Rooted in Theatre, Ready for Impact

Chaitali Kohli on Sharing Screens With Legends, Her Love for Theatre, and Why 2025 Is Her Most Defining Year Yet

Actress Chaitali Kohli is steadily carving a space for herself in the world of powerful, performance-led storytelling — from impactful web roles to the commanding presence she brings on stage.

In a candid chat, Chaitali opened up about her experience working on Khauff, a gripping series helmed by Surya Balakrishnan. “It was a small role, but an important one. Working with Surya was a big reason I said yes. Though Khauff took two years to release, the energy on set made the journey worthwhile. Every actor was a strong performer, and that pushed me to be absolutely prepared and precise with my scenes,” she says.

Her appearance in Crew also didn’t go unnoticed — especially sharing the frame with Bollywood powerhouses like Tabu and Kareena Kapoor Khan. “They’re absolute gems. Kareena was extremely warm and welcoming, which instantly put me at ease. She came thoroughly prepared for every scene, and that professionalism is so inspiring.”

Chaitali fondly recalls a moment on the Crew set that speaks volumes of Kareena’s dedication. “There was this one scene where her character finds a project file in the dustbin. Our director wanted it to be situationally funny, and Kareena gave nearly 14 takes just to explore the nuances. Watching that process unfold was truly inspiring.”

With a strong grounding in theatre, Chaitali recently performed in Vishamrut and credits live performance for shaping her as an actor. “Theatre taught me to accept myself. It tests your range in real time. Starting from screen, I had missed the rush of live interaction. Now, I feel fully ready to take on layered roles.”

When asked about the kind of parts she’s drawn to, she doesn’t hesitate. “Anything that echoes what Shefali Shah does — roles with emotional depth, a strong voice, and that push the story forward. I don’t just want to be present in a narrative; I want to shift its direction.”

Her admiration for Marathi theatre also runs deep. “We’ve had incredible women like Reema Lagoo and Bhakti Barve lead the way. Today, there are fresh, bold scripts being supported by legends like Mahesh Manjrekar and Vijay Kenkare. Producers like Rahul Bhandare are backing stories that truly matter. Marathi theatre is alive, strong, and evolving.”

And what’s the dream role? “Something like Shefali Shah’s part in Once Again — a mature love story, subtle but deeply emotional. It’s not about big gestures; it’s about real connection and complex choices.”

Currently, Chaitali is immersed in three web series under major banners — each offering her the chance to explore new shades of herself. “One role has me as a grieving mother fighting for justice, another as an NGO officer tackling systemic issues. Each character is emotionally consuming but incredibly fulfilling. This is exactly the kind of work I’ve always envisioned for myself.”

2025 might just be the year audiences see Chaitali Kohli in her most transformative roles yet — raw, rooted, and remarkably real.