A decade in hindi films has delivered Kalki Koechlin from restless artiste searching for her place in the industry, to a dependable star who’s happy to go with the flow, finds Rajeev Masand.
It isn’t hard to spot Kalki Koechlin from a distance; not with that pixie haircut which shaves at least five years off her age. She’s a good 10 minutes early for our appointment at a café in Versova that she’s picked out because it’s pet-friendly. Except that they won’t allow her into the inside (air-conditioned) portion of the establishment with Kiara, her gorgeous Persian Greyhound, a gentle giant who isn’t likely to hurt a fly. “So you’re not pet-friendly then?” Kalki asks the owner calmly. On being told that the rule is such on account of patrons that aren’t comfortable with pets around them while they eat, she asks again, although she’s really only making a point: “Oh, so you’re only part pet-friendly?”
We settle at a table outside, in the non-air-conditioned part of the café, where Kalki lays out Kiara’s rug (“It’s from Morocco; she’s a Bedouin dog”) and orders her a boiled egg before we dive into a chat about her life and work.
Rajeev Masand: Kalki, you’ve said on many occasions that your “skin is white and heart is brown”. Did you struggle with your identity while growing up?
Kalki Koechlin: I have early memories of playing with my Tamilian friends and not feeling like I was an outsider. I went to an international school, Hebron, in Ooty, so I felt quite at home there. But I do have some memories, like when we would go to Kovalam beach on a holiday when I was a teenager. My Indian friends were there, but only I would get asked for drugs...(laughs)
RM: You’ve worked with Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt, but your life and career choices are so different from theirs. Has the ‘A-lister’s’ journey ever seemed attractive to you?
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2019 من Elle India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2019 من Elle India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Hijabi Hair, Don't Care
TLC for the mane, especially when it isn't visible to the world, transmutes it into an act of self-love for Hasina Jeelani
THE MANE ATTRACTION
When it comes to hair care, compromise simply isn't an option. With iluvia's expertly curated systems, you can cleanse, revive, and protect your hair without missing a beat. Let your locks thrive, from root to tip, with science-backed, innovative haircare ranges crafted for lasting shine, strength, and elegance.
ELLE Beauty Hall of Fame
Celebrating standout beauty products in every category, all earning ELLE's seal of approval through expert, editorial and public votes
FULL THROTTLE
F2 rising star Kush Maini on his racing journey & challenges in motorsport. Ekta Sinha hitches a ride
VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT
Amidst the barrage of releases, Vijay Varma's dignified reticence is enveloped in thoughtful consideration, reports Ipsita Kaul
ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR
The new generation heartthrob talks about his love for romcoms, music, and future endeavours with Ekta Sinha
Roaring RAJASTHAN
From Jawai's dramatic landscape and Jaisalmer's rich heritage to Ranthambore's enthralling wilderness-Isha Mayer explores SUJÁN's luxurious, eco-conscious hospitality offerings in the beautiful state
Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence
Krishika Bhatia explores a revolutionary skincare breakthrough that merges nature and science, featuring insights from industry experts
Nigella's WORLD
The British celebrity chef shares the secret recipe to her effortless charm in the kitchen with Isha Mayer
ADRIATIC DRIFT
Stari Grad is Croatia's hidden gem waiting to be explored, finds Isha Mayer