Kunal Kemmu On The Best Adventures With His Squad

Kunal Kemmu has always had a flair for turning chaos into comedy—on-screen and off. From the zombie-slaying madness of Go Goa Gone (2013) to the nostalgia-soaked misadventures of Madgaon Express (2024), his characters wear their travel scars with a grin. Turns out, the actor-director does, too. “The most traumatic experiences during a trip often make for the best stories,” he says. “You end up laughing about them later, and they stay with you.”

It’s this lived-in relatability that fuelled his IIFA-winning directorial debut, Madgaon Express. On winning the award, he recalls, “It was a mix of emotions: happiness, gratitude... just a really encouraging moment to be recognised for my work. Afterwards, I spoke to my family on the phone. Once I got back, Soha and I went out to celebrate with a meal at Mizu—it’s one of our regular spots.”

With a new script already in hand, Kemmu tells Esquire India it’s his love for the journey—on film and in life—that keeps him chasing new roads.

What was the last trip you took, and what made it unforgettable?

My last trip was to Ladakh with two of my school friends. We rode bikes for almost eight hours a day. Ladakh is one of the most stunning places in the world. No matter how much time you spend there, it never feels like enough. The whole thing was pretty impromptu. I had a few days off, got restless, called up my friends, and within four days, we were on our way to the mountains.

Conquering high passes, stargazing and picnicking— Kemmu and the old boys’ road trip to Ladakh is a leaf out of his tip, which is to plan around an activity

Is there a destination that completely shifted your perspective?

The first time I visited the Grand Canyon. It made me realise how small we are in the grand scheme of things, and how we tend to take our little worlds too seriously. Standing there made all of that feel insignificant, in a good way. I remember telling Soha that, and it totally resonated with her. I’ve been back twice since.

On holiday, are you the type to unwind by the beach or do you lean towards exploring?

It depends. If I’m physically tired, I’ll crash on the beach, but I can’t do it for long. I’ll get restless and dive into an activity—scuba diving or snorkelling. I love planning a culinary experience, too.

For a boys’ trip, what are the key factors to consider?

First, plan around an activity—diving trips are great. You spend a few days exploring different sites and chasing marine life. Biking is another great way to see hidden parts of a city. Second, keep the group tight. A group of seven or fewer is ideal. A 15-guy trip sounds fun until everyone wants to eat or wake up at different times. Last, make sure everyone’s interests align.

When it comes to packing, are you a minimalist or do you overpack?

On biking trips, I pack light—you’re in your gear most of the day. For family holidays, I tend to overpack. One must-have for me? A good camera. I love going on safaris and having the right lenses. Even if you’re not carrying heavy gear, a point-and-shoot camera is essential. Phones are great, but they don’t always do justice to the moment.

To wrap up, if your life had a cinematic travel scene, what would it look like?

The iconic scene from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara—three friends in a turquoise car racing alongside wild horses—comes to mind. Another one is the scene from Dil Chahta Hai where they’re in an open-top car, racing a train and just talking about life and future. There’s something timeless and liberating about those visuals.

To read more stories from Esquire India's May-June 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.