Showing posts with label Guy Hershberg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guy Hershberg. Show all posts
Kalki Koechlin delivered an AC to my place when I was low on finances-Gulshan Devaiah
8:05 AM
Actors Kalki Koechlin and Gulshan Devaiah revisit a friendship that’s grown with them — seasoned, steady and still going strong
Vishakha Pandit (BOMBAY TIMES; August 3, 2025)
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.
JAB WE MET
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.”
FOND MEMORIES
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.”
THROUGH THICK AND THIN
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.
HOW HAS THE BOND EVOLVED
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.”
BANTER AND NICKNAMES
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.”
My husband has seen Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and he says I’m as hot today as I was back then-Kalki Koechlin
9:28 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 7, 2024)
Ayan Mukerji’s romantic comedy, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD), starring Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur and Kalki Koechlin re-released last week. Kalki, who played the role of Aditi, is excited that a new generation is enjoying the movie, which originally released in 2013.
She says, “To see people dancing to the film’s songs in theatres is so heart-warming. I guess the film belongs to a new generation of people now. My Instagram blew up quite a bit after I posted the announcement video in true Aditi style, so that was fun.”
While her daughter, Sappho, hasn’t seen the film, Kalki is happy with her musician husband, Guy Hershberg’s reaction after seeing the film. She shares, “My husband has seen YJHD and he says I’m as hot today as I was back then (laughs).”
The film became popular, especially among the youth, for the realistic way it portrayed life and friendships on screen. She says, “The film taught me how some friendships last a lifetime. That’s true; I’m still in touch with some of my boarding school friends, who I grew up with. Somehow, they know you best, they’ve seen you become the person you are before you started your career and became a public figure. They know your real personality.”
Recounting the days when they were shooting for the film, Kalki says, “I think I bonded best with Ranbir. We aren’t much in touch now. We do meet occasionally at parties or events, but yes, we had a great time while shooting YJHD.”
She adds, “We used to gang up against the boys. Deepika and I would put snow in the boys’ T-shirts. And Ranbir and Aditya got their revenge during the haldi ceremony shoot - they were supposed to put a dot of haldi on me, but Ranbir ended up putting a whole bowl of it on my face, which I think remained in the final edit (laughs).”
The one thing everyone has been asking me is Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara's sequel coming?-Kalki Koechlin
9:07 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; December 6, 2024)
While Kalki has had a busy year, the actress always prioritises spending time with her four-year-old daughter Sappho over everything else. In a chat with us, she talks about balancing parenting duties and her career, how she longs to continue working and how excited she was when Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD) re-released in theatres earlier this year. Excerpts:
‘I narrate bedtime stories through voice notes for Sappho when I am away’
Kalki, who is based out of Goa, has to keep travelling for her work, even to foreign locations. Ask Kalki, who shot for Her Story this year, how she manages her shooting schedules while being a hands-on mom, and she says, “The longest I have been away from Sappho is three weeks for a shoot. Earlier this year, when I was in France for a whole month for a shoot, I spoke to her much earlier and told her I would be away. Sometimes, she bargains with me on the number of days I can be out. Whenever I am out working, I narrate bedtime stories through voice notes. She listens to them before going to sleep. It can be difficult, but we have to face it together because even I long to work.”
‘People keep asking me about the sequel to ZNMD’
Earlier this year, ZNMD, which featured Kalki along with Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar, was re-released in the theatres. Talking about the response the film got, Kalki said, “Now the one thing everyone has been asking me is when’s the sequel coming? I have no answer to this question (laughs). I feel excited that the movie has been relived and rewatched after so many years in theatres.”
The Zoya Akhtar directorial released in July 2011. Kalki, who usually doesn’t like watching her own films, has seen the film thrice. “Even Guy (husband, Guy Hershberg) enjoyed the movie. He found my character funny because it is very different from what he sees of me in real life. I think Sappho has danced on the film’s track Sooraj Ki Baahon Mein in her school,” says the actress.
‘Didn’t feel the hierarchy while shooting for ZNMD’
Reminiscing about the days of shooting ZNMD, she shares, “It was my first big Bollywood film. Of course, I did have a good start with Dev D, but it was still an off-beat kind of film. I got along well with Hrithik Roshan while shooting ZNMD. We share our birthday. We bonded over similar things. I shared with him how I struggle with dancing, and he spoke to me about his struggle with speech.”
Talking about what made the shooting experience special, she said, “We shot the film abroad (Spain), and the nature of the film was such that everybody was together. The separation was not there, and that hierarchy was not felt. I really didn’t appreciate how important and special it was at that time because as time went by and I did more movies, I realized that the separation or hierarchy is something that is ingrained in our system, and ZNMD was indeed a special experience.”
Kalki Koechlin married again; recalls being 'nobody' in her first marriage
2:51 PM
The actor announces marriage to Guy Hershberg and reflects on the challenges of past relationships, including marriage to Anurag Kashyap
HINDUSTAN TIMES (September 29, 2024)
Actor Kalki Koechlin has earlier spoken about having no plans to get married to her live-in partner and even being trolled for having a child out of wedlock. Now, she has revealed that she is married.
Speaking to Hauterrfly, the actor said that she is married to Israeli musician Guy Hershberg, with whom she has a four-year daughter, Sappho.
While discussing relationships, the 40-year-old was asked if she could pull off being in a polyamorous relationship, and she said, “Now that I am married and have a kid, I don’t think I got time for that sh*t, because you just don’t even have time to see your own partner. But I think that it has happened in the past... I think you have to be very specific about your rules and boundaries.”
Koechlin was previously married to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap from 2011 to 2015. In the same interview, she said that it’s rare to find a man “who is comfortable with you being selfied while he is sidelined”.
“I actually was in that position in my first marriage. In the start, I was a nobody and Anurag Kashyap was so big and I was always on the sidelines and it’s not easy,” she confessed, adding, “I was a lot younger back then and I was finding it difficult. I always wanted to run away with him to go to inaccessible places. But now, I think I’ve accepted that it’s a part of life and now I’ve become very private about my life.”
You need to make time for romance in your life after you become a parent-Kalki Koechlin
8:18 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; March 19, 2024)
Recently, Kalki Koechlin went diving in the coastal regions of Maharashtra. Leaving behind fancy locales that many actors pick for their getaways, the actress chose a local experience in Sindhudurg that’s close to her heart and home. Kalki currently lives in Goa, but keeps coming back to Mumbai for work. The trip was a sweet surprise planned by her friends, marking her 40th birthday.
She shares, “My friends know that I love diving, but ever since I became a mother, I haven’t had time to do that. My partner (Guy Hershberg) and I were told to leave at 6 am and reach the destination, where I saw a bullock cart waiting for us with diving gear and that’s when the surprise unfolded.”
‘I feel that once you become parents, you don’t really get much time off’
The actress had parked herself for two days at a farm stay in Parule, Sindhudurg. The getaway was also a romantic trip for the couple as it was minus their four-year-old daughter Sappho. “It was a child-free holiday. My partner and I were happy to have experienced that. I feel that once you become a parent, you don’t get much time off. For the first time, neither of us was there with Sappho overnight. Our friend was babysitting her. This holiday was a good reminder for us that you need to make time for your partner and romance in your life even after you become a parent,” says Kalki.
‘It is good to know what’s happening locally’
A big fan of scuba diving, Kalki has been to Thailand many times for her dives, but it was the first time she explored the sport in Maharashtra. She shares, “It is good to know what’s happening around you, locally. I was surprised when I discovered that diving takes place in Maharashtra. It looked like an untouched territory. There are these stunning little islands that we went to by boat. There are a lot of corals around those uninhabited islands. It is clean and the visibility underwater is very good.”
‘It was nice to be cut off and just be surrounded by the sky and the sea’
The actress loved the rustic experience of a farm stay. “The sight of eight women grating coconut in the kitchen is something you don’t get to see. No luxurious hotel can match up to that type and quality of food. It was nice to be cut off and be in a space where I was surrounded by the sky and the sea. The food was also delicious.”
For my daughter, the world is just four people and a dog-Kalki Koechlin
8:46 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 8, 2020)
New mum Kalki Koechlin has been taking care of her two-month-old baby girl, Sappho, with her partner, Guy Hershberg, at home. “I am lucky to have a distraction in the form of Sappho. I am breast feeding exclusively, so I am with her full-time,” she says.
Stationed in Mumbai with Guy, her teenage brother, their house help and their dog, “who is happy” to have them around, the actor remarks, “Sappho probably thinks that the whole world consists of just four people and a dog (laughs). I am thankful for this time because if I wasn’t in a lockdown, I would either be working and missing out on time with Sappho or would be at home with a feeling of FOMO.”
Koechlin also admits that she is lucky to have her house help’s support. The couple has stocked up on supplies and is trying to step out as less as possible. She adds, “We step out once in 10 days. Thankfully, stores are right under our building and my neighbour has been a huge help as they shop for us. I hope we will be more appreciative of quality time with our loved ones.”
The Coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm and Koechlin hopes it teaches people to appreciate the little things in life. She is also glad to see people helping and supporting the ones who are not as fortunate.
Kalki Koechlin gives birth to a baby girl
10:06 AM
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 10, 2020)
After spending a better part of her maternity leave in Goa, where she originally intended to go into labour under the guidance of a mid-wife, Kalki Koechlin returned to Mumbai closer to the due date. On Friday night, the actress and her Israeli beau Guy Hershberg welcomed a daughter through water-birth at a Khar hospital. A source revealed that Kalki was admitted earlier in the day.
On Sunday, the new mom introduced her Insta family to her daughter, saying, “She just spent nine months wrapped up like a momo in my uterus. Let’s give her some space.” Last September, she had made her relationship with the Israeli pianist and music teacher official on the social media, after being in a relationship with him for over two years. A few weeks later, she divulged that they were expecting a baby.
In her latest post, Kalki conveyed her respect to all the women who go through the intense and gruesome experience of birth, be it vaginal or C-section, so many of whom are not given credit or support for the biggest challenges they face but are expected to do it out of duty. “The process takes a huge toll, both psychological and physical, and should have the backing of an entire community to truly heal,” she stated. In an interview to Mirror (October 1, 2019), the actress had confided that at one time, she hadn’t wanted kids. “I had even thought of tying my tubes in my 20s. But the combination of seeing my little brother being born and growing up, as well as a more settled feeling of creating a home for myself made me excited about having a child,” she shared. When asked if a wedding was now on the cards, she said that the couple did not want to rush into it. “We will see when the time feels right. It will be a registration and a quiet family gathering.”
Kalki concluded her post with a quote by a Greek poetess after whom she has named her daughter Sappho. She had revealed in the earlier interview that she had chosen the name, if it’s a girl, and Guy had chosen a name, in case it’s a boy.
The actress was last seen in Gully Boy and plans to gradually get back to work. “I’m lucky to have a partner who is supportive of my careeer,” she’d smiled. This new mom is at her fittest and happiest.
When I heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time, I got excited-Kalki Koechlin
8:13 AM
Counting days to her due date, Kalki Koechlin talks motherhood, marriage and everything in between
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 17, 2019)
"I am constantly craving grape wine," smiles Kalki Koechlin, who is in her final trimester. Only months ago, the actor announced that she is expecting her first child with Israeli pianist partner Guy Hershberg. Since then, it appears pregnancy has become her—when she is not flaunting her baby bump at red carpet events, Koechlin is learning to play nursery rhymes on the ukulele."This was an unexpected pregnancy. In the first two months, I didn't feel any maternal instinct. It felt like an alien invasion, where this little thing was acting like a vampire, sucking out everything from my body," Koechlin laughs, adding that her maternal instinct soon kicked in. "When I heard the heartbeat for the first time, I got excited. The first trimester was bad, but I am through that phase and looking forward to the due date in January."
The actor says Hershberg has been an equal partner, taking his daddy lessons seriously. "He has been so patient throughout this pregnancy. There were days where I would snap at the drop of a hat, but he was calm. He has been present for all the gynaecologist appointments and the classes where they teach you breathing techniques for labour."
It is not surprising to her that people around have been wondering if the couple plans to walk the aisle soon. However, she asserts that marriage, if it happens, will be for the right reasons. "We are not averse to marriage, but we don't want to rush into it just because I am pregnant. If it is necessary for the documentation, bureaucracy and school registrations of our child, we will consider it. But when it comes to our romantic commitments, we have enough validation from each other, and our families, too." For now, the actor is focusing on the second season of BBC's My Indian Life. "The first season concentrated on North India, but this time, we have covered from Nagaland to Kashmir and have tackled subjects of environmentalism and relationships."
The kicks are amazing. Feels like there’s a little footballer in there-Kalki Koechlin
8:16 AM
Kalki Koechlin who’s expecting a baby in December opens up about a water birth in Goa, her partner Guy Hershberg and their parenting plans
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 1, 2019)
Only a few weeks ago, Kalki Koechlin made her relationship with Israeli pianist and music teacher, Guy Hershberg, ‘official’ on the social media. More recently, she confirmed that the two, who have been seeing each other for over two years, are having a child together. Almost in the third trimester, the actress gets chatty about new beginnings…It’s said that for every woman, there comes a time in her life when she wants a baby…
I don’t think this is true. Some women don’t want children, and that’s fine. I myself didn’t think I wanted them and had even thought of tying my tubes in my 20s. But the combination of seeing my little brother being born and growing up, as well as a more settled feeling of creating a home for myself, made me excited about having a child.
It’s also about finding the right person and being the right age…
Yes, I am with someone who makes me feel calm and stable. But I don’t think age is as much a factor today with many people having kids later in life.
What was the first thought when you learnt that you were pregnant?
I called for another pregnancy test, I just couldn’t believe it. It was so unplanned!
Was Guy Hershberg around when you learnt the news?
Oh yes, and he was jumping with joy.
Tell us about Guy who’s an Israeli pianist. Where did you meet?
I’d rather keep some things personal.
Okay, when did you know that he is the one?
It’s a process of gradual trust. Ironically, the distance helped us communicate a lot more since we don’t have the luxury of seeing each other every day. He has spent his life teaching children piano so, he’s going to be the disciplinarian, the more experienced parent I feel.
Who were the first people you broke the news to?My family, a few close friends, my make-up artiste and my manager. They were overjoyed and overwhelmed. It seems like everyone was waiting for me to have a baby.
Have you decided on a name?
Yes, I have chosen the name, if it’s a girl. And Guy has chosen a name in case it’s a boy. No, don’t ask what it is. I cannot reveal the name yet.
You’ve said you want to have the baby in Goa and plan to travel between Mumbai and Goa as often as you can… How are you prepping up for D-day?
I’m meeting my mid-wife regularly and getting the right exercise. Preparing for the birth is important for me. So yes, there will be trips back and forth.
Lots of shopping trips too?
I have all my own baby clothes and my sister’s too so, I don’t need to worry about that for at least a year. I’d like to go organic and sustainable with baby products, such as reusable diapers and chemical free skincare. I’m learning nursery rhymes and songs on my ukulele from different parts of the world—Indian and Portuguese to African and French—so I can sing them to my child.
How does motherhood feel? New stirrings of life… Morning sickness… Baby kicking post-midnight…
God, the first three months were terrible! I have developed so much respect for all the mothers out there who work or have to go through all this without emotional support. The second trimester is fun. I have energy to work-out and I am cheerful at work. The kicks are amazing. Feels like there’s a little footballer in there!
The last time an actress had a child out of wedlock was Sarika. She was living in with Kamal Haasan when she had Shruti in 1986 and they tied the knot only two years later…
What is this term ‘out of wedlock’? It belongs in a Shakespearean drama and not in a millennial world. Marriage can be useful for bureaucracy, but it is not a sign of love. Only time and consistency tell of a strong relationship.
You and Guy have been in a relationship for more than a couple of years now. With the baby due in December, is a wedding on the cards?
We have considered it for the purpose of parental rights and the nationality issue. But we don’t want to rush it because of societal pressures. We will see when the time feels right. It will be a registration and a quiet family gathering.
Today, fathers are equally involved with the birth process. Will Guy be around?
He has been helping me with breathing techniques and will be present at the birth. We are yet to plan how we will divide time after that, but we are all for sharing domestic and professional timings equally.
Even after you and Anurag Kashyap divorced, you’ve shared a cordial equation. He’s a father of a daughter himself so any parenting advice from him?He’s just welcomed me to the parents’ club and told me to call if I need anything. Seeing Aaliyah (Anurag’s daughter) growing up and my own brother Oriel too, I’ve already got a glimpse into this role of a lifetime.
In recent times, a lot of actors have become parents… Arjun Rampal and Gabriella Demetriades, Lisa Ray and Jason Dehni, Lisa Haydon and Dino Lalwani, Amy Jackson and George Panayiotou. Have you shared your journey into parenthood with any of them?
No, I do know some new parents from the theatre world, but not any celebs.
From your family and friends, whom do you look to for guidance as you enter this new phase of life?
My sister in Paris. She’s my age and has a young daughter and a baby boy. There’s also my mother. I’m the first among my friends to have a baby, so they will be looking on curiously.
Will your parents and his be around when the baby arrives?
Of course, I look forward to them being around. Thankfully, the advice hasn’t got too much just yet, but I suppose everyone will have differing opinions and we will have to navigate through them. We will see what information is good and what is simply unquestioned tradition.
What are your earliest memories of your childhood?
Memories of the sea… I grew up on a beach hut in South India. I want my child to be exposed to nature and animals, not just the concrete jungle and screens. Also, different languages and religions, people and food.
Is there something you wanted as a child, but couldn’t get which you will make sure you give it to your child?
Maybe peace in the household? My parents have been shouting and fighting for as long as I can remember.
You’ve always been a feisty and independent woman. What do you want your child to imbibe from Guy and you?
His ability to face difficulties with calm and my ability to laugh at myself.
Will you be cutting down on work and be a more pro-active mother?
Immediately after birth I will take some months off from work to breastfeed the baby and for recovery. But I also aim to gradually get back to work. I’m lucky to have a partner who is supportive of my career.
Since you want to have a water birth in Goa, do you also have any plans of bringing up the child there instead of in a metro like Mumbai?
I cannot plan that far and wouldn’t want to. As and when the next challenge comes up, I will accept it with an open mind. The water birth is said to be a great way both for mother and child to experience less trauma.
It’s too early to speak of motherhood, but I can say that pregnancy wakes you up. It heightens your awareness physically through your sense of smell, taste, breath and body awareness. Mentally, it guides you to not retaliate but respond in stressful situations. It is an emotional state of daily discovery and excitement which outweighs the ups and downs of mood swings. Let’s see what the third trimester brings.
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