Kay Kay Menon Jokes Wi-Fi Is More Vital Than Food & Shelter, Says Storytelling Still Fuels His Acting Career
Mumbai | July 3, 2025 —Celebrated actor Kay Kay Menon, who has spent over two decades in the Indian film and OTT industry, believes Wi-Fi is now more essential than food and shelter — at least humorously so. In a candid conversation with IANS, ahead of the release of the upcoming season of his hit web series ‘Special Ops’, the veteran actor offered a refreshing take on passion, purpose, and how storytelling continues to drive his career.
With a wealth of experience both in front of the camera and in life, Menon shared how his approach to his craft has evolved and why he remains attached to acting, even after so many years in the spotlight.
“Wi-Fi Is at the Bottom Now” — Menon’s Spin on Maslow's Pyramid
When asked what continues to motivate him after such a long and acclaimed journey in showbiz, Menon responded with his trademark wit and insight:
“Storytelling. I feel, I'm attached to stories, and I kind of still like to simulate a person, different people. So for me, that keeps me going.”
The conversation took a humorous turn as Menon offered his own updated version of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs — a psychological theory of human motivation. Traditionally, the base of the pyramid includes physiological needs like food, water, and shelter. Menon, however, added a 21st-century twist:
“As for Maslow's Hierarchy, you know the low-level needs at the bottom of the pyramid? Food, shelter, and all that is the first. Top is self-actualization. But I've added something at the bottom, it's called Wi-Fi (laughs). I think Wi-Fi is more essential than food, shelter, and everything else now.”
While delivered humorously, his comment reflects a deeper truth about modern human dependency on connectivity — especially for creatives, performers, and storytellers in the digital age.
From Self-Interest to Storytelling: A Shift in Perspective
The actor also spoke about how his relationship with storytelling has matured over the years. He admitted that earlier in his career, his decisions were more self-centered — often asking “What’s there for me?” when reading scripts. But that lens has shifted.
“Nowadays, it’s the holistic thing — the entire process of storytelling. I want audiences to watch the entire film or the series, which includes me as well.”
Menon added that while artistic integrity remains his priority, practical considerations like fair compensation also matter. “Of course, I won't do something in which I don't have to shoulder much responsibility. Also, the money should be good. I mean, come on. It's high time,” he said with a smile.
Falling in Love with Scripts — Or Not
One of the more poignant moments in the interview came when Menon described the emotional connection he feels when choosing a role. According to him, it’s not just about analysis — it’s instinctual and deeply personal.
“When I read a script, that kicks in. The subjective love kicks in. And I start falling in love or out of love from that script. So that, as long as that happens, I'll keep doing this.”
He explained that it’s this emotional connection — this urge to manifest a character’s story — that determines whether he takes on a role.
“The day I become indifferent to reading a story, and not wanting to manifest it, that day, of course, I'll say, thank you very much, buh-bye... But as long as that relationship remains, I will yearn to do what I’m doing.”
Special Ops: What’s Next for Kay Kay Menon?
Menon’s remarks come ahead of the new season of ‘Special Ops’, where he reprises his role as Himmat Singh, the steely RAW agent navigating espionage and intelligence threats. The series has been praised for its tightly woven plot, high-stakes drama, and Menon’s restrained yet commanding performance.
The new season is expected to delve deeper into Himmat Singh’s past and explore larger global conspiracies. Fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of what has become one of India’s most respected espionage thrillers in the OTT space.
Reader Takeaway
- Kay Kay Menon humorously updates Maslow's Hierarchy, placing Wi-Fi at the base.
- Storytelling remains the driving force behind his career after two decades.
- The actor emphasizes emotional connection with scripts over stardom or vanity.
- New season of ‘Special Ops’ to release soon, with Menon reprising the role of Himmat Singh.