Born in Auroville, Pondicherry, to French parents, the versatile Franco-Indian actress, writer, and activist known for her unconventional and critically acclaimed inspirational roles, Kalki Koechlin surprises us with her effortless Tamil, a fluency that instantly disarms. For years, one wondered why Kollywood hadn’t claimed her, despite the few Tamil films she has acted in. Currently living in Goa, where she has a home with her partner Guy Hershberg and daughter Sappho, she has embraced a more nature-focused and sustainable lifestyle, but travels to Mumbai and other cities on work. The shift to Goa has given her family the chance to live more slowly, in harmony with nature. We caught up with the bubbly star, who was in Bengaluru at the launch of Max Fashion at Phoenix Marketcity, for an exclusive interview. The National Award–winning actor opens up about stepping back into Tamil cinema with Nesippaya, balancing motherhood, her fashion choices, and the passions that keep her restless and inspired.

Here’s Bollywood’s beloved Kalki Koechlin, in an intimate conversation…

You were born to French parents but have deep Indian roots, having grown up with influences from both cultures, speaking Tamil and English in addition to French. …tell us about your South-Indian connection?
I went to a boarding school in Ooty till I was 18 and spent holidays in Auroville. My dad’s business moved to Bangalore. He was teaching hand gliding and kept shifting across the south. He is also into nature photography and his hobby has now turned into a profession. Since my home was in Bangalore and I was in a boarding in Ooty, all my holidays were spent in Bangalore. I went to a lot of music concerts like Roger Waters and Scorpions and the city helped me grow as a teenager. My younger brother Oriel studied at the Bangalore International School. I visit Bangalore often to meet them sometimes or all of us plan and meet at Auroville often. After that I went to study drama and theatre in London. I worked with Magic Lanterns theatre after returning to Bangalore for a while and when I got a role in a play I shifted to Mumbai.

What were the challenges in your initial Bollywood days?
Between my theatre and my first movie, I did some teleshopping ads and some modelling and after about a year I auditioned for Dev D in Hindi, a language I couldn’t speak then, so they gave me the script in English and I got a call from Anurag Kashyap saying “You can act. You have two months to learn Hindi.” Dev D was a super hit, but in the film industry you get stereotyped. After Dev D I was offered a bunch of prostitute roles. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was again a hit but after ZNMD, I was offered rich south Bombay type girl roles. Again, after Margarita with a Straw for which I won a National Award (she plays Laila who has cerebral palsy), I was getting disability roles, but I didn’t want to get slotted, so I declined them. I was alright with waiting for the right ones. During that time, I was also doing other things like acting in plays, writing and theatre workshops. Gully Boy and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was another wonderful project.

You have acted in Tamil films like Nerkonda Paarvai and Paava Kadhaigal. How was your experience with your recent Tamil film Nesippaya?
It was very good. I enjoyed it very much. Vishnuvardhan is a fantastic director and very energetic. It was a slight challenge for me to speak fluent Tamil, but I did it. I really enjoyed the entire experience.

But you’re a Pondy girl and I’ve seen you speak fluent Tamil?
Yes still, it’s different when you have to speak a lot of dialogues fluently. My Tamil is very casual, you know, it’s like talking about food and things at home, but this was a lawyer’s language, so it was quite a challenge, but I managed it.

Motherhood seems to have brought a beautiful shift in your life. How has your daughter shaped your perspective on work, creativity, and self-care? How do you balance both the worlds now?
Great. I can’t complain. Balancing act is hard. It’s heartbreak every day whenever I’m away from her. It’s not easy being away from her but I have to travel for work, like today I had to leave her home to come on work. Motherhood is fun, yet at the same time it’s important to balance it well.

What are some of the fun things you and your daughter Sappho like to do together?
We do a lot of fun things together. We are really into gardening these days. She knows what is Tulsi, what is curry leaves and knows all her trees. She loves climbing the guava tree. We also love spending time at the beach.

You’ve always spoken openly about mental health and personal growth. What’s a personal milestone you’ve quietly celebrated recently?
Mental health is extremely important. It’s as important as physical health, and one should not ignore it. Spending time for both mental health and physical health every day is equally important.

Your book “Elephant in the Womb” gave us a raw, witty look into motherhood. Tell us more?
“Elephant in the Womb” is a wonderful book about motherhood and pregnancy, for adults. It’s a comic book, and is available on Amazon. Every mother should buy it.

Your favourite dream travel destinations?
I go to Kashmir a lot for skiing in the stunning landscapes of Gulmarg. Another beautiful country I love visiting is Canada. I love going to the Toronto Film Festival and I find it better than any other film fests across the world. My elder brother who lives in Chennai married a Japanese girl. I love Japan and can keep going back. Apart from Marrakesh I’ve not seen much of Africa either. I also go on bike rides and it’s almost like meditation for me as your mind can’t float elsewhere when you’re riding.

A destination that’s on your bucket list?
I would love to go to South America and explore Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia.

Rapid Fire

A role in Tamil cinema you’d love to do?
I’ve always been drawn to roles that feel mythical – Gods, Goddesses, superheroes, or characters born of our legends. To step into the shoes of a queen from another era, to bring her strength and story to life, is something I would love to do.

Parenting in one word?
Parenting is everything in one word.

Tea or coffee?
Coffee.

Beach or mountains?
Right now, I have beaches to myself, so I will opt for mountains.

Books or movies?
Books. These days it’s books.

Dogs or cats?
Dogs.

Gym or yoga?
Yoga.

A dream director you have worked with?
Zoya Akhtar.

A dream director you’d love to work with?
Richie Mehta.

A superpower you’d love to have?
To be invisible.

One word your friends use to describe you?
Ditsy.

Something about Pondicherry that you miss?
Family.

What do you like about Max Fashion, the brand you’re currently endorsing?
Eclectic and changing all the time.

Your style statement?
My style statement is very eclectic. When its red carpet it has to be Sabyasachi, but I also love new designers like Shift and others for their organic fabrics. I wear a lot of Auroville designers like Upasana who is known for her socially conscious fashion.

Your go-to outfit whenever you can’t decide what to wear?
Acid washed jeans and white tees. Half my wardrobe is white and black and a huge collection of smart mulmul kurtas in every colour with long sleeves and a pocket designed by Sushma Sharma.

Early bird or a late Kate?
I’m an early riser.

Who are your closest friends from the film industry?
Gulshan Devaiah, Radhika Apte, Jim Sarbh and Zoya Akhtar.

Worst pick-up line someone used on you?
Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?

What do you find sexiest in a man?
Sense of humour.

Your best role so far?
Margarita with a Straw.

You have been in and out of relationships. Any relationship advice?
You shouldn’t lose yourself or your identity because of someone you love. Be your own person and let the other person be themselves. Expectations kill relationships. Sense of humour and respect for the other person is also very important.

What’s in your handbag?
Sunglasses, phone, wallet, keys, lip balm, bottle of water and a book.

What’s your biggest worry?
I worry about getting old and wrinkles on the face that come with age.

Your fitness and beauty regime?
I’d like to eat organic but it’s not easy when you’re out shooting. I’ve become very conscious of what goes in my body and have quit meat and rarely eat fish. I’ve also quit smoking and reduced drinking. I play football and basketball once a week and rest of the time I swim and do Vivekananda yoga. For my face I use cold-pressed coconut oil.

Your upcoming projects?
A web series titled “Bhay – The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery”, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” where I play Cordelia alongside Naseeruddin Shah and “Bollywood recession,” a new web series with Karan Tacker.