Independent, commercial cinema happily co-existing: Kalki

Nov 5, 2012 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) Actress-writer Kalki Koechlin believes commercial and independent cinema co-exist in a healthy way in the Indian film industry.

The 29-year-old has been part of offbeat cinema with movies like "Shaitan" and "That Girl In Yellow Boots", and tasted the commercial flavour with "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", and feels the industry is united in making independent cinema as successful as commercial movies.

"I think there is a space for independent cinema and I think they should and they are happily co-existing. There is a constant way of going about it. The minute independent cinema becomes commercial, which is our aim, there will be a new wave of independent cinema and that might be darker or wackier. It is happening since last 10 years or so," Kalki told IANS.

The actress has had her share of box office disappointment with "My Friend Pinto" and "Shanghai", but feels complaining about criticism is not a wise thing to do.

"I think criticism is something that comes with a territory. Anyone who complains about that, is silly. When you are out there doing anything, you are going to be critisised by some people for anything. Even if you might be the most saintly person, but that might offend a small group of people. So you have to be ready for that criticism," she said.

How does she deal with criticism?

"For me, sometimes the best thing is to isolate myself, cut myself from public for a while. When you are criticised heavily, you tend to doubt yourself. At that time, it is important to go back to what is important and for me it is the craft of acting.

"I go back to theatre, work on my Hindi and work on my weaknesses that I might have," she added.

Kalki will soon be seen in director Kannan Iyer's "Ek Thi Daayan", in which she plays the role of a Bohemian teacher. Produced by Vishal Bharadwaj, the movie is a musical thriller. The actress says the movie will entertain children, and she will take their "honest" criticism seriously.

"This is first movie where I am aiming specifically at children. They are the most honest audience. They don't care about who the stars are, costumes or quality of the film. They care about the story. Whether the story captures their interest or not. I will take their criticism very seriously," she said.

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