For me, theatre is like going to gym: Kalki

Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin, known for her avant-garde roles in Dev. D, That Girl in Yellow Boots and Shaitan, knows her strengths and isn't afraid of doing what she wants. The 30-year-old actor, despite her unconventional look for a Hindi film heroine, has tasted both critical acclaim and commercial success with movies such as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.In conversation with Vithika Salomi, Koechlin, who was in town on Friday for a play, revealed her love for theatre and her tongue-in- cheek videos on women's rights which went viral on social networking sites
From theatre to movies and back to theatre ? how has the journey been like?
I started with theatre and didn't really plan for movies. For me, theatre is like going to the gym and keeps my acting muscles in shape and my diction proper. I've constantly been doing theatre but I don't come to small cities very often. Sometimes, I've to wait 9-10 months for a good script and I like doing theatre then.
Any Bihar connection?
No, not at all. I was very excited to come and perform here when I heard of the venue, but I don't have any Bihar connection. This was my first visit to Patna and I hardly had any chance to explore the city.
How did you find the audience in Patna?
I was initially very curious about how the audience would react as I didn't know how much they would like the play. But, after the performance, I can say that people who had come had a good time and they were laughing throughout the show. It was really nice to see there were more people than we expected.
Theatre is not very popular in Patna or even elsewhere?
There is no infrastructure for theatre performances anymore and, also, there aren't many theatre groups left now.
From Dev. D to Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, are you satisfied with your Bollywood career graph?
Initially, I had to struggle, but the Bollywood journey has been great and I've been lucky to have worked with many big names. I'm working in ?Jiah aur Jiah' right now, co-starring Richa Chadda. I don't really think of commercial success and I do it because I want to. I would like to work with Irfan Khan in future.
Your tongue-in-cheek videos?It's your fault' and ?Truths of womanhood' ? have been very popular among the youngsters. Any more in the pipeline?
I'm not thinking of any more such videos right now. But, it's an important issue for me as a woman and I get affected by it. When I have to say something, I'll definitely say it.
You are not seen in many endorsements?
I do some endorsements. But, I feel the endorsements have to actually mean something to me before promoting them.