Would love to do a rom-com where I get the guy in the end: Kalki Koechlin

Mumbai: On the day of the release, actress Kalki Koechin talks exclusively to Deccan Chronicle about her role in Jia Aur Jia, working with co-actors Richa Chadha and Arslan Goni, kind of films she wants to do ahead and more. Excerpts:

What is your film Jia Aur Jia all about?

It is about two girls on a budget road trip. They both are very different from each other. Jia Venkatraman played by Richa Chadha is a business woman who is sorted but an introvert. She is going through some trouble in her life and undergoing depression because of it. My character Jia Garewal is far away from her. She is like a boho and breezy. So, it is about how to live and learn to live life. It is not a usual love triangle and we are not banking on the guy this time to continue the plot.

You exchanged your culture with Richa in the film and vice versa, how was it?

Oh! Yes. Richa taught me a few Punjabi words like Makhan Malai, Ek Glass Lassi and all. I taught her Andavane and Kadavule which mean Hey Bhagwan in Tamil. We have known each other since a long time. We have done plays like Trivial Disasters together. She is a great and concentrated actor. She has some kind of stillness that really works on camera. She is quite spontaneous and I admire her. I am quite the opposite as I have to prep for my roles.

How was your experience of shooting in Sweden?

It was quite cold when we shot the film. We used to warm up before every scene by having tea. Sweden is really evolved country. It has one of the high tax systems in the world. It is a sustainable and innovative country.

What are your thoughts on being a part of one of Bollywood’s few women-centric travel films?

I am glad that I am a part of it. I feel there are enough real life stories of women travelling. I also believe that there is a lot of market untapped to the travel genre.

Heard that you use to bully Arslan during the shoot?

No, never. Arslan is like a lion cub. He is a sweetheart. We both Richa and me love animals. He used to help me with my dialogues. He used to teach good kadak Hindi words and in return I was nice to him. (laughs).

We hardly see you dancing but you danced in Naach Basanti. Was it challenging?

It was scary to dance on Naach Basanti. The fun part of the song is that a lot of people from the crew were also the part of the song. It was a nice way to gather again much after the film was been made.

What kind of roles are you looking forward to now?

I would love to do a rom-com where I get the guy in the end instead of killing or beating him up. I want to do an action film where girl gets to do stunts. I am history buff so won’t mind doing a historical film. Sister Nivedita is one such person whom I find very fascinating.