Kalki Koechlin says was harassed as a student by big-shot Indian producer at Cannes; recalls casting couch experience in Mumbai: ‘Felt disgust'
Speaking to Zoom, Kalki opened up about facing harassment at Cannes years ago when she was working as a promo girl for a mobile brand at the festival. She revealed that she was a student at that time, studying in London. She said, 'I have been into incidences where I have been in uncomfortable situations. One such incidence wasn't in this industry. It was at Cannes. I was not even an actor, I was a student in London at that time and I had gone to Cannes as a promo girl for Nokia phones. There was an Indian producer, I'm not going to say the name. He knew somebody who knew my mother and they put me in touch with him saying, 'Meet him, he is a big guy.' So, I met him and went to see his screening at Cannes. He then asked me out for dinner in London, and when I asked him about any leads in work at that point, he made it very clear that I have to be with him in order for that to happen. I, obviously, said no, thank you, and that was the end of that.'
Kalki faced harassment again in Mumbai, where a producer directly approached her. Recalling the incident, she said, 'The other time it happened was when I went for an audition here in Mumbai for a film and the producer said, 'Oh you want to do this film, but I need to get to know you because it's a big launch.' He was basically saying the same thing, but I said, 'I'm sorry. I don't want to waste your time or mine.''
Kalki admitted that although she felt rage in those moments, her first instinct as a woman was to leave the vicinity of the producers for her own safety. Sharing her thoughts, she said, 'I have a raging fury inside me. I want to punch that person in the face but like any other woman, I tell myself to keep it in and just get out of the situation, cause it is also out of safety and other reasons. It's kind of disgust, kind of experience.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
19 minutes ago
- News18
Divyanka Tripathi Visits Army School On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Says ‘Dreamt Of Wearing The Uniform'
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, TV actress Divyanka Tripathi and her husband Vivek Dahiya visited the Combat Army Aviation Training School and shared pictures with Col Jaskar Choudhary. On the special occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, TV actress Divyanka Tripathi, along with her husband Vivek Dahiya, decided to go for a very special meet-up as they visited the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik. The actress took to her social media to share a series of pictures from her meeting with their friend and acting officer, Col Jaskar Choudhary. While sharing these pictures, the actress penned a heartfelt note and shared how she once had a dream of becoming a soldier. Divyanka wrote, 'Our visit to the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik hit differently — a place where valour is taught, not told. During heartfelt conversations with our friend, an acting officer — Col Jaskar Choudhary — we were filled with awe at the grit it takes to serve." 'From running on sheer passion to sacrificing comfort for the country, these soldiers remind us what true service looks like," she continued. While sharing how she had once dreamt of wearing the uniform, Divyanka revealed, 'I once dreamt of wearing the uniform… perhaps one day I'll live it on screen. But today, I lived it through their stories. A nostalgia for something I never had, and a pride I'll always carry." 'Let's strive to be citizens worthy of their sacrifices. To the ones who gave it all — we remember, we salute. Jai Hind. #KargilVijayDiwas," she concluded. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26th July to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. After weeks of intense combat in extremely harsh conditions, the Indian Army successfully pushed back the intruders and reclaimed all occupied positions. The day honours the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought valiantly during the conflict. Memorial events are held across the country, especially at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, where tributes are paid to the fallen heroes. Meanwhile, Divyanka Tripathi stepped into the entertainment industry with her debut serial Yeh Dil Chahe More in 2005. She gained significant recognition with the TV series Banoo Main Teri Dulhann, where she skillfully portrayed the dual roles of Vidya and Divya. Yet, it was her iconic role as Dr. Ishita in the StarPlus hit Yeh Hai Mohabbatein that truly cemented her status as a household name. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
19 minutes ago
- News18
Son of Sardaar 2's Roshni Walia Reveals Why Her Mother Was Often ‘Cursed' By Relatives
Last Updated: Roshni Walia revealed about her parents' divorce and that she doesn't have any true relatives. Television sensation Roshni Walia rose to fame with her role as Ajabde Punwar in Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap. Having started her acting journey at a young age, Roshni has been a familiar face on Indian television for years. Now after years of hard work, she is all set to make her big screen debut with Son of Sardaar 2. Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, the upcoming Bollywood film features Roshni alongside industry heavyweights Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur. Ahead of her film's release on silver screens, the actress sat for a conversation with a media portal, where she opened up about her personal life like never before. During the chat, she revealed her parents' separation and that she doesn't have any relatives. While speaking to Hauterrfly, Roshni Walia was asked about her father. She disclosed, 'My parents are divorced. They don't live together. They are not into each other's lives. Unki apni family hai (He has his own family). I am very happy and respectful. They enjoy." Showering praise at her mother, Roshni went on to say that her mother has been there for her through tough times, and she is her only family. 'Mera toh yahi kehna hai ki mere bure waqt mai sabse zyada meri maa ne sath diya hai aur unka sath humne diya hai. Yahi humari family hai. (I want to just say that during my tough days my mother supported me the most, and we stood by her. This is my family," she said. Roshni Walia On Her Relatives Revealing how her mother's friends and her friends are like family to her, the Maharana Pratap actress added, 'I feel kabhi kabhi it's not the blood relation that matters. Kabhi kabhi aapke rishte organically bhi ban sakte hai. Aur voh bohot ache rishte ho sakte hai. Zaruri nahi hai voh aapke khoon ka hi koi ho. Sometimes people just come like angels, and then they are in your life (I feel sometimes it's not the blood relations that matter. Sometimes your relationships grow organically, and those can be good relationships. It is not important that it should be a blood relationship)." 'We don't have any relatives. Humara ek bhi relative hamara sagga nahi raha hai (None of our relatives have been true to us)," Roshni revealed. She went on to say that her relatives 'mocked' her mother for coming to Mumbai and 'cursed' her that they would not be able to thrive there. However, Roshni stated that her mother made that big decision, and they are the happiest now. Roshni Walia's Upcoming Movie The television star will star in Vijay Kumar Arora's directorial Son of Sardaar 2. The film is a spiritual sequel to Ajay Devgn's 2012 hit film of the same name. In the comedy franchise, the actor will be seen reprising his role as Jaswinder 'Jassi" Singh Randhawa. Alongside Ajay, the film also brings together Mrunal Thakur, Sanjay Mishra, Ravi Kishan and debutant Roshni Walia in other important roles. Buckle up, as the film is all set to tickle the funny bones on July 25. First Published: July 26, 2025, 11:13 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ekta Kapoor breaks silence on ALTT obscenity row, distances herself amid OTT crackdown: 'To whomsoever it may concern...'
OTT platforms under scrutiny Clarification, not complicity MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT As news broke of 25 OTT platforms being blocked for allegedly streaming obscene content, one familiar name among them stirred particular interest—ALTT. But before headlines could settle into controversy, producer Ekta Kapoor stepped in to clarify that she and her mother Shobha Kapoor have had no association with ALTT since June a statement shared by her production house and titled 'To whomsoever it may concern,' Kapoor pushed back against media insinuations, asserting that she has not been connected to ALTT in any capacity for the past three years. The statement emphasized that the digital platform is now operated by ALT Digital Media Entertainment Ltd. following a legal restructuring approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), with effect from June 20, controversy comes amid a sweeping move by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting , which reportedly blocked 25 OTT apps including Ullu, Desiflix, Boomex, MoodX, and ALTT. As per Times of India, the crackdown follows reports that these platforms were broadcasting material deemed pornographic and violative of Indian stated that many of these apps streamed content lacking coherent narratives, instead focusing heavily on sexually explicit acts and nudity. Describing such portrayals as 'obscene' and 'vulgar,' the Ministry flagged them under multiple violations of the Information Technology statement not only refuted any present association with ALTT but also highlighted that Balaji Telefilms Limited , the parent company she heads, remains fully compliant with all legal frameworks. The statement read, 'Balaji Telefilms Limited is fully compliant with all applicable laws and continues to operate its business with the highest standards of corporate governance.'The clarification aims to separate Kapoor's legacy in digital entertainment from the platform's current operational direction. It also reflects growing tensions between evolving creative expression on digital platforms and regulatory oversight amid rising concerns around online content for reshaping Indian television and later digital entertainment through bold, often boundary-pushing narratives, Kapoor has long walked the line between popular demand and moral policing.
