Kunal Sharma is best known for taking the road less travelled—both in his personal journey from IT professional to actor, and in the roles he chooses to portray on screen. From his debut in Rahasya to films like The Ghazi Attack, Plan B, and the recently released MMA-based sports drama Maqam, Sharma has often played intense, morally complex characters. Many of them smoke on screen—but for Kunal, that’s where the habit begins and ends.

“Yes, it’s quite visible today—many people smoke cigarettes almost as if it’s a proud habit. Whether in public places or at parties, they don’t hesitate. I often wonder what they truly enjoy about it,” he says, candidly.

Kunal recalls the first time he had to smoke for a role, a moment that left a lasting impact on him. “I remember the first time I had to smoke—for a character I was playing. As an actor, sometimes we need to make scenes look real, and smoking was part of the role. But I’ll never forget the experience. Every cell in my body protested. I felt horrible. That moment made me deeply empathize with those who choose to smoke regularly, even knowing the harm it causes.”

In Maqam, his latest release, Kunal plays an MMA fighter who smokes. It was a directorial choice aimed at adding grit and realism to the character. “Like in my recently released sports drama film Maqam, my character MMA fighter smokes cigarettes, so I had to do it to make him look badass, as the director wanted him to be portrayed in such a way. I have played mostly the antagonist parts in my films and people mostly give cigarettes to my characters, but I never took that character or those habits back at home. Thankfully, I have that control. There is always a very thin line in acting and reality. One must know the line if they really want to be happy in their personal and professional life.”

He goes on to reflect on the social aspect of tobacco use—how smoking has become a bonding ritual, a response to stress, or a symbol of rebellion. “Smoking has, unfortunately, become a social tool for many. People bond over a cigarette. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and pressure have taken a toll on mental health, people often look for quick relief—a ‘kick’ for the mind. That’s why they smoke or even use more harmful substances. But what many don’t realize is that there are better, healthier, and more sustainable ways to manage stress.”

He suggests healthier alternatives: “Meditation, yoga, witnessing or creating art, spending time in nature, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations—these not only calm the mind but also nourish the soul. The peace they offer lasts much longer than the fleeting buzz from a cigarette.”

Kunal believes that while disclaimers and warnings serve a purpose, real change begins with self-awareness. “The warnings on cigarette packs or flashing disclaimers in films do create some awareness, but real change comes from personal understanding. Some people realize the dangers early, others learn after suffering, and unfortunately, a few never do. Life teaches us in its own way—it’s up to us how and when we learn.”

He also touches upon the disturbing contradiction within the entertainment industry. “There’s also a disturbing contradiction—many actors, influencers, and even athletes who promote healthy lifestyles are also seen in tobacco ads. They may be doing it as a job, but we all need to reflect on our responsibilities. Especially public figures, because their influence matters.”

On his part, Kunal actively tries to use his platform responsibly. “I believe we public figures need to be more mindful of the message we are sending out to the world. I am very health conscious and hence always try to educate people around me related to it. I always try to post something related to a healthy lifestyle which indirectly motivates or educates my audience or my circle.”

Kunal doesn’t hold back when it comes to systemic issues either. “One big question remains: If tobacco is so dangerous, why is it still so easily available? The answer is sad and simple—revenue. The tobacco industry is a massive money-making machine. That’s why it’s still thriving, despite the deaths and diseases it causes. I feel the government needs to take strong actions in that direction.”

His message on World No Tobacco Day is both sobering and hopeful: “We need stronger awareness campaigns, better policies, and most importantly, a shift in mindset. Let’s not wait for disease or regret to teach us the value of health. Choose life over smoke.”  Kunal’s breakout came with *Rahasya* (2015), where a last-minute audition landed him the role of Riyaz Noorani. He shared the screen with stalwarts like Kay Kay Menon and Tisca Chopra, and his performance earned praise from Shabana Azmi and critic Komal Nahta. He was recently seen in the film Maqam.