In conversation with Kajal Aggarwal

Chennai: Thirty films in eight years, no mean achievement for someone who never intended to do films.

Kajal Aggarwal was keen on doing an MBA after graduation, but was spotted by noted Tamil director Bharatiraja while interning at an advertising company, and cast in his film Bommalattam.

There has been no looking back for this Mumbai-bred, Punjabi kudi, who subsequently made a mark in Telugu cinema with the blockbuster Magadheera, in a dual role. Although she did a cameo in Kyun Ho Gaya Na, at fourteen, her Bollywood entry was the Ajay Devgn starrer Singham. With her last Tamil film, Thuppakki, Aggarwal proved that she is here to stay. Ahead of her visit to Dubai on Friday, to collect her best actress award, Aggarwal chatted to tabloid! about what’s moving in her world.

Aggarwal on... Bommalattam to All in All Azhagu Raja

“It has been a wonderful journey. I have grown as an actor and learnt a good deal. When I began work on Bommalattam, I had no idea about the technicalities. Over the years I learnt various aspects of filmmaking including facing the camera and presenting myself well. Azhagu Raja is my second film with Karthi — we have also worked on a couple of ad films together. So we understand each other’s nuances and body language while performing our roles.

Aggarwal on... loving her career

“The fact that I get to play several characters and different lives brings an excitement to my work. I have learnt new skills that I would not have ventured into otherwise. For Magadheera, I learnt horse riding. When I entered the industry, I did not know basic dancing. I learnt dancing on the job. Not to forget the travelling my work involves.”

Aggarwal on... what’s coming up

“In Jilla, I am paired opposite Vijay. I play a Madurai girl who is strong and independent. Vijay is a wonderful co-star. A thorough professional, he is completely focused on his work. And, being an excellent dancer, he motivates you to excel. Having worked with him earlier in Thuppakki, I am comfortable with him. Jilla also gave me the opportunity to work with the legend Mohan Lal sir, who plays Vijay’s father in this story. He has a magnetic personality. Coming up is a film with Dhanush and another one with Udaynidhi Stalin, scheduled to go on the floors next year. Also in the pipeline is a Bollywood film, but I can’t divulge details now.”

Aggarwal... off the set

“I enjoy reading and am presently reading Amish Tripathi’s The Oath of the Vayuputhras, the last book in this trilogy. Watching films is another passtime, in any language. I also love adventure sports and have gone deep sea diving in Bali. In Chicago, I went sky diving too. Facebook connects me with my fans. I personally put up pictures and read their comments. It was humbling to know that 4.6 million fans are following me.”