabbas and Preeti Jhangiani play the lead.

What do you think is the root cause of the Naxal issue?

I’ve travelled deep into the Naxal affected areas in Bihar, have interacted with locals and through my experience, I’ve come to conclusion that both parties are at fault. Casteism is of course the root cause but the Naxals have taken to guns as the only way of life. Besides, there is no political will to solve the issue. Above all, I think poverty is the root cause of all such issues. It’s only when you’re deprived of your basic right that you resort to violence.

Why did you choose to join politics?

I’m the General Secretary of NCP (Nationalist Congress Party). I fought corporate elections in 2007. Honestly, I landed up in politics by default. However, even when I joined politics, I’d made it clear to my party that I will follow my own brand of politics i.e. to extend my social work. I’ve been into social service for the last 22 years. I realised that you ought to clean the gutter and then you got to step into it.

Politics also enabled to me to change my perception about politicians. Another thing that I’ve realised that often we blame the politicians for most of our ills but it’s the public who is to be blamed and especially the middle class.

Since you’re so busy with politics and business, what made you return to acting?

I got out of business a year ago, and it was then that I realised that what I had missed. I then started to give feelers to the industry that I’m looking at a comeback. I even gave a few look tests. It’s astonishing that despite 104 films, 17 serials I had to go through a look test. However, I realised that this is the need of the hour and so there was room for any complains.

Once I’d decided to act again, I worked hard on shedding those extra kilos. Kareena Kapoor and I have the same dietician.

From the look of things, Ranbir Rano looks like another love story. Will it work?

Love is an evergreen subject. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 20 or 55; one derives pleasure seeing people romance. Love is so distressing. Ranbir Rano is love story but it has completely different look to it. I’m confident that viewers will like the show.

What’s happening in your personal life?

After enduring two divorces, I’ve still managed to find a new man in my life. It’s too premature to talk about it now. God has been kind to me whenever, I’ve been heart-broken; there comes a guy who gives me so much of love and peace that I forget my pain.

This is a result of karmic cycle.

It’s uncommon for people, who’ve endured two heart-breaks and yet sport a smile on their face. How do you manage to this?

My friends too are shocked that in spite of going through hell, I always remain positive. In fact, my two ex-husbands are my best pals. They are the ones who are encouraging me to settle down in life again. My second son is eight years old and he’s still to come to grips with the existence of a new man in my life. He doesn’t like to see me with a stranger. He keeps telling me that why should I go out with another person when I have him for company. It’s here that my ex-husbands help me out. They tell my son that mummy needs a companion for life.

Do you have any regrets in life?

None whatsoever! What has happened is my destiny. I have faith in God and goodness that’s keeps me going. I couldn’t have asked for a better life.