Actor Kalki Koechlin is surrounded by a lively atmosphere as she speaks with me in honor of Earth Day. She has recently welcomed two puppies into her home, who are currently causing a bit of chaos with their messes, yet she remains unfazed due to the happiness they bring to her daughter, Sappho. The relaxed lifestyle she shares with her partner, Guy Hershberg, in Goa feels almost idyllic. However, her role as a mother brings with it concerns about the future.

Kalki shares insights into her journey towards a sustainable lifestyle and discusses her responsibilities as an actor in promoting environmental causes. Most importantly, she envisions a world where her daughter has ample opportunities to connect with nature.

Growing up surrounded by greenery and fresh air

Kalki vividly recalls that the terms 'organic' and 'green space' were not merely trendy phrases; they were integral to her life in Pondicherry during the 1980s. "I was born in Auroville, and my childhood was filled with activities like cycling, climbing trees, and jumping into water holes. We spent our time outdoors rather than watching television. The products we used were sourced locally and organic, as supermarkets were not prevalent at that time. I believe the first television we owned was a Christmas present when I turned 11," she reflects.

Although her father's business operated in Bengaluru and Coimbatore, and Kalki attended boarding school in Ooty, she recalls wearing her brother's hand-me-downs until she developed her own sense of style as a teenager. "During my time as a student in London, my budget only allowed for fast fashion. Now, I have the means to make more responsible choices and purchase locally produced items. The difficulty arises when collaborating with brands that lack sustainability. While it's impossible to completely avoid supermarkets today, I strive to strike a balance," she elaborates.

How motherhood made her more conscious

Kalki expresses that motherhood has heightened her awareness of her environmental impact and strengthened her connection to nature. "Since the arrival of Sappho, transitioning to eco-friendly choices has become a significant focus for us. One of the most impactful decisions we made was relocating to Goa. Sappho was born during the pandemic, and for the first seven months, her world consisted of just four people and a dog (laughs). Once the world reopened, we visited my mother's home in Pondicherry, where we were surrounded by coconut trees. It made us realize how fortunate we are to have a home in Goa in addition to our place in Mumbai," she shares.

In addition to that, Kalki has opted for environmentally friendly options throughout her home. "You become quite passionate about these matters. Everything in my household is now less detrimental when it enters the drainage system. This shift has significantly impacted our lives. If I were in Mumbai, I would typically visit a mall on weekends. However, here, I spend every weekend at the beach or by a waterfall. Even when we stay indoors, my daughter enjoys visiting libraries or attending puppet shows that utilize recycled materials. This has truly transformed our experience," she explains.

The juxtaposition of being an actor who cares for nature

Kalki recognizes that her industry frequently faces criticism for its lack of respect for nature, especially during outdoor filming. Nevertheless, she feels limited in her ability to effect change in this area. “As an actor, I cannot address those issues since I am not the one making those decisions. If I were in a position to produce, I would certainly consider these factors,” she clarifies. She further emphasizes, “For me, it is primarily about collaborating with individuals who are more conscious, nurturing, and concerned about these matters.”

She further expresses that individuals in the film industry share her concerns regarding the air quality index, emphasizing the necessity of holding authorities accountable. "Many prominent actors today contemplate how long they can reside in Mumbai or Delhi and seek homes in Europe or other locations primarily for the parks, clean air, and greenery. However, conservation appears to be a low priority for this government, which is alarming. Regardless of financial success, even businesses must recognize that wealth is meaningless if the air is unbreathable. There are certain aspects of life that money simply cannot purchase," she concludes.

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