Completing a decade and 50 films in five different languages and sharing screen space with the likes of Ajith, Vijay, Dhanush, Suriya, Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan and his dad Chiranjeevi, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn is no mean achievement. To have done all that and still rule the roost with major flicks on hand makes it even bigger. That is Kajal Aggarwal who forayed into tinsel town in a lead role in 2007 with a Tolly film.
The leggy actress was in the city for a product launch and, in a chat with DC, an elated Kajal says, “I am so grateful and overwhelmed with the love pouring in. And a big thanks to my fans who have stood by me through it all. Though I have completed 50 films, I feel as if I am starting all over again.”
She speaks more about her prestigious project Paris Paris, a remake of Bollywood cult classic Queen and how she would bring her own flair and language to the role, on social media and her feeling of being special when filmmakers write scripts for her.”
“I feel it is just the beginning. I still have a long way to go and more to achieve. Want to do a lot of characters. I don’t think number of films really matter. Of course, I am extremely happy and humbled that audiences have accepted and supported me. It makes me more responsible and give back to them through the kind of films and roles that I do,” is how the effervescent actress starts the conversation. She adds that she maintains a great rapport working with everybody in the industry. “When people like stories for me, which means I am part of the industry and I am thankful to them.”
Ramesh Arvind who is directing you in Paris Paris, the Tamil remake of Queen said that he chose you because you are a combination of beauty, talent and enthusiasm. Your comment.
“He is a person of integrity and honest filmmaker and very good actor himself. I am elated when a compliment like this comes from his mouth.”
Ask her how she would overcome comparisons with Kangana Ranaut who even bagged a national award for her acting, and she replies, “Even as I accepted the film, I know comparisons are bound to happen. I just want to do my role of an innocent girl from Virudhunagar in my own way and style. We have kept the Tamil sensibilities in mind and shot. My character looks, talks and behaves like Virudhunagar ‘ponnu’. I don’t understand this term female centric, you can call I play the lead protagonist in PP. Why should we only create a barrier saying ‘female centric’. It’s a commercial entertainer.”
On her preparations for the role she says, “I have travelled extensively in the interiors of south India and watched their life styles. I spent quite a chunk of time in Virudhunagar and focused and watched girls and ladies around me. I also observed their approach, their body language, so that I can use their traits for the character I play.”
The pretty actress says that though she hasn’t dubbed her own voice, she catches up fast by concentrating on the sets. “I am not dubbing as I don’t want to go wrong with the particular slang. But yes, I have someone to help me on the sets. Also, we have the one of the best dubbing artistes to ensure the proper slang. I am doing the job to the best of my ability.”
On handling controversies she says, “I actually thought I was away from controversies in my life (Smiles). Anyway, my family and close loved ones do matter to me. As far as they know what’s happening to me that’s enough. I am not answerable to anyone else.”
As far as awards are concerned she quips that it is the rewards, which really matter to her. “It feels great to get awards, but for me the recognition from my fans and audiences is more important.”
The Thuppaki actress says that social media is a boon only when it is limited. “But when it crosses the limit, then the trouble starts. It can be intrusive and an invasion of people’s privacy. There’s no ownership on the property and people should always remember that. We all lead our private lives, which we need to respect. Other than that, I interact with fans very often and share my ideas on my social media and I love it.”
The Vivegam actress is also part of many social endorsements. “Recently, I ran a marathon for the cause of ‘ThinkPeace’, an initiative to help tribal children for education and livelihood. I am part of ‘Dexterity,’ a global platform started by this Boston kid Sharat Sagar — it is more about education and ensuring common opportunities to all kids of all strata of society in every tiny villages.”
Giving tips to youngsters to protect their skin in this summer, she says, “Drink a lot of water. I know how harsh our summers are, so try to keep away from direct sun. Since, I am always working under sun and stark lights and I have pigmentation issues, so I use some of the beauty products I endorse which helps me combat my problems.”
