Bollywood actress and social advocate Kalki Koechlin has been named one of the newest Honorary Fellows of Goldsmiths University, joining an impressive list of honourees that also includes acclaimed author Evie Wyld and British Ghanaian writer Caleb Azumah Nelson. The three will officially receive their awards at Goldsmiths’ degree convocation ceremonies in London next week.
Koechlin, who studied at Goldsmiths before launching her successful career in theatre and film, has made a significant impact both in front of the camera and in her advocacy work. She gained widespread recognition with her breakthrough performance in Dev.D, which earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Since then, she has starred in films such as Margarita with a Straw and Gully Boy, earning critical acclaim for her diverse range of roles. Her stage work, particularly her writing and performances, has also been recognised, including winning the MetroPlus Playwright Award.
A highly regarded figure in the Indian film industry, Koechlin was honoured in 2018 with the Chevalier dans L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, recognising her contribution to arts and culture.
Joining her as honorary fellows are two literary figures: Evie Wyld, an award-winning author whose works include All the Birds, Singing and The Bass Rock, and Caleb Azumah Nelson, whose debut novel Open Water made waves in contemporary literature. Wyld has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Miles Franklin Award and the Stella Prize, and is a celebrated member of the British literary community. Nelson, whose debut novel won the Costa First Novel Award, is known for highlighting the voices of underrepresented communities, particularly from South East London.
The Honorary Fellowships will be presented at a series of ceremonies from 14 to 17 January 2025, held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, London. The event will celebrate the achievements of these outstanding individuals across a variety of creative fields, from film and literature to social advocacy.
