Kalki Koechlin, the French actress and writer who has significantly impacted Hindi films, has a unique perspective on her life in the Indian film industry. Let’s delve into her journey and her views. Born in Pondicherry, India, Kalki Koechlin was drawn to theatre from a young age. She studied drama at Goldsmiths, University of London, and simultaneously worked with a local theatre company. Although a French citizen, she has spent most of her life in India. Living in south India helped me, Says Kalki Koechlin.
Unconventional Roles and Critical Acclaim:
Kalki is known for her unconventional body of work. Her debut in Hindi cinema was as Chanda in the black comedy-drama “Dev.D” (2009), for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to make her mark in the industry with roles in successful films like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011) and “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” (2013). However, Kalki’s true strength lies in her performances in independent films. Her portrayal of a young woman with cerebral palsy in “Margarita with a Straw” (2014) earned her critical acclaim and the National Film Award – Special Jury Award.
Living in south India helped me, Says Kalki Koechlin:
Born in Pondicherry, India, Kalki Koechlin was drawn to theatre from a young age. She studied drama at Goldsmiths, University of London, and simultaneously worked with a local theatre company. Although a French citizen, she has spent most of her life in India. Living in south India helped me, Says Kalki Koechlin.
Kalki has faced challenges due to her unconventional looks. She believes that the industry needs to celebrate diversity of beauty. In an interview, she mentioned that she was asked to work on her appearance, but she firmly believed that her acting would speak for itself. She has consistently chosen scripts that resonate with her emotions rather than waiting for the perfect role to come her way.
Motherhood and Acting Sensibilities:
Kalki’s recent film, “Goldfish,” directed by Pushan Kripalani, explores themes of memory, identity, love, and guilt. Her character grapples with conflicting feelings towards her mother, who suffers from dementia. Interestingly, Kalki filmed “Goldfish” after becoming a mother herself. She draws parallels between caring for an older person and being a full-time caregiver to her own child. The unpredictability and emotional complexity of both roles have informed her acting sensibilities.
Legacy and Future:
Kalki Koechlin continues to challenge norms and embrace diverse narratives. Her participation in films like “Sam Bahadur” exemplifies her commitment to unconventional storytelling. As she once said, “If you’re remembered, you’re relevant.” Kalki’s legacy as an artist lies in her ability to evoke emotions and create memorable characters that resonate with audiences across genres.