Kajal Aggarwal is in a wonderful phase now with two films releasing in the span of a month. The charming and calm Radha of the Telugu film Nene Raju Nene Mantri — where she starred opposite Rana Daggubati — makes way for Yazhini of Vivegam, her new Tamil release, which is currently playing in UAE cinemas.
Counting 50 films in 10 years since she was first spotted by veteran Tamil director Bharatiraja during an internship at an advertising company, the Mumbai-raised Aggarwal has acted with many leading stars of Tamil and Telugu cinema.
On home turf, she has three Bollywood films to her credit — Singham 3, Special 26 and Do Lafzo Ki Kahani, opposite Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar and Randeep Hooda, respectively. Up next is her Kannada debut with director Ramesh Arvind. Gulf News tabloid! caught up with Aggarwal on the eve of the release of Vivegam.
How would you describe your character of Yazhini in Vivegam?
Yazhini is a music teacher — a simple woman rooted to her Indian culture. She is married to a spy, the character Ajith sir plays. Vivegam comes with layers of emotions and my role is an intense one. The climax is hard-hitting and it called for some real work.
How was it working with Ajith?
He is a warm person who is nice to everyone on the sets, right from the light boy to his co-actors. A spontaneous actor, his passion for cinema is seen in his reactions, which helps his co-actors.
In the sub-zero temperatures of Bulgaria there were scenes where he did action sequences with little clothing.
There is an aura of positivity around him. And, Ajith sir never interferes in the work of his co-actors but does give suggestions if he thinks it can enhance their performance.
Looking back, which roles are your favourite?
Radha of Nene Raju Nene Mantri, Yazhini and Jenny of Do Lafzo Ki Kahani. Every character teaches me something. It’s more an exchange of ideas between me and my characters. While I contribute to their development, in turn, they teach me to view life in a new perspective.
As a celebrity, don’t you enjoy the anonymity when abroad?
Yes, it gives me the freedom to explore things on my own instead of having people do things for you.
Like in Bulgaria I ventured out alone into the city. Another time while in Poland, I travelled by train for sightseeing. Surfing in Bali and trekking to Luang Prabang in Laos were memorable.
What are your upcoming films?
I play a doctor in Mersal (Tamil film) opposite Vijay. In the Telugu film MLA, my character is working in the corporate world. She is embroiled in a controversy, which she needs to solve.
In September I will begin work with director Ramesh Arvind, who is making the Kannada-Tamil remake of Queen (the critically acclaimed Hindi film). I will be playing Kangana Ranaut’s role.
