I auditioned for A Death in the Gunj twice: Kalki Koechlin

In a career spanning over eight years, Kalki Koechlin’s acting has time and again been validated by critics, audience and several awards. But, there is one person in front of whom the National Award winner had to prove her acting skills.

In an exclusive conversation with ANI, the Margarita with a Straw star, who is gearing up for the release of Konkona Sen Sharma’s directorial debut A Death in the Gunj, said, she had to audition for the film twice.

“I just wanted to work with Koko. I didn’t know anything about the film. I auditioned for the film actually because she wasn’t convinced that I could play the role in terms of the age. She thought I looked too young for the role. She wanted an older woman. And I just really wanted to do the film. So I auditioned twice and thankfully managed to convince her!,” said Kalki.

When asked how is Konkona as a director, the 33-year-old said, “She is a detailer, a perfectionist detailer!”

Adding, “We did workshops, we prepared for the role, but even the costume, the make-up tests. Konkona would be there for everything. She never missed out. Most directors won’t be there for all the costume trials or the look tests but she was there on all occasions. Likewise on set, she knew very clearly what she wanted in detail.”

A Death In The Gunj is a thriller set in 1979 at McCluskieganj, near Ranchi. It also stars Vikrant Massey, Ranvir Shorey, Tanuja and the late Om Puri.

The Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani star also talked about the experience of working with the veteran stars. “I had a great time with Tanuja and Om ji. They both are really fun people. Om ji used to tell some really bad jokes and Tanuja ji would sit with the girls and give lots of gossip on her heydays in Bollywood!,” she concluded.

The film is all set to hit theatres on June 2.