Actress Kajal Aggarwal was in the city recently to promote her upcoming romantic action entertainer Maari, which is directed by Balaji Mohan. Talking about the film, Kajal says that she is not just a glam girl, and has quite a strong character in it. “I thank Balaji Mohan for giving me this role. I play a fashion designer who is independent and focused, not getting distracted with romance. She wants to start her own boutique in a low-end locality of the city. When she does, it lands her in a bit of trouble. How she tackles these issues forms the crux of the movie.”
She could not stop praising her costar Dhanush. “He is amazing. A very chilled out person! He was very supportive, especially when Balaji gave me lengthy dialogues,” laughs Kajal. Is it true she demanded a huge salary, as big as Rs2 crore for a film? “They are rumours. I demand only what I deserve! Moreover, I am acting in various languages including Hindi. So, it is a practical problem to be present for shoots in different places. Though I get offers, I do not take them because of prior commitments,” she says.
Radhikaa (one of the producers of Maari) who was also present there, replies with a smile. “I did not pay so much.” When asked about the pigeon race segment shot in the film, Kajal admits that she had fears about working with pigeons. “Yes, initially I was scared of pigeons. Perhaps, that was due to my sister who transferred her fear on to me. I was also unaware of the concept of pigeon racing. Having pigeons all over the sets, I gradually got over my phobia.”
So, is she in love with an industrialist from Andhra Pradesh... “Is that so? It’s news to me! I wish I had a lover. The fact is, I have no time for romance. I am also not getting married anytime soon. If I am in a relationship, I will let the whole world know.” So, what does she expect from her life partner? “I have not thought about it! My options are open. I expect him to be caring, understanding and trustworthy. Love at first sight happens only on movies. In real life it is so different,” she says.
Upon asking if she is open to a role akin to what Aishwarya did in the award-winning Kaaka Muttai (mother of two kids) which was produced by Dhanush, she says without hesitation, “Why not? If I get a strong role like that, I would gladly accept it.” Was she upset when Rajamouli, with whom she worked in the record breaking Magadheera, did not cast her in Baahubali? “Not really! Of course, I was a little envious of Anushka and Tamannaah. But Rajamouli sir sure knows whom to cast in his films. I am also happy for my best friend Tamannaah.”
Kajal is currently busy with Paayum Puli and Marma Manithan. She has also bagged a Bollywood project Do Lafzon Ki Kahani. Apart from films, the Thuppaki actress is happy being the goodwill ambassador of Dexterity Global, a philanthropic organisation whose main aim is to spread education among the unfortunate children in the world.
