Lucknow: She’s been the bold voice in a villainous role, the strong character actor who never shied away from playing grey, and the woman who gracefully walked the tightrope between cinema and social change. Kunickaa Sadanand is a name that might evoke memories of 90s films and television for some, but for many others, she represents resilience, reinvention, and relentless purpose.
With a career spanning over three decades, Kunickaa has graced both the silver screen and the small screen with roles that left a mark.
Kunickaa, a versatile Indian actress, carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry with a career spanning over 25 years and more than 110 films. Her journey began in Delhi with TV serials, but it was her move to Mumbai that truly set her on the cinematic map. Born in 1964, she debuted at 23 with the TV series Kashmakash. Known primarily for her powerful negative roles, she gained attention in commercial hits like Beta, Gumrah, and Khiladi.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Kunickaa became a familiar face in Bollywood, often cast in supporting yet memorable roles. She appeared in notable films such as Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Mohra, Koyla, Baazi, Page 3, and Andaaz. Her portrayals ranged from comical characters to stern mothers, glamorous vamps, and sharp-tongued aunts. She also appeared in regional and crossover cinema, including Punjabi (Jihne Mera Dil Luteya) and Pakistani (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2) films.
On television, Kunickaa made her mark with Swabhimaan, where she convincingly played mother to an 18-year-old, winning widespread acclaim. She featured in popular shows like Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara, CID, Dollar Bahu, and Dilli Wali Thakur Gurls, and was even seen in the sports reality show Box Cricket League. More recently, she played Rani Durgavati in Akbar Birbal and starred in the ZEE5 web series Taish (2020) as Beeji.
Kunika’s legacy lies in her ability to adapt across mediums—films, TV, and web—and embody a wide spectrum of characters. But Kunickaa is far more than her on-screen avatars.
Off-screen, she is a passionate social activist and lawyer, deeply involved in issues ranging from women’s rights to legal support for underprivileged communities. Her activism isn’t a celebrity extension—it’s a commitment she’s nurtured through the years, using her platform and voice for causes that truly matter.
In our candid conversation, Kunickaa opened up about the emotional and philosophical learnings of her journey—lessons shaped by hardship, introspection, and grace. From the importance of showing up for others to the futility of regrets in a world full of unpredictable turns, her perspective is raw and deeply human.
What follows is not just an interview, but a gentle exploration of life through the lens of someone who has lived it fiercely—with dignity, empathy, and above all, heart.
There are some conversations that linger long after they’ve ended—like gentle waves brushing the shore, leaving behind traces of thought, emotion, and reflection. Our interaction with veteran actress and social activist Kunickaa Sadanand was one such exchange. Known not just for her strong on-screen presence but also for her work beyond the arc lights, Kunickaa’s words come with the weight of experience and the warmth of empathy.
“If you give love to others, it will heal the wounds in your heart.”
On Life’s Biggest Lessons
When asked about the most important lesson she’s learned through her journey, Kunickaa didn’t skip a beat:
“First of all, respect everyone,” she said, her voice calm yet firm. “Everyone is important. Don’t think that he is an important person, that’s why I have to respect him.”
In a world increasingly obsessed with status and stature, her grounded perspective hits home. Respect, for her, is not transactional—it’s universal.
She pauses briefly, then adds:
“You have to spread love, because the biggest lack in this world is love. Everyone is busy with their own lives, their own hearts. But even if you have a heart of stone, it’s okay… if you give love to others, it will heal your own wounds too.”
These are not just platitudes. They come from someone who has seen life from multiple lenses: the glitz of showbiz, the grit of activism, and the deeply personal trials and triumphs of being a woman navigating a complex world.
On Showing Up for Others
Another takeaway from her life? “Be there,” she emphasizes.
“Show up for the people you care for or who are connected with you. Be there, so that in future, it won’t happen that they need you and you’re not there.”
It’s simple advice, but one so easily forgotten in our hyper-distracted world. Her words remind us that presence—true, intentional presence—is perhaps the most undervalued gift we can offer today.
On Regret, Choices, and What Could Have Been
Naturally, the conversation drifted toward reflection. Were there any decisions she wishes she could change?
Her response was characteristically real:
“I’ve thought about it,” she admitted, “but what’s the point? If I wanted to do things differently, my circumstances would have to be different.”
She doesn’t dwell on alternate realities. “Whatever I did in those circumstances, it was the best. Now, if I was Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter, then my journey would have been different. Or if my father was a big producer, maybe things would have gone another way.”
It’s a refreshingly candid take on privilege, fate, and choice. She doesn’t romanticize struggle, nor does she wallow in what-ifs. Instead, her focus is razor sharp: growth.
“Every day you just have to ask yourself one thing—have I progressed? Mentally, emotionally, career-wise, financially? Or have I gone backward?”
The Final Word
Our conversation ends with her signature grace and gratitude: “Thank you so much,” she smiles.
But really, it is we who must thank her—for offering not just words, but windows into a life lived with honesty, love, and unflinching courage.
In a world chasing noise, Kunickaa Sadanand’s quiet truths are worth holding on to.
