Kunal Kemmu’s ancestral home in Kashmir features carved woodwork, stone walls and a traditional baithak, holding on to cherished family memories decades after they were forced to leave

Kunal Kemmu’s family recently returned to their ancestral home in Srinagar, Kashmir, decades after leaving it behind. His sister, Karishma Khemu, documented the emotional visit on social media, offering a rare glimpse inside the family’s traditional multi-storey mansion.

From handcrafted wooden balconies and exposed stone walls to rooms filled with childhood memories, the house reflects the architectural charm of old Kashmir and a family history spanning generations.

Reflecting on the emotional homecoming, Karishma said in the video, "Jo ek raat me chhodna padha tha aaj saalo baad hum phirse unn Srinagar ki galiyon me se hote huye ghar ki daheleez tak pahaunch gaye (What we had to leave behind in one night... today, years later, we are walking through the streets of Srinagar and visiting our house)."

Traditional Kashmiri architecture with wooden balconies and stone walls

The ancestral mansion showcases traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship, with carved wooden balconies supported by intricately designed pillars, decorative railings and wooden window frames.

The upper floors feature exposed stone masonry paired with dark wooden shutters, while the ground floor has plastered walls, large wooden doors and traditional windows. Despite visible signs of ageing, including faded paint, cracked plaster, worn timber and sagging wooden beams, the property continues to retain its heritage character.

During the house tour, Karishma pointed out rooms that once belonged to different members of the family.

"This was my mom's room. Dad used to study here...we used to sit here. Every room is a childhood memory," she said.

Her mother also recalled their early years in the house, saying, "When we got married, we used to sleep on the upper floor of the house," while remembering an incident from the past: "My sister had once fallen from these staircases."

The visit offered a glimpse into the memories attached to the ancestral home and the family's connection to their roots in Srinagar.

Kunal and Karishma Kemmu’s ancestral mansion now divided into rental units

Karishma also revealed how the property has changed over the years. The once-sprawling family mansion has now been divided into smaller rental units.

"This house is now divided into rooms. Each room is someone's home on rent," she said.

She added that several sections of the property remained locked, while parts of the staircase had no electricity during their visit. The changes reflect the passage of time, even as the house continues to hold deep sentimental value for the family.

Kunal Kemmu’s upcoming projects

On the work front, Kunal Kemmu and Preity Zinta will be seen sharing the screen space for the first time in Amazon MGM Studios' upcoming high-stakes action-comedy film "Vibe".

Produced by Kunal Kemmu and Chirag Nihalani under the banner of Drongo Films, "Vibe" is expected to reach the audience on September 18 this year. The project marks the first venture for the production studio.

Written and directed by Kunal Kemmu, the drama also marks the return of Preity Zinta to the screen.

Additionally, he is returning to the screen with Golmaal 5, shooting alongside director Rohit Shetty and the franchise’s familiar cast.

As a filmmaker, Kemmu has also confirmed that the script for a sequel to his directorial debut Madgaon Express is ready and in development.

Beyond acting and directing, Kemmu recently co-launched production house Drongo Films with producer Chirag Nihalani.