Amid Air India pilot marijuana row, singer Kunal Ganjawala reveals how his forefathers started weed cultivation for medicinal purposes during British rule

Popular singer Kunal Ganjawala, known for songs such as Bheege Honth Tere, O Humdum Soniyo Re, Tauba Tauba, Dil Na Diya and Salaam Namaste, has spoken about his family's history and the unusual story behind the surname Ganjawala.

The singer revealed that his surname has a connection to his family's work during the British Raj, when his ancestors were involved in cultivating marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Coming amid the Air India pilot marijuana row, Ganjwala's account about his surname's 'Ganja' connection has piqued interest in some circles.

Kunal Ganjawala Reveals Family's Connection To Marijuana Cultivation

In an interview with Dubai-based radio jockey and content creator Parikshit Balochi, Kunal shared details about his family's past and explained how they came to be associated with the name Ganjawala.

“In the British era, we used to harvest marijuana for medicinal needs. This vocation existed prior to 1942, before the Quit India Movement. We cultivated ganja, and we provided the yield to the government. My father informed me that we had tax exemptions... because the British procured it from us and had granted us the title Rao Saheb. We used to grow it for medical purposes, and they would create opium-based injections for cancer patients,” Kunal revealed.

Family's Work Was Recognised Under British Rule

Kunal clarified that, according to his family's account, his ancestors were not involved in an illegal activity. He said their work was recognised by the authorities and was carried out under the regulations of the British government.

The singer further explained that his forefathers were regarded as licensed pharmacists at the time. According to him, the family occupation eventually came to an end around the period of the Quit India Movement.

Kunal Says His Surname Often Became A Joke

Despite the historical story associated with his surname, Kunal said that “Ganjawala” has frequently attracted curiosity and jokes over the years.

While some people genuinely wanted to know the meaning and history behind his last name, others would make fun of it. The singer has now offered a glimpse into the family history that lies behind the unusual surname.

Kunal Ganjawala's Recent Music

Kunal has continued to release music in recent years and has explored several Indian languages beyond Hindi. Among his recent releases are Ram Sita Ram and Divas Tujhe He Phulayache, both released in 2026.

Air India Pilot Fails Second Dope Test After Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident

The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi, which suffered a sudden loss of altitude and left several passengers injured, has reportedly failed a second dope test. Air India flight AI-2379, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, was travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during the cruise phase. The incident resulted in injuries to at least 20 passengers and four crew members.

Following the flight's arrival in Delhi, the pilot underwent a post-flight screening and tested positive for psychoactive substances. A second test was conducted some time later. Later on Tuesday that the pilot had again tested positive.

The second test specifically indicated that the pilot had consumed marijuana, commonly known as "weed".