In the world of Bollywood, where appearances can often overshadow talent, maintaining a certain public image becomes almost essential for an actor’s continued success. However, actress Kalki Koechlin recently opened up about her refusal to play that game. While acknowledging the industry's pressure to conform, she spoke candidly about how many of her peers invest heavily in curating a glamorous facade—often at the expense of personal priorities or financial comfort.
In a conversation on the YouTube channel Aleena Dissects, Kalki shared an experience that captures her no-frills approach. “For several years, I showed up at the Filmfare Awards in my modest Maruti Swift,” she recalled with a laugh. “My dress would spill out of the car because it was so small. Security would stop me at the gate, not recognizing me, and I’d have to flash my invitation and explain, ‘Yes, it’s really me.’”
Despite moments like these, Kalki insists she’s never let such setbacks push her into conforming to the industry's glamour-driven standards. She values her individuality far more than any fleeting fame that might come from superficial glitz. “That’s just how I live,” she explained. “I crave freedom—spontaneity, doing things my own way. Not having a team around me constantly means fewer eyes on me, and fewer people chasing after me. The only time I really feel the spotlight is at airports—there, I’ve accepted that I’ll spend an hour and a half taking selfies with fans.”
When asked about the importance of PR and image upkeep in a competitive industry like Bollywood, Kalki admitted that there is a place for it—especially for big stars. “At a certain level, having a PR team and security becomes necessary,” she noted. “There are obsessed fans and threats out there. So, I do understand why some actors need bodyguards and professional representation.”
However, she also pointed out how image maintenance can go to extreme lengths. “I know people who live in cramped one-bedroom apartments, but they arrive at industry meetings in a chauffeur-driven Audi. Their homes might be small, but their cars are luxury. For me, that doesn’t make sense. I prefer spending my money differently.”
Kalki revealed that she chooses to invest in quality of life over public perception. “I love living in a beautiful home in Goa and flying back and forth to Mumbai when needed. That’s where my money goes—on peace, not pretense.”
On the work front, Kalki was last seen in the Tamil romantic action thriller 'Nesippaya'. She will next be seen in the English movie 'Emma & Angel.' She was previously married to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. She is currently in a relationship with Israeli musician Guy Hershberg. Their daughter was welcomed via water birth in 2020.
In a conversation on the YouTube channel Aleena Dissects, Kalki shared an experience that captures her no-frills approach. “For several years, I showed up at the Filmfare Awards in my modest Maruti Swift,” she recalled with a laugh. “My dress would spill out of the car because it was so small. Security would stop me at the gate, not recognizing me, and I’d have to flash my invitation and explain, ‘Yes, it’s really me.’”
Despite moments like these, Kalki insists she’s never let such setbacks push her into conforming to the industry's glamour-driven standards. She values her individuality far more than any fleeting fame that might come from superficial glitz. “That’s just how I live,” she explained. “I crave freedom—spontaneity, doing things my own way. Not having a team around me constantly means fewer eyes on me, and fewer people chasing after me. The only time I really feel the spotlight is at airports—there, I’ve accepted that I’ll spend an hour and a half taking selfies with fans.”
When asked about the importance of PR and image upkeep in a competitive industry like Bollywood, Kalki admitted that there is a place for it—especially for big stars. “At a certain level, having a PR team and security becomes necessary,” she noted. “There are obsessed fans and threats out there. So, I do understand why some actors need bodyguards and professional representation.”
However, she also pointed out how image maintenance can go to extreme lengths. “I know people who live in cramped one-bedroom apartments, but they arrive at industry meetings in a chauffeur-driven Audi. Their homes might be small, but their cars are luxury. For me, that doesn’t make sense. I prefer spending my money differently.”
Kalki revealed that she chooses to invest in quality of life over public perception. “I love living in a beautiful home in Goa and flying back and forth to Mumbai when needed. That’s where my money goes—on peace, not pretense.”
On the work front, Kalki was last seen in the Tamil romantic action thriller 'Nesippaya'. She will next be seen in the English movie 'Emma & Angel.' She was previously married to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. She is currently in a relationship with Israeli musician Guy Hershberg. Their daughter was welcomed via water birth in 2020.
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