Kunal Khemu brushes off Salman Khan comparisons as he steps into reality TV hosting

Actor Kunal Khemu, fresh from his inaugural hosting gig on the reality competition “Alliance,” told a Mumbai press panel on July 8 that the continuous likening to Salman Khan holds no relevance for him. “I have not considered it whatsoever. The craft of hosting has been practiced long before I arrived, and it has been executed admirably,” he said.

The discussion highlighted Salman Khan’s iconic status as the face of “Bigg Boss,” a show he has helmed for fifteen seasons. Khemu made it clear that his aim is neither to replicate Khan’s mannerisms nor to concoct a deliberately contrasting persona. “Your upbringing may convince you there’s a single right way because you have not observed other possibilities. I am not attempting to imitate anyone, nor am I striving to appear fundamentally different.”

Acknowledging the novelty of his role, Khemu admitted uncertainty about how his hosting identity will mature. “I entered this without a detailed script. It is possible that later on, people will identify a unique style as mine, or they might view it as a hybrid. I simply act in the way that feels appropriate at the moment.”

While Salman Khan remains the most popular host in Indian reality TV, Khemu’s latest screen appearance was in “Madgaon Express,” a project he both acted in and directed, earning commendations for its inventive storyline and ensemble performances.