Watch: Kalki Koechlin's poem on noise is as multi-layered as her characters

While most people replayed songs from their favourite artists for the umpteenth time on World Music Day, Kalki Koechlin celebrated the day differently, by writing a poem that is probably more multi-layered than the roles she portrays in her films and launching it in the form of a music video. The poem is a brilliant representation of ’noise’ and all that it constitutes. And, Koechlin is a prodigy. [caption id=“attachment_3732651” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Kalki Koechlin in a still. YouTube screengrab.[/caption] In the self-written poem, Koechlin explores numerous issues but binds them together with one overarching element — noise. The poem starts by defining the noise that we hear everyday and how the frequency of those sounds normalises them, completely. Be it the morning azaan, the hustle and bustle of the fish market or the transgender who claps repeatedly, everything is just plain noise and we have gotten accustomed to it. The poem also brings to light pertinent issues like sensationalism in news and this generation’s obsession with likes and shares. Koechlin, who is known to stand up for women’s rights and gender equality, also touches upon the deep-rooted misogyny which is the only thing that does not seem to discriminate on any basis. She even calls out people who are quick to judge her on the basis of her looks, but wouldn’t hesitate before asking her for a selfie. The poem then slowly descends into the silence of the night and she beautifully uses that to highlight how this generation needs to be able to discern the noise and let the ’true voice’ come through. The poem can have multiple interpretations, just like the word noise, which is why it is best to keep the conclusion open-ended. But fact remains, that this generation needs to stop for a second. Stop and hear the real voice of reason and not get drowned by other noises which are constantly fighting to overpower each other. It’s important because silence can be as powerful as noise, if not more. Watch the video here: