December 11, 2011 Y. Sunitha Chowdhary
Her parents named her Kajal, but she doesn't need the kohl to accentuate her eyes, looks. She's here for reasons beyond luck; Her perseverance, persistence, patience and propensity to pick the right role at the right time and the willingness to learn and not repeat mistakes have made her the most sought after heroine in Telugu films. She showed that heroines don't become famous just because they are blessed with great skin.
It's been a quick climb for Kajal Aggarwal from Chandamama to Magadheera, Brindaavanam to Darling, Mr. Perfect. Post Singham with Ajay Devgn she has signed another film in Hindi, two bilinguals and currently is busy with Suriya's Maatran and Vijay's Thuppaki. Wrapping up her work in Businessman with Mahesh Babu, Kajal is a picture of contentment.
In the early stages of Lakshmi Kalyanam when she was written about and linked with people she remotely knew, she was upset but very soon she realized this is how it's going to be and began to accept the professional hazard. She says, "I keep my stand and I don't feel the need to shout out loud. People close to me know what sort of person I am and I'm answerable to them and yes, myself.
I never went topless and I don't want to sue them and give publicity and sales, no one reads that stupid magazine. Of course I was upset and angry but my work stands by me. I don't need to resort to such cheap publicity gimmicks at this stage of my career, after all these years. Moreover I love myself and have loads of self respect."
She is gleaming because she has shot for a major portion for Puri Jagan's movie and now Vijay's film in Mumbai, her city. She talks about the little pleasures, "I got to sleep on my own bed, had some active social life when I wasn't shooting and slept, got pampered. It was fun playing Chitra, an artist in Businessman. I did some abstract art, a couple of them and gifted it away to some people.
I actually sat and had conversations, debate with Puri over my role; I don't argue I just pose queries and that is to understand my role. I always pick and choose roles that I relate too, that showcase streaks of my personality."
Kajal says she is not really a fighter but has the ability to bounce back when rejected. She elaborates, "I throw tantrums, scream and sulk. I have different ways to deal with different situations. The child in me will never grow up, am a little rebellious, hyper, emotional and get excited too fast. My sister Nisha is more practical, matured."
So what is her impression of her sibling, how did she find her work in Solo? Kajal Aggarwal avers she is very protective and possessive of her sister but remarks that she needs to make her own destiny. There will always be guidance, discussions at home but the call will be hers. She adds, "She was brilliant in the climax of Solo and I've heard some fabulous reviews about her."
Finally the actor says she is very clear about doing good cinema and that language is immaterial. She is happy with the fair share of roles she's been getting and doesn't regret doing a film that didn't work at the market.
She signs off, "Any actor would love to do a role of substance and if you have the flair to perform you'll surely get that one some day. I'm certainly greedy for quality work."
|
