Kunal Ganjawala Reveals the History Behind His Surname
Kunal Ganjawala Reveals the History Behind His Surname
Playback singer Kunal Ganjawala, celebrated for chartbusters like Bheege Honth Tere, Salaame, Dil Na Diya, Tauba Tauba and O Humdum Soniyo Re, has opened up about the intriguing origin of his distinctive surname — a topic that has long sparked curiosity, humour and countless internet jokes.
“My Ancestors Grew Marijuana for Medical Use”
Kunal shared that the roots of his surname go back to the era of the British Raj. In a candid revelation, he explained:
“During the British Raj, our family used to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes. It was our profession until around 1942, before the Quit India Movement.”
He elaborated on the family’s legacy, saying:
“Hum ganje ki kheti karte the, aur uska produce government ko dete the. Mere father ne bataya ki humse British ye cheez lete the aur humein ‘Rao Saheb’ ki takhti bhi mili thi. Lagaan bhi maaf tha.”
Kunal further explained that the harvested crop was used to create medical-grade opium injections, which were administered to cancer patients at the time. According to him, the family held an official licence to grow and supply these materials. – Kunal Ganjawala Reveals the History Behind His Surname
Why the Family Left the Trade
The singer revealed that the profession ended with the rise of the Quit India Movement, when Mahatma Gandhi encouraged Indians to pursue self-reliance and abandon associations with the British administration.
“After that period, our family shifted completely. We moved into construction work and later began manufacturing steel furniture,” Kunal said.
Reactions to the Surname and Industry Perception
Kunal admitted that his surname still attracts attention—sometimes genuine curiosity, sometimes light-hearted teasing.
“We were licensed druggists during the British Raj until 1942. People often react differently to my surname. Some ask questions; others crack jokes,” he said.
He shared how the name even became a conversation starter in the advertising and jingle industry:
“People would joke, ‘Oh, Ganjewala, do you have maal?’ And I’d calmly tell them I don’t smoke or consume anything of that sort.”
Despite the assumptions and jokes, Kunal said he has always been proud of the history associated with his family name.
Kunal Ganjawala Reveals the History Behind His Surname
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