Kalki Koechlin

Biography:

Kalki Koechlin, a French actress and writer renowned for her work in Hindi cinema, has amassed numerous accolades including a National Film Award, a Filmfare Award, and two Screen Awards. Despite her French citizenship, she has predominantly lived and worked in India.

Koechlin was born on January 10, 1984, in Pondicherry, India, to French parents who adopted Hinduism and settled in India. Raised in Auroville, later moved to Kallatty, Tamil Nadu. She developed a passion for theatre from a young age. She pursued drama studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, while simultaneously engaging with a local theatre group.

Upon returning to India, she made her mark in Hindi cinema with her debut as Chanda in the black comedy-drama “Dev.D” (2009), earning a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Subsequently, she featured in box office hits like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011) and “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” (2013), garnering nominations for her supporting roles.

Expanding her repertoire, Koechlin ventured into screenwriting with “That Girl in Yellow Boots” (2011), showcasing her versatility as an actor and writer. She continued to excel in both commercial and independent cinema, earning critical acclaim for her performances in films like “Margarita with a Straw” (2014), which earned her a National Film Award. Embracing the digital space, she impressed audiences with roles in web series such as “Made in Heaven” and “Sacred Games” in 2019.

Beyond her acting prowess, Koechlin is active in stage productions, having co-written and directed plays like “Skeleton Woman” (2009) and “Living Room” (2015). She is also known for her activism, advocating for various causes including health, education, and women empowerment.