Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin recently opened up about her experience working on Dev D (2009), her debut film as a lead actress, revealing that it felt like a “big exam” due to her struggles with Hindi at the time. The Anurag Kashyap-directed modern adaptation of Devdas brought Kalki into the limelight for her powerful performance as Leni, a character inspired by Chandramukhi from the original novel.

Kalki, who was born to French parents and raised in India, admitted that she was still learning Hindi when she landed the role. “I was completely new to Bollywood and wasn’t fluent in Hindi. Dev D felt like a big exam because I had to work extra hard on my dialogue delivery and diction,” she shared in a recent interview. She credited director Anurag Kashyap for helping her get comfortable with the language, as well as the film’s team for their support during the intense shoot.

Despite her linguistic challenges, Kalki’s portrayal of Leni, a woman dealing with trauma and finding strength in adversity, received critical acclaim. The film’s bold storytelling and fresh take on Devdas set a new standard for contemporary Bollywood narratives.

Dev D turned out to be a career-defining moment for Kalki, marking the beginning of her journey in unconventional and impactful roles. The film not only showcased her acting prowess but also positioned her as a unique voice in the industry, known for taking on complex, layered characters.

Recalling her audition process, Kalki revealed that she was initially skeptical about bagging the role due to her accent and lack of experience. However, Anurag Kashyap saw potential in her performance, leading to her selection. “I remember thinking, ‘There’s no way they’ll cast me because my Hindi wasn’t strong.’ But I put in the effort, and it paid off,” she said.

Released in 2009, Dev D was a path-breaking film that redefined Bollywood’s approach to storytelling. The film’s experimental cinematography, bold themes, and Amit Trivedi’s electrifying soundtrack contributed to its cult status. Kalki’s role as Leni, a character who transforms her life despite hardships, resonated with audiences and set her apart as an actor unafraid of challenging roles.

Following the success of Dev D, Kalki went on to star in films like Margarita with a Straw, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Manto, proving her versatility. Over the years, she has also been vocal about issues like gender equality and representation in cinema.

Looking back, Kalki acknowledges Dev D as one of the most important milestones in her career. “That film changed everything for me. It made me realize that I could carve a space for myself in this industry, despite not fitting into the conventional mold,” she said.

Key Highlights:

• Kalki Koechlin revealed that working on Dev D felt like a “big exam” as she was still learning Hindi.
• The role of Leni was her first major Bollywood lead, and she initially doubted being cast due to her accent.
• Dev D became a turning point in her career, establishing her as an actor known for unconventional roles.
• The film’s success redefined Bollywood storytelling, and Kalki went on to play a variety of impactful characters.