Catching the light
Brunch|October 21, 2023
Kirti Kulhari's roles shine no matter how small the part, or the screen. But they hide years of darkness, fighting demons and learning to let go. See how she draws strength from sensitivity
Karishma Kuenzang
Catching the light

By her own admission, Kirti Kulhari, 38, was a hypersensitive child. "I would sulk in a corner if someone said something mean. My relatives would pass comments about how I keep crying."

Kulhari was in Class 7 when a teacher accused her of using her tears "as weapon". That a statement formed a core memory. Emotions are powerful tools, she's come to learn. They can make you feel things. And when expressed right, they can make viewers feel things too.

Kulhari's acting career spans 13-odd years. She made her debut in the comedy Khichdi: The Movie (2010), playing Pammi, a much-jilted bride who finally gets hitched. She's best known for playing Anjana in Four More Shots Please! (2019-), who walks out of a bad marriage and faces life as a single mom. In the courtroom drama, Pink (2011), she's Falak, a young Faridabad professional who pays the price after her roommate attacks a sexual assaulter. In the black comedy Blackmail (2018), she's the woman cheating on her husband, prompting him to plot revenge.

Kulhari excels at playing a kind of everywoman caught in a bad situation. She doesn't always get the soliloquies, the zinger dialogues. But audiences come away remembering her quiet courage.

"I am the character. I live every moment they do on screen," Kulhari says. "But it doesn't mean that I need to feel that pain myself to portray it. That distance is something I have created." That process of detachment has been slow, hard-won, and has come with tears of its own.

Breaking point

Denne historien er fra October 21, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 21, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA BRUNCHSe alt
Rohit Chawla
Brunch

Rohit Chawla

Photographer, artist, @RohitChawlaPhotography_

time-read
1 min  |
November 02, 2024
Congratulations, it's a goal
Brunch

Congratulations, it's a goal

Lakeside vows, pastel palettes, bayous, backyards and boats. These celeb weddings are what modern fairytales are made of

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Rail against the machine
Brunch

Rail against the machine

Valay Shende's Virar Fast depicts more than Mumbai's constant state of rush. Despite the struggle, there's empathy too

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
No need for soirée excuses
Brunch

No need for soirée excuses

Not all party guests are created equal. Make sure you have an escape plan, in case you're stuck with someone dull

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
100 years, one epic dinner
Brunch

100 years, one epic dinner

How did the Hindustan Times celebrate its centenary in Delhi? With a lavish, ambitious dinner served by a top chef, in a magical garden. It can never be done again

time-read
3 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Sauce and sorcery
Brunch

Sauce and sorcery

Video projections on your plate, holograms dancing at the table, customised tunes with every course. Tech's coming to dinner. Will you reorder or reboot?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Who hates the haters now?
Brunch

Who hates the haters now?

Online trolls used to terrify influencers. Now, hate is hardly a surprise. It's a sign of engagement, real viewers; a chance to clap back and wield power. Take a look

time-read
3 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Are you earring this?
Brunch

Are you earring this?

Don't put the heavy jewellery back in storage after the festivities. Stylists offer tips on how to wear them all year and still look chic

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Clash of clans: Festive edit
Brunch

Clash of clans: Festive edit

Set boundaries, ask your own questions, prep for the prying moments. Here's how to survive the family gathering without going nuts

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Krutika
Brunch

Krutika

Content creator, @TheMermaidScales

time-read
1 min  |
October 26, 2024