Actor Kunaal Roy Kapur, renowned for his quirky roles in Delhi Belly and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, confesses that unplugging in today’s hyper-connected world is not only challenging but nearly impossible. “Social media algorithms have truly hacked the human brain,” he says in a recent interview, promoting his new ZEE5 series Thode Door Thode Paas. The show, which premieres on November 7, 2025, follows a family forced into a digital detox, mirroring Kunaal’s own struggles with constant scrolling. “We all know what it’s like to be glued to our screens,” he adds. “This story captures that truth with warmth and wit.”
The Algorithm’s Grip: From FOMO to Family Fractures
Kunaal compares phone addiction to sugar—sweet at first, addictive later. “The guilt is very real,” he explains, noting how notifications trigger dopamine hits that keep us hooked. In the series, his character Kunal Mehta leads a family experiment to ditch gadgets and reconnect. “It’s timely and relevant,” Kunaal says. “Everyone’s head is down, missing real connections.” He shares a personal anecdote: Sundays are his “phone-free zone,” where he bonds with his kids without distractions. Co-star Mona Singh echoes this, revealing her family ritual of device-free evenings. “Staying away comes easy to me,” Kunaal admits, but he warns of deeper issues like ideological divides amplified by algorithms.
The Show’s Solution: Disconnect to Reconnect
Thode Door Thode Paas, directed by Ajay Bhuyan and produced by Manish Trehan, stars Pankaj Kapur as the patriarch enforcing the detox. “It’s a slice-of-life dramedy about pausing chaos to rediscover family,” Kunaal says. The trailer shows hilarious mishaps—like a gadget withdrawal meltdown—leading to genuine moments. “The show asks, what if we looked up from our phones?” Working with Pankaj felt like “family,” he adds, praising the ensemble, including Ayesha Kaduskar and Gurpreet Saini.
A Personal Pause: Kunaal’s Take on Theatre and Tech
Kunaal balances films with theatre, calling it “passion, not profession.” “I love a play every few years, but it doesn’t sustain here,” he notes, contrasting it with screen life’s demands. Yet, he advocates balance: “Digital detox isn’t easy, but it’s essential to connect again.”
Unplugging’s Urgent Echo
Kunaal Roy Kapur’s detox dive isn’t drama—it’s diagnosis. As algorithms hijack hearts, it thunders: Can pauses reclaim presence? His heartfelt hack affirms yes, scripting a series where screens fade, and souls shine in life’s luminous loop.
-By Manoj H