Long before the spotlight found them, actors Kalki Koechlin and Gulshan Devaiah connected over their love for theatre. Their bond began not on film sets, but in green rooms and after-show hangouts. Later, they shared screen space in The Girl in the Yellow Boots (2010), Shaitan (2011) and Love Affair (2016), building on that early connection. Kalki was struck by Gulshan’s “stage presence”, while he admired her “goofy authenticity”. What began as casual camaraderie has since “evolved into a deep, enduring friendship” — the kind that feels like family.

Recalling their first encounters, Kalki says, “The first time I saw Gulshan was actually in a play called Butter And Mashed Bananas. It was written and directed by Ajay Krishnan; not only was he performing, but Gulshan was very good at it.”

Gulshan adds, “When I met her in Bengaluru, while performing the play, I didn’t know who she was, as she wasn’t that famous then. There was an ease about her; she was just so chill, and there was no fuss, though we didn’t become friends immediately.”

Recalling how Kalki has been there for him without even asking, Gulshan says, “We had just moved into a studio apartment, and one day, she had an AC delivered there. She somehow figured out that I was low on finances and did what she thought was best for me.”

Recalling the memory, Kalki adds, “He didn’t have to ask. Isn’t that how friendship works?”

On her fondest memory, Kalki recalls a house party they attended together, sharing, “We were once at a house party, and as soon as the title song from the movie Fashion (2008) played, we went wild. That was when we knew we’d be friends forever.”

Gulshan reflects, “I’ve seen her go through a lot in life. Many times, I used to worry or even disapprove of some boyfriends she had. After she separated from (filmmaker) Anurag Kashyap, there was a lot going on in her life. But then she became a mother, and it’s such a joy to see her as a mom.” He adds, “It’s beautiful to see your friends grow and mature in life.”

Kalki shares, “He’s just been there so often when I’ve been down. There have been times when I’ve stayed at their home (Gulshan and his ex-wife, Kallirroi Tziafeta). When I started dating my now-husband (Israeli classical pianist Guy Hershberg), I took 20 people to my mom’s house, and Gulshan was the one who managed everyone; he was the darling of the house.”

She continues, “We’ve gone on holidays together, seen each other through rough times, and even recently, he showed up at one of my interviews as a surprise.

Kalki says that over the years, the bond between the two has only evolved for the better: “When you’re young, friendship is about going to parties, and now it’s about people who make you feel safe, who don’t judge you.” Building on her thoughts, Gulshan adds, “We don’t need to talk daily or give gifts to each other. But I know she’s a well-wisher, and I’m there for her too; we’re those friends who show up if and when the other one needs us.”

Ask them if they have any special names for each other, Gulshan mentions: “She’s like a superhero to me and I call her Hulk-star because she’s the strongest woman I know. People think she’s carefree, but there’s a lot of character strength in her.” Kalki adds, “I call him Gullu out of my fondness for him.”