Kalki Koechlin's French connection 
By Screen Weekly, January 24, 2008 - 15:42 IST
Kalki Koechlin, who marks her debut with Anurag Kashyap's Dev D, is upbeat.
Launch
I play Chanda in Dev D. My character starts out as Leni, a teenager who gets stuck in a malicious MMS scandal. Her image is tarnished in society and her family abandons her. This forces her to turn into a high-profile escort by night. It is not exactly a dream debut for me but I couldn't have waited all my life for a better role.
Casting Coup
I had circulated my pictures to all the production houses in Mumbai as I was looking out for work. Soon I got a call from UTV asking me to come for an audition. I went there and they put me through a gruelling series of auditions. Only after auditioning me four times, did Anurag give the thumbs-up sign!
Stepping stone
I was born in Pondicherry and brought up in Bangalore. My parents are French and they moved to India in the early '70's. After completing my education, I went to London to pursue an acting course from the University of Goldsmith. After spending three years in London, I started doing theatre and then Dev D happened.
First Shot
There is only one term to describe how it felt, nerve-wracking! The shot was pretty easy with me having a conversation with my grandparents. It is not exactly a conversation because we start arguing about something. I was really nervous because Abhay Deol and Mahi were giving their shot right before me and they are such wonderful actors!
Stumbling Block
Well, my diction had been a problem for me. Also I simply cannot dance, I have two left-feet. Add to that my firang looks. All this was a little problematic for me but now I have a tutor who teaches me Hindi, so I can speak fluently.
Lessons learnt
Coming from a theatre background I am used to being loud on the stage. Also the body language is completely different when you perform in front of the camera. That is when I learnt to be subtle on screen. I have also learnt that sometimes you should just let go of yourself completely and surrender to the camera.
Matinee Idol
I really admire Irrfan Khan. He is such a brilliant actor and the camera just loves him. Someday I would love to star in a film opposite him.
Future projects
I haven't signed anything after Dev D. Actually I am too nervous because there are a lot of expectations from us. I just want people to like my performance and enjoy it.
Screen India
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"I came back from London as I missed dal, chawal & roti" - Kalki Koechlin
