Kay Kay Menon has long been known for his brooding characters and emotionally layered performances, often steering clear of comedy and light-hearted roles. But in 2007, he took an unexpected turn with Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, a Bollywood drama comedy movie that cast him in a surprisingly playful avatar.
In the film, he portrayed a nerdy Bengali husband opposite Raima Sen, breaking away from his usual on-screen persona with a performance that remains one of his most memorable departures.
In a recent interview, Kay Kay Menon revisited some behind-the-scenes moments from the film, particularly during the filming of the energetic dance number “Sajna Ji Vaari Vaari”. Laughing as he recalled his role, he said that he played a character who unknowingly ends up high after consuming a spiked drink. He credited director Reema Kagti for helping him understand the character’s altered state, saying her detailed direction allowed him to fully embrace and express the oddball personality of the role.
The shoot became even more interesting when choreographer Farah Khan came on board to stage the dance sequence on a yacht. Kay Kay Menon, ever conscious of staying true to character, approached Farah with a request before filming began. He told her that he didn’t want traditional aerobic-style choreography and instead wanted his dance to flow organically from his character’s intoxicated state. Farah was initially skeptical, asking him what he planned to do but she eventually gave him the freedom to explore the performance in his own style.
The result was a scene so convincingly wild and uninhibited that Farah herself thought something was off. After watching him on set, she stopped the rehearsal and asked if he had been drinking or had taken some kind of substance. Kay Kay Menon had to assure her that he was completely sober and simply immersed in the act. He laughed as he recalled this exchange, noting the irony that he doesn’t drink at all in real life.
Directed by Reema Kagti and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd is a film that brings together six diverse couples on a group honeymoon trip to Goa. Each couple confronts personal issues and unexpected revelations, blending humour with heartfelt storytelling.
The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani, Abhay Deol, Minissha Lamba and of course, Kay Kay Menon whose departure from his typical roles added an unforgettable twist to the quirky journey.
Have you watched the movie?
