Girl Next Door: Kirti Kulhari

Hi Kirti. What’s the latest thing that has caught your attention?

I think a couple a things has caught my attention. First of all the fact that the kind of attention Pink has got is really fantastic. It’s not like it has become a hit, but the extent of appreciation, acknowledgment and response that people are giving is something that really made me take notice of the fact that cinema actually has the power to do this to people. And that’s the whole idea of art. Pink is not just a film anymore. It has crossed the boundaries in so many senses. And that’s what has caught my attention.

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We don’t know much about you. Enlighten us, please…

I belong to Rajasthan, but I was born and brought up in Mumbai. Dad was in the navy so I’m an absolute defence kid. I studied BMS (Bachelors in Management Studies) from Bhavan’s College. Post that, I did my post graduate diploma in journalism and mass communication from K. J. Somaiya. I used to play badminton at national level during my school days and was actually good at it. After all this, I gave a shot to acting and started my carrier with a lot of ads, followed by theatre and then got my first film, Khichdi- The Movie. I love music, reading books, watching films from all across the world, travelling, and acting of course… That’s me!

Coming from a defence background. How were your growing up years?

My growing up years were full of personal growth and development, filled with lots of opportunities to realise my potential. There was a very healthy environment for girls and boys to grow up together without any caste and religious differentiation. We knew who our neighbours were and we cared about each other. We celebrated festivals together and also mourned together for our losses. We received amazing facilities for sports and recreational activities as kids.

What’s the naughtiest memory from your childhood that you’d like to share?

Naughtiest? Umm… I really have to go back to my childhood now. I don’t think I was a naughty child. I was a very introvert and reserved kid. I was, in fact, like a cry baby. If anybody would ask me to recite a poem or something, I would just start crying because I was so shy and reserved. There was nothing naughty as such that I remember!

So, how does a masters in journalism turn into an actor?

Well, I think my idea of studying was to gain knowledge about various things and not to necessarily pursue my career. I was never the studious kinds. I was more into sports and co-curricular activities. I really had no plans of acting. But looking at the heroines onscreen and seeing that they were so pretty, I used to think I wasn’t made for films. In college, I got exposed to theatre, and that’s when I decided that I would finish my studies and give acting a shot. And then see what happens.

You have been a part of theatre, TV commercials and movies. What interests you the most?

TV commercials don’t, for sure! There was a time when I enjoyed TVCs as well, but I have moved on since that time and got a lot more in terms of creative satisfaction. I think theatre is something that I’ve always been attached to. I was serious about acting and that’s why I joined theatre to do more of method acting than just being a pretty face in front of the camera. The process and time which you get in theatre to prepare for your role is super satisfying. It’s a good learning process. For films, I keep the feel of theatre alive in my consiousness so that I take less time when doing a movie. As an overall experience in terms of satisfaction, I would chose films!

How did you get a role in Pink?

I had to audition for it. I was called for it by the casting director. You know, when you are waiting for an opportunity, every call becomes important. You only look for one chance to showcase your talent. When I heard that Shoojit Sircar is a part of it I was very excited that there is something good involved here!

Tell us your most amazing moment during the shoot of the movie?

Most amazing? I think it was when we were shooting the court room drama where I yell at Piyush Mishra. It was okayed in one take. It’s the scene that people will remember me for. Even after that scene was over, I couldn’t stop crying.

When I finally stopped, I looked around and almost every girl on the set was crying. The scene had gone beyond what we were actually trying for. It was so rare that after that scene I felt blessed as an actor to be able to do it.

How was it working with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan?

I think this doesn’t need an answer. When you start your career in Bollywood, you don’t even dream of working with Amitabh Bachchan. And I got the opportunity so early in my career. You know, when I had signed the film, I didn’t know that Mr Bachchan was a part of the project. I was told this much later and I was overwhelmed by the news. It felt like we were not doing the film, but we were the film. We were not just sharing the screen space with him, it was much more than that. The film was so close to our hearts that with each passing day, we could feel that the movie was becoming something else. We were even invited for his birthday party. I thought everybody would be there, but it was only the Pink team. We witnessed Mr Bachchan in a very professional and personal way. He is an amazing actor to work with.

How would you like to describe your personality?

This term ‘personality’ is often very misleading. It limits us. We get stereotyped for being either too shy or too talkative. We don’t realise but a child becomes what he or she is told while growing up. I have stopped defining myself!

If you had to change two things about yourself, what would they be?

I think I’m very emotional and to an extent that I look foolish sometimes. I get carried away with my emotions and I want to acknowledge my emotions and not make them a part of my life. I want to use them as a part of my work. Secondly, I find it difficult to say no. It takes a lot of effort to say no to anybody for the fear of hurting someone. I want to have the strength and courage to say no when I want to.

Do you have a weird habit that you would like to get rid of?

I have lots of them (haha). Umm… If I don’t get a good sleep, I get into a panic mode. I want to change that about me.

What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received so far?

Compliments are of different kinds. A lot of people have come up and said good things to me. But for me, I try to find the intention behind the compliment more than just taking it on face value.

So, what’s your idea of a fun date?

A date should be about two people being themselves. The whole idea of trying to be nice and pretending to be someone else is all bullshit. Lot of laughter, lot of conversations and great food is good.

Travelling together is also a good idea. I would love that!

What is the best place for a guy to approach you for a date?

I am absolutely unapproachable, guys! I’m married! But yes, if someone wants to come and talk to me, for a right reason, you are always welcome!

Has a girl ever hit on you? We would like to know the details…

I think, yes I have been subjected to that (laughs). When I was in school, a lot of girls tried hitting on me. But I was too innocent and clueless about it to understand back then.

Would you get drunk on a beach or read a book to take a break from work?

I would read a book, to be honest. But currently, I wouldn’t mind getting drunk on a beach as well (smiles).

What’s your favourite cuisine? What place would you recommend for it?

I really love South Indian food, especially Andhra food. There is a place called Gongura that serves amazing food.

On a parting note, when will we see you again on the silver screen?

It will be a while before you would see me actually. I am going to start shooting in the coming month, but the movie will come out sometime mid next year. But you’ll keep hearing things about me (smiles).

From the November 2016 issue of FHM India.