KALKI KOECHLIN - ACTOR, WRITER

Kalki Koechlin has long stood out for her unconventional choices, whether in films, plays, podcasts or web series.

- Preetha Banerjee

"SUSTAINABLE LIVING SHOULD NOT FEEL PUNISHING"

Beyond her craft, her deep connection with nature shapes her advocacy for mindful consumption and systemic change. In an interview with Preetha Banerjee, Koechlin reflects on the roots of her ecological awareness, the tensions between individual and corporate responsibility, and how storytelling can shift cultural imagination:

You have often talked about living mindfully and staying connected to nature. What sparked this consciousness and how has it evolved?

I was privileged to grow up surrounded by wildlife and nature. I lived in the Nilgiris, near the Mudumalai Sanctuary, where it was normal to see elephants, bears, deer and bison. Our trips were always nature-based—we would set up tents, go trekking, paddle down rivers and learn how to kayak. From a young age, I was taught the importance of leaving no trace; not leaving any plastic behind. I also spent time in Auroville, which has a strong sustainable ethos. The idea is to give back to the community through whatever business you run. People were codependent on each other for various needs, with plenty of exchanges and a strong focus on growing organic food. Later I have supported Ecofemme, an environmentally conscious organisation that makes reusable sanitary napkins, among other products.