Kalki Koechlin bags Best Actress award at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

Actress Kalki Koechlin clinched The Best Actress award for her movie, Margarita, With a Straw at the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. It was the only Indian film to be screened at the festival and reportedly garnered immense appreciation from audiences and the jury. The movie is being described as a slice of life film wherein Laila (Kalki) embarks on the journey to seek love and acceptance. Undeterred by cerebral palsy, Laila sets out to find the unpredictable yet exhilarating path of her own desires. Interestingly, the jury at the festival thought Kalki to be naturally disabled and were indeed stunned when they discovered that she was not! The jury while giving the award said "The Best Actress goes to Kalki Koechlin for her role in “Margarita, with a Straw” (India), directed by Shonali Bose for its unmitigated approach to how physically challenged individuals can overcome all obstacles and learn to be at peace with one’s personal worth.” An elated Shonali said, “I am absolutely thrilled with this prestigious international award for my Laila. It’s wonderful to receive international recognition for the hard work and commitment that Kalki and I put in to create this character. She deserves it totally. It’s a world class performance. In fact the jury refused to believe she was able bodied. Bina Paul Venugopal (in attendance as NETPAC Jury at the festival) had to convince them otherwise! Many thanks to my sister Malini who so generously gave herself to Kalki - to understand and portray a vibrant woman with cerebral palsy so brilliantly and honestly.” Margarita also recently won the prestigious NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) award for Best Asian Film at the 39th Toronto International Film Festival, Produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Ishan Talkies, Jakhotia Group, and ADAPT, Margarita will release in India in early 2015.