Kamal Raza is a rare soul who balances two demanding worlds—leading The LaLiT Great Eastern hotel in Kolkata and pursuing a blossoming acting career. I’ve witnessed his warmth firsthand, from family celebrations to cultural events and professional gatherings. In this interview, he shares how he brings heart to hospitality and passion to the screen.
1. Kamal Raza, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing your extraordinary hospitality on three beautiful occasions—first, during my cousin’s wedding at The LaLiT; second, when you hosted the powerful Dastangoi performance by my mentor, Major (Dr.) Mohommed Ali Shah; and third, when you so graciously gave me the opportunity to deliver a talk to your wonderful hotel staff. Each of these moments revealed not only your professional excellence but also your kindness. Where does this deep sense of warmth and generosity come from?
Answer: That truly touches my heart. Hospitality, to me, is not a job—it’s a way of life. It's about seeing the humanity in every person who walks through your door. My sense of warmth comes from years of meeting people from all walks of life—some celebrated, others unsung, but all deeply human. I’ve had the privilege of meeting the President of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the King of Jordan, and a young M. S. Dhoni when very few knew his name. I still remember my conversations with Madhuri Dixit and Ajay Devgan—icons who carried themselves with such humility, such grace. These encounters taught me that true greatness lies in kindness, in how we treat people. It shaped how I approach my work: with empathy, with attentiveness, and above all, with heart. Because at the end of the day, people may forget what you said—but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
2. Under your leadership, The LaLiT Great Eastern has transformed into more than just a luxurious hotel—it’s become a cultural landmark, a place where stories, emotions, and passions are celebrated. What vision guided you in bringing this soulful vibrancy into the world of hospitality?
Answer: From the very beginning, I wanted this hotel to be more than bricks and chandeliers. I wanted it to breathe, to sing, to welcome people into a space that felt alive with meaning. Kolkata is a city that pulses with poetry, art, and history—and I wanted The LaLiT Great Eastern to be a mirror of that soul. My vision has always been to blend the elegance of luxury with the intimacy of storytelling. Over the years, I’ve seen the power of a genuine conversation, a shared performance, a heartfelt welcome. I’ve witnessed how spaces can heal, inspire, and uplift. And so I worked to make this hotel a stage for those beautiful, often fleeting moments of connection. Because when people feel seen, when they feel valued—that’s when true hospitality happens. That’s when magic happens.
3. Your role as a Pakistani diplomat in Romeo S3—though a small one—was incredibly impactful. You brought such strength and intensity to that United Nations scene. It was remarkable how convincingly you portrayed someone fierce and opposed to India, even though your love for India is so strong. That performance felt like the work of a seasoned actor. And now, with upcoming projects including a film with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and a web series, it’s clear you’re entering a powerful creative chapter. Tell us—what inspired this transition into acting?
Answer: That role in Romeo S3—small though it was—was deeply special to me. Playing a Pakistani diplomat in a tense UN setting, embodying sternness and fierce opposition to India, was both emotionally and morally challenging because I love my country with all my heart. But that's what acting is—stepping outside yourself and stepping into someone else’s skin, fully, honestly. I gave it everything I had. And when people said it felt like a seasoned actor's performance, it moved me beyond words.
Acting has always been a quiet fire within me. While I’ve only had smaller roles, I’ve poured my soul into each one. Coming from the hotel industry, I know the value of punctuality, discipline, grooming, and honoring other people’s time—qualities that serve you well on a film set too. But beyond all that, acting gives me something profoundly personal. My job as a hotelier is beautiful, but it’s demanding—emotionally, physically, mentally. You’re constantly absorbing people’s energies, their joys, their complaints, their expectations. It takes a toll. Acting, on the other hand, feels like letting go. It feels like exhaling. It's where I reconnect with a version of myself that is pure passion, pure expression. And I truly believe this—no matter how old you are, no matter how deep you're into your profession—if something stirs your heart, chase it. Life will keep happening. But your dream deserves to live too.
4. In a world that often urges us to stay in our “one chosen field,” your story is a breath of fresh air. You’ve proved it’s never too late to follow your heart and expand into new realms. Have you always had this fearless spirit, or did it take time and courage to embrace this other side of yourself?
Answer: Fearless? I’m not sure I’d call myself that. I’ve had fears. Doubts. Moments when I questioned if I was being foolish. But I think what I’ve always had is curiosity—this deep yearning to explore all the parts of myself. And over the years, as I met incredible people—leaders, actors, visionaries—I realized something: nobody has just one side. We are layered beings, and every layer deserves light. Embracing acting wasn’t easy—it meant stepping into rooms where I was the beginner again. But it also meant honoring a voice inside me that had been waiting patiently. And once I listened to it, I felt whole. I think we owe ourselves that—to listen to the call, even if it scares us.
5. You are tall, charismatic, and carry a quiet yet commanding presence. But beyond all that, what truly inspires me—and so many others—is your refusal to be boxed in. You remind us that we are allowed to evolve. What would you say to someone who feels “too established,” “too old,” or “too safe” to chase a passion burning quietly within?
Answer: I’d say—please don’t silence that passion. Please don’t let the years, the job titles, the fears convince you that your dream doesn’t matter anymore. Because it does. It always will. Whether it’s acting or art or music or writing or simply a way of living more authentically—whatever it is that makes your heart beat faster, let it in. You’re not too late. You’re right on time. Even a small role, a single scene, when done with truth and love, can move mountains. And that’s what following your passion is—it’s not about fame or applause. It’s about touching something eternal inside yourself. So be bold. Be tender. Be real. Your next chapter might just be the most beautiful one yet.
Reflection Kamal Raza’s journey is a vivid reminder that life need not be confined to a single path. His seamless blending of heartfelt hospitality and passionate acting shows us the power of embracing all parts of ourselves with courage and grace. For anyone hesitating to step into their next chapter, his story offers a gentle but firm nudge: your dreams are never too late to follow. And through kindness, authenticity, and curiosity, we create the most meaningful legacies.
