Mumbai: Actor Kalki Koechlin has opened up about her divorce from filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, sharing candid insights on healing after a relationship ends. Speaking ahead of the re-release of Dev D, she emphasised that while therapy is valuable, maintaining distance immediately after a breakup is often more important.
‘Dev D’ returns to theatres
The cult classic Dev D, which marked Kalki’s Bollywood debut, is set to re-release in cinemas on April 24, 2026. Reflecting on the milestone, the actor expressed surprise and excitement.
“I’m in shock. I’m only 17 years old,” she joked, adding that she hopes to watch the film again in theatres and experience audience reactions.
The film also holds personal significance, as it was on its sets that Kalki and Kashyap first fell in love.
A relationship that evolved
Kalki Koechlin and Anurag Kashyap married in 2011 and later divorced in 2015 after facing challenges in their relationship. Despite the separation, the two have maintained an amicable bond and continued to collaborate professionally.
Their work together includes That Girl in Yellow Boots and Sacred Games 2, while Kashyap also presented Goldfish (2023), starring Koechlin.
‘Therapy alone is not enough’
Healing after a breakup
Addressing the question of staying friends with an ex, Kalki highlighted that healing is a gradual and layered process.
“I don’t think therapy alone helps,” she said, explaining that during the initial phase of heartbreak, individuals need time to fully process their emotions.
According to her, therapy becomes more effective over time, especially in helping people let go of resentment and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Importance of ‘no-contact’ period
Kalki stressed that when emotions are raw, maintaining distance is crucial.
“When you’ve really hurt each other, it’s very important to have a period of non-communication,” she said.
She also referenced a commonly discussed idea that people should spend roughly half the duration of a relationship apart before reconnecting. While not a strict rule, she noted that such a timeframe can allow emotional clarity and healing.
Letting emotions settle
The actor emphasised the importance of expressing anger and grief in safe spaces—such as with friends or family—rather than directing those emotions at the former partner.
Over time, she explained, perspective shifts.
“That’s when you start remembering the good things,” she said, adding that this stage often signals readiness to reconnect on healthier terms.
A balanced perspective on relationships
Kalki’s reflections underline a balanced approach to post-breakup healing—acknowledging both the value of therapy and the necessity of emotional distance.
Her insights resonate with a broader conversation around mental health, self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries after difficult relationships.
Conclusion
As Dev D returns to theatres, Kalki Koechlin’s personal reflections offer a deeper layer to the film’s legacy—one that extends beyond cinema into real-life lessons on love, loss, and healing.