Her roles have garnered critical acclaim time and again and this time is no different. Kalki Koechlin, who has been getting positive reviews for her character in Waiting, speaks to us about working once again with Naseeruddin Shah, her career and being ‘oh so single’!

Waiting gave you a chance to work with one of India’s finest actors once again. Were you intimidated or awed by Naseer I was intimidated by him when I did The Girl In The Yellow Boots. This time, thankfully that was not the case. I think I came prepared, and I was my character Tara in front of Shiv and not Kalki in front of Naseer. He’s a pleasure to work with because he is always in character.

What was it like to portray trauma and bereavement Did the role depress you No. It drains you at times, but it’s strangely therapeutic because it let’s you get those emotions out. Did you ever look in to yourself and your own life to draw those emotions I think we always draw from our own lives and our own emotions, that’s an important part of making the character relatable.

Waiting opened along with Phobia, which is another film that has a female actor in a strong part. Good time to be an actress in Bollywood Yes. I loved Phobia, an excellent thriller and Radhika is absolutely brilliant in it. I feel happy with the risks people are willing to take on new scripts. Your growth as an actor has been strong and steady. Do you feel you have found acceptance in spite of your cultural background, which is unrelated to Bollywood Yes. I finally feel accepted. It’s been quite a journey for me so far.

Your character in Waiting, Tara liberally uses expletives. Do you think it is okay to use such words in a film even if the censor board disagrees When it is rated an adult film yes, I think it is alright to use cuss words, it is a reflection of real life. That’s how I speak in real life. I do use cuss words and it’s okay!

Tell us about your forthcoming films... There’s Konkona Sen-Sharma’s directorial debut A Death In The Gunj, where I play the role of Mimi, a half-Bengali, half-French character. And there’s also Mantra, which is directed by Nicholas Kharkongor and is yet to be released.

How difficult or easy is it to be a single woman in Mumbai Are you fine with the attention you get, being a single and successful actress Of course I enjoy all the attention, I’m an actor after all! But I prefer it only when the feeling is mutual and not one sided.