Kajal Aggarwal, with over 50 films under her belt, is a Superstar in her own right. 2017 has been especially good for this actress with films such as Khaidi 150, Vivegam and Nene Raju Nene Mantri proving she has also grown into a fine actress. With the much-expected Mersal up for release, Kajal opens up for a quick chat:
How do you see this year so far? Vivegam and Nene Raju Nene Mantri showed us a different side to Kajal, the performer...
It’s been a lovely year and I’m grateful for all the success. I’ve taken up different roles and they have been appreciated by the audience. It’s not a conscious decision to act in just mature roles. I try to be as mature as I can in every role. I don’t see it as a massive shift or change because my roles in Mersal and Paris Paris (the Queen remake) are very young. I’m basically open to all kinds of roles.
What do you have to say about the mixed reviews for Vivegam , particularly the climax segment?
Personally, I’ve heard fabulous reviews for the film and it has been one of my best experiences ever. It was a challenging, demanding role, and working with fantastic human beings like Ajith sir and Siva sir was unforgettable.
- Before Sunrise, Shawshank Redemption, Scent of a Woman, Mounaragam, Manmadhudu
- Vivegam, Nene Raju Nene Mantri, Do Lafzon Ki Kahani, Baadshah, Mr Perfect
Regarding the mixed reviews for the climax, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
The director would do what he feels best for a scene. I was convinced with his idea, and that’s why I did it. The movie has already released and run successfully. There is nothing left to explain now.
With four Southern remakes of Queen recently announced with four different heroines, how do you see the films panning out?
The story of Queen is universal, and it applies to any girl living anywhere in the world. All the four heroines would do it their own way; one just can’t act like someone else. I have started preparing along with my team and it’s going well so far. I play a simple, relatable small town girl from Virudhunagar. Director Ramesh Arvind is transparent and forthcoming with his communication. He is always open to discussion and our sessions are very interactive. I’m looking forward to going on the shooting floor.
Vivegam , Mersal and now Paris Paris. You seem to be having quite a tryst with shooting in Europe …
I always seem to be there when it’s freezing cold and snowing. From October to December, it gets really cold there and I just can’t stand the cold. I see it as God’s way to toughen me up. I’m attached to my home town and I get home sick while shooting away from India. But I’m used to all this travelling over the years and it’s a part of the profession. Certain scripts require such travel. And, we generally work harder during foreign shoots to get our work done on time, without any wastage or delay.
Coming to Mersal , it completes your hat-trick with Vijay. It’s also his 25th year in cinema.
It’s amazing for him! He is a talented, committed and hard working professional. His performances have ingenuity. He has always been a good actor but over the years he has upped his risk-taking ability and passion for his craft. It was a wonderful experience with Mersal , just like my previous two films with him.
In over 50 films, Mersal marks your first AR Rahman musical. Was it a big fan-girl moment for you?
Of course. It would be a matter of pride for anyone to work with him. I’ve always been a fan of his music; Roja, Dil Se, Yuva being some of my favourites. ‘Maacho’ is my pick in Mersal ; it’s very peppy and energetic.
