Actress Kalki Koechlin has become synonymous with complex and psychologically dark characters, a trend she consciously continues to explore. Following her memorable performance in Ek Thi Daayan, she has delved deeper into the genre with recent projects like the paranormal thriller Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery and another upcoming horror film.
The Mental Toll of Dark Roles and a Personal Detox Ritual
Kalki openly admits that immersing herself in such intense narratives can weigh heavily on her mental state. She emphasizes that the challenge is not the horror itself during filming, but the sheer emotional intensity of the roles. "When you shoot for 12 hours doing something very intense, you need a ritual to come out of it," she explains.
To counter this heaviness, the actor has developed a personal ritual for detachment. The moment she returns home from set, she actively seeks out lighthearted content. "I watch stand-up comedy, or I do some dance — like a silly, fun dance or an exercise routine with fun elements in it," Kalki shares. This deliberate shift in energy helps her shed the character's psychological layers and reconnect with her own self.
A Horror Star Who Fears Horror Films
In a striking contradiction, despite frequently working in the genre, Kalki Koechlin confesses she is not a fan of horror films as a viewer. "I hate horror. I'm very scared - I'm like the audience, I get scared very quickly," she states. However, she draws a clear line between watching and creating horror.
She reveals that the experience of filming is markedly different because it is a highly technical process. "When you're shooting horror, I don't feel that way because it's quite technical. You're not really feeling all the vibes," Kalki notes, highlighting the dispassionate focus required on set.
Eerie Happenings on the Set of 'Bhay'
Despite the technical nature of filmmaking, Kalki acknowledged that there were genuinely unsettling moments during the production of Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery. She recalls instances where the atmosphere turned palpably spooky.
"On Bhay, there were some vibes. There were some pretty scary things going on. Lights were flickering, and one day a tree fell on the ambulance— it was very dramatic. It's scary," the actress shared, hinting at the uncanny events that blurred the lines between fiction and reality during the shoot.
Through her journey, Kalki Koechlin continues to navigate the demanding space of dark cinema, armed with self-awareness and personal strategies to maintain her mental well-being while delivering compelling performances.
