Kalki
Kalki is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Kalki began their career in 2011. With 30 credits to their name and an average audience rating of 6.5, Kalki remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. An emerging voice in Tamil cinema, Kalki is already attracting significant attention for their distinctive work.
Career Milestones
First transgender woman in India to play a lead role in a feature film
View film →Instrumental in historic Supreme Court verdict recognizing transgender civil rights in India
Chosen by Facebook as one of 12 inspiring women of the world using Facebook for community development
Invited to speak at Harvard Business School representing Indian transgender community
Awarded honorary doctorate by International Tamil University USA
Iconic Roles
Narthagi
A pioneering role as a transgender woman navigating her quest for happiness, love, and identity. This was the first Tamil feature film with a transgender protagonist played by a real-life transgender person, with Kalki drawing from her own personal experiences.
Kalashnikov - The Lone Wolf
Kalki played the lead role in this parallel Hindi feature film, continuing her work as a pioneering transgender actress in Indian cinema.
Defining Moments
Lead protagonist role in Narthagi — the first Tamil feature film to cast a real-life transgender person in the lead role, depicting the struggles and identity of a transgender woman with autobiographical authenticity
Landmark moment in Indian cinema history: Kalki Subramaniam became the first transgender woman to headline a mainstream Tamil feature film, breaking a barrier that had previously seen transgender characters played by cisgender actors. The role drew from her personal experiences and is widely cited in discussions of LGBTQ+ representation in Indian cinema.
View film →Action lead role in Kalashnikov — The Lone Wolf, expanding beyond social drama into genre filmmaking as a Hindi-language action film protagonist
Demonstrated that her Narthagi breakthrough was not a one-off, as she took on a lead role in a different genre (action) and a different language (Hindi), cementing her status as a working actress rather than a one-film symbol.
Kalki by the Numbers
If you watched every Kalki film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 2 hours.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →Career Analytics
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Legacy & Influence
Kalki is a prominent Indian actress whose career has been defined by a bold and discerning choice of roles, significantly impacting contemporary Tamil and Hindi cinema. Emerging in the early 2010s, she quickly distinguished herself from mainstream conventions by gravitating towards independent, character-driven narratives and films with strong socio-political commentary. Her breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed Tamil film 'Narthagi' (2011), where her performance was noted for its raw intensity, setting a precedent for her future work. She further solidified her reputation as a fearless performer in films like 'Masaan' (2015), where her poignant portrayal of a young woman navigating tragedy and societal stigma earned widespread acclaim and brought her talent to a pan-Indian audience. Kalki's contribution lies in her consistent advocacy for and participation in films that challenge norms, whether addressing gender dynamics, political corruption, or complex human relationships. She has become a pivotal figure in the parallel cinema movement in India, often collaborating with visionary directors like Anurag Kashyap. Her filmography, including projects like 'Super Deluxe' (2019), showcases a remarkable range and a commitment to artistic integrity over commercial safety. By choosing roles that are often unconventional and layered, Kalki has expanded the scope for female actors in Indian cinema, demonstrating that success can be built on substance and powerful storytelling. Her influence extends beyond acting, as she is also recognized for her work as a filmmaker and her vocal stance on social issues, making her a significant cultural voice for her generation.