Actress Kalki Koechlin, recognized for her outspoken voice and fearless performances, revealed the personal instances of harassment in the film industry. In an interview with Zoom recently, Kalki freely expressed two harrowing experiences with powerful producers one while she was a student at Cannes and another after joining Bollywood. Her disclosures have again brought into focus the generally unspoken issue of problems faced by women behind the glamour and glitz of the showbiz industry.
Harassment on the Croisette: “It Was Made Very Clear”
Recalling her initial meeting, Kalki mentioned that the first experience was when she was a student in London and had traveled to Cannes as a promo girl for Nokia. While she was there, she was introduced to an Indian producer via friends of hers who were also acquainted with her mother. Having been motivated to meet him for possible work opportunities, Kalki watched his film in a screening.
But things turned dark when the producer invited her for dinner in London. “When I asked him about work leads at that time, he made it absolutely clear that I had to accompany him in order for that to occur,” Kalki said. She refused him politely, saying, “No, thank you,” and left.
A Similar Pattern in Mumbai
Years down the line, after joining the Bollywood loop, Kalki faced the same scenario in Mumbai while auditioning for a film. A producer hinted at her needing to establish a “personal relationship” with him to get the job. He said to her, “I need to get to know you because it’s a big launch.” Between lines, Kalki once again denied. “I said, ‘I’m sorry. I don’t want to waste your time or mine.'”
Dealing with Disgust and Anger
Kalki acknowledged that the incidents evoke a deep anger in her. “I have a seething rage in me. I need to punch that person in the face,” she disclosed. Nonetheless, as is the case with most women, she placed her safety first and opted to stealthily leave the environments. “It’s a sort of disgust, sort of experience,” she further noted, discussing how prevalent such experiences are in the line of work.
Kalki’s honest account sheds light on the darker realities of the entertainment world, reaffirming the need for safer, more respectful spaces for women in the workplace.
