In her nine years as leading lady, Kajal Aggarwal has had a near-dream run. She’s been part of an awe-inducing historical ( Magadheera) , in addition to frothy romances and family dramas in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. Recently, in Maari , she played a daring designer who opens a boutique in the local don’s pettai . And very soon, she’ll be seen on screen with Vishal in Suseendran’s Paayum Puli . Kajal is excited about teaming up again with her Naan Mahaan Alla director and about pairing with Vishal for the first time. “Both Suseendran and I have found our feet in the industry now, matured as professionals. As for Vishal, he’s very spontaneous. It was great on the sets.”
But the reason Kajal signed up was the script. “I choose roles guided by instinct. In this film, my character is sure about what she wants but is also scared of crossing the road.” This delicious irony grabbed her attention.
She will do something totally different in Raghava Lawrence’s Motta Siva Ketta Siva . “I’ve admired Lawrence master from his choreographer days,” says Kajal. “I love how he experiments and makes it work. I like his attention to detail and the intrigue in his movies.”
Soon, Kajal will start work on the Tamil-Telugu Brahmotsavam , starring Mahesh Babu. “It’s our second film together and it’s a feel-good project,” she says. The film also stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Pranitha Subhash. “Certain scripts require an ensemble cast. I’m absolutely fine with that. I will not deprive myself of the chance to be part of a good film because of insecurities or fear of losing my market. But my role must be well-defined.”
She’s also teaming up with Pavan Kalyan for the first time in Sardar . Then there’s the Hindi film Do Lafzon Ki Kahaani with Randeep Hooda, directed by Deepak Tijori. Does Deepak’s track record worry her, considering her previous outings in Hindi ( Singham and Special 26 ) have been hits? “I’ve only chosen films that offered me something concrete, even if it is less than what I get to do in the South. But Do Lafzon… appealed to me. It is an intense love story. I play a sculptor who encounters innumerable tragedies. I’ve a great co-star in Randeep. Yes, Deepak has been unfortunate with his earlier films. But I will not be judgmental and allow that to taint my vision. I’m happy with how this film has shaped up.”
Does her ‘happy’ image get in the way of her craft? “I did not enter the industry to create a certain image,” she says. “People happened to see me as the friend/sister/daughter next door. I like that association very much. It’s close to what I am in real life. As for films, I just focus on the job.” Kajal is very self-critical. “I keep wondering if I could have done things differently or better. Being critical propels you to do better, but you are never happy or content with your work….”
The best part about her journey so far, she says, is the learning. “I like to push my boundaries,” she says. I knew nothing about cinema. I’ve learnt from scratch. With every Friday, every hit or flop, the learning continues.”
The hits have also given her the luxury of choice. “I voice my opinion and people respect me for that. But it’s never ‘my way or the highway’. I like to arrive at a comfort zone. But I’ll never go all the way for something I don’t believe in.”
Kajal has a finger in many pies. She’s part of a start-up social commerce venture called Buddies Nation , and has started a jewellery brand , Marsala , with her sister. “We are open in Mumbai and are looking at a presence in Chennai and Hyderabad soon.”
Where does she see herself two years from now? “I’m never the planning and strategizing kind,” she laughs.. I just go with the flow. My heart is stronger than my head, and it usually wins. I’m happy to play along.”
