Manav Kaul: From Kashmiri Exile to Mumbai Chawl

Actor and playwright Manav Kaul has spoken about his early life, marked by displacement from Kashmir to Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh, following his family's relocation. This move, initially temporary, became permanent due to escalating conflict in his native region. Kaul described the challenges of adapting to a new culture as a child, noting the difficulty of acceptance and the cruelty children can exhibit.

To survive and integrate, Kaul admitted he had to suppress aspects of his Kashmiri heritage, even forgetting the language. Later, pursuing his artistic career in Mumbai, he experienced severe financial hardship, living in a chawl and managing entire days on just Rs 30. During this period, books became his primary source of entertainment due to limited funds for other activities.

Kaul now reflects positively on his displacement, seeing it as a transformative experience that broadened his perspective and artistic identity. His travels and diverse upbringing, from Kashmir and Hoshangabad to Mumbai and New York, have allowed him to feel at home anywhere. He views artists as global citizens, a sentiment he embraces, though Mumbai remains his anchor.