Headed for a fight
Rachana Dubey (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 3, 2014)

Kalki Koechlin and Richa Chadha are headed to Kamshet, near Pune, together to train in Kalaripayattu, a martial art form from Kerala.

The reason for this sojourn is their upcoming English comedy play (untitled) where both the actresses will perform physically demanding sequences.

Kalki and Richa will prepare for the gruelling scenes with a ten-day programme of Kalaripayattu. The training requires open spaces which are not available in Mumbai so they decided on Kamshet.

When asked, Richa confirmed the story, saying, "We still don't have clarity on how the technique will be woven into the play. We will explore that when we are at Kamshet. But I've practiced Kalaripayattu earlier, and I know it helps the body become extremely flexible. Landing on your feet lightly becomes a lot easier. We have to be flexible for this play. And so this will come in handy."

Kalki and Richa have been friends for a few years now, and have already had a rehearsal in Mumbai. "I've known Kalki for many years now and she's really special to me," says Richa.

The play opens in July and will be staged in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Chennai.