Whether it’s a new-age Chandramukhi in Dev.D, the National Award-winning character of a teenager surviving cerebral palsy in Margarita with a Straw, or the fearless musician Sky in Gully Boy; Indian French actor Kalki Koechlin has played a potpourri of roles with ease. With her newest web series, Made in Heaven, already receiving rave reviews, Koechlin speaks about championing gender equality, being fashionable and choosing roles with all heart.
What was life like in Mumbai as a newbie in the industry at the beginning of your career?
After Dev.D I didn’t get a film for two years, I spent that time writing a script and putting up the play Skeleton Woman, and then co-wrote That Girl in Yellow Boots with Anurag [Kashyap]. I wasn’t so savvy about marketing and PR and kept myself busy with workshops and learning my craft.
Today, you stand with a concrete body of work. Did everything go according to your plan and are you satisfied?
I can’t plan a week ahead, let alone an entire career. I have immense gratitude for my teachers and directors, from Anamika Haksar, Rajat Kapoor, Veenapani Chawla, Anurag Kashyap, Atul Mongia, Ayan Mukerji, to Zoya Akhtar, and many more for the diversity of experience they brought to my life. Every day is a learning, and with ever film/director/actor, I observe and learn.
Kalki Koechlin, You often pick roles that give the message of gender equality and feminism. Are things getting better for women in India?
It seems obvious to me that women have found strength and solidarity in each other’s stories of injustice and inequality and are speaking up. There is evident change and it is getting better. I hope men can join the conversation and take an active interest in the movement towards equality. We will see a better tomorrow.
What drives you to take up a project?
It’s instinct. A gut reaction. I feel knots in my stomach or butterflies and I know. That’s how I’ve chosen the films and plays I’ve done so far.
Kalki Koechlin, How far is freedom important for you as a creative person and a professional?
Very important! Freedom to live without fear is important as a woman, and professionally, the freedom to choose my projects is something I value. I have grown up in an environment where I was given the freedom to choose my path and direction. Freedom in every form needs to be respected and not misused.
Kalki Koechlin, What do you enjoy more- writing or acting?
Acting is my big adventure. Writing has always been my therapy.
Gully Boy was fabulous, what attracted you to play Sky?
Zoya!
We see that you are conscious of the brands you chose to endorse. What led to your association with Hidesign?
Its quality has been consistent for years, it has a classic style and yet they are open to new ideas. Also, something many people don’t know is that 90 per cent of their employees are women. I’m learning something new with designing. My connection with Dilip [Kapur, founder] goes back to my childhood. There is a comfort, shared history and values.
Both of you share a Pondicherry connect. Do you miss being in that beautiful city?
Yes! I miss the quietness, cycling, sound of the sea, organic food and the untaxed alcohol (laughs). I grew up there and that’s what made this association even more beautiful.
What is your favourite bag from the collection?
The gypsy sling bag. My favourite though is a backpack from the first HidesignxKalki collection, which I style with acid washed jeans and a tee or sportswear.
What was your design inspiration for the collection?
I look at women around me, think about what their days are like, what they put in their bags, and where they would go if they had no restrictions. It’s more daring, sporty, young and powerful compared to the previous collaboration. The adventure collection has not been done by them before. It’s sporty and on-the-go, like me.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve done?
Chopped off my hair, got on a motorbike in the middle of the monsoon and drove down the Maharashtra coast.
What are the five things in your bag at this point?
Documents for bringing a pet to India, The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, keys, wallet and a laptop.
RAPID FIRE
One word to describe Kalki: Vulnerable
Courage for you: Truthfulness
Life for you: On-going
Acting for you: Fresh air
First thing you do every morning: Remember my dreams
Fashion for you: Something that keeps evolving
Social media for you: A tool for connecting with others
Favourite genre of movie: Docu-drama
Web series or films: Why choose?
Last book you read: The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir
Last holiday destination and where will you go next: Jerusalem. A road trip will be next
A classic film you would have loved to be a part of: Pyaasa
Your daily skin care routine: Nothing if possible in the day. Cold pressed coconut oil at night.
Your fitness mantra: Sweat every day
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