We all know that a lot of foreign crews, singers and actors are in Bollywood hoping to make a name for themselves. Though a lot of them have been doing well in the modelling scene, and even have been able to get a few item songs for themselves, here’s one woman who’s doing well for herself as an actor.
We are talking about Kalki Koechlin – French-Indian actor who has starred in several Bollywood movies, including the critically acclaimed “Dev D” and the hugely popular “Zindagi na milegi Dobara” where she had some really meaty roles.
Brief Background
Koechlin was born to “French hippie” parents, in 1984, in Tamil Nadu (her parents were followers of the yogic guru Sri Aurobindo).
She has studied drama and theatre at Goldsmith’s (University of London), where she received her training as an actor.
She speaks English, French, and now Hindi as well which she learned for her first movie.
Famous Back Home?
She was really an unknown figure back home in France, until now!
And what changed it all?
Bollywood’s 100th anniversary changed it all for her!
Cannes Film Festival has announced that it’s going to feature a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of Bollywood, and guess who has benefited the most from it?
None other than Koechlin, who has emerged from almost total anonymity in France, to the one that the French public now recognize as one of their own in the huge film industry based in Mumbai, India.
About French Film Industry
France is known to be the birthplace of cinema (at least the French like to think so), and is noted for having a particularly strong film industry.
Apart from its strong indigenous film tradition, France has also been a gathering spot for artists from across Europe and the world.
It’s really surprising then, that someone from France had to come all the way to Bollywood to get her share of fame.
It just shows the growing importance of Bollywood in the international scene!
You can read the complete interview of Kalki Koechlin in this French daily here…
Here’s also a video interview where she talks about her journey in Bollywood, starting with being of mixed heritage in India to her acclaimed role in the movie Dev D, and more.
