Kajal Agarwal first came to wider public attention in Telugu industry for her dual role as Yuvarani Mithravinda Devi and Indira in ‘Magadheera’. After delivering couple of flops, she once again returned with string of successful films like ‘Darling’, ‘Brindaavanam’, ‘Mr Perfect’, ‘Businessman’ and ‘Naayak’. ‘Baadshah’ is her second successful film in this year and the actress is currently on cloud nine celebrating her much deserved success. At this juncture, she had a small chit-chat with the media after the success meet of ‘Baadshah’. Here are few excerpts.
So how is it adding one more film to your hit list?
I feel so extremely happy for the success of ‘Baadshah’ and the fantastic response for my role Janaki. This character is the most entertaining one when compared to the characters that I’ve played till date. I thoroughly enjoyed it while performing too.
You had worked with NTR before in ‘Brindavanam’. What was it like being reunited on the sets of ‘Baadshah’?
It’s fantastic. He is a wonderful costar. I feel very comfortable when sharing my screen space with him and I completely enjoyed work with him.
Are you happy with the kind of roles you have been doing so long?
So far the characters I played in ‘Darling’, ‘Mr Perfect’, ‘Brothers’ (Maattrraan), ‘Tupaki’ and now ‘Baadshah’ have given me complete satisfaction. All the characters are different and unique in their own way. Of late I’ve been playing roles that have scope for performance.
Is there any specific kind of role you would like to throw yourself into it?
I’m open to heroine centric films provided I get good scripts. Infact I got good opportunities in the past, but somehow it did not materialize. There are many dream roles. I want to do comedy, negative, action and police kind of roles. Similarly I’m looking forward to a nice feel good romantic film.
What is your take on remake films?
I prefer to play original characters than the ones which were already done by someone. That’s the main reason why I don’t like to do remake films. Even when I’m offered such films, I will decide on it based on the situation.
What have you learnt from director Sreenu Vaitla?
You all know about director Sreenu Vaitla. He is very friendly, self-disciplined, dedicated and hardworking person. He maintains perfect comedy timing while doing every scene. That’s the main reason how entertainment works in his films.
How do you rate your success?
I’m the biggest critic for me. I keep judging my work time and again. Yet I take into consideration people’s opinions. But I believe in taking my own decisions. Only then we will get used to self-discipline. I also believe in the saying Never let success get to your head because that will eventually lead us to fall down.
Some say that Telugu films have less content and more of masala when compared to Hindi films. Do you agree to it?
No, I don’t think that Hindi films are better than Telugu in content wise. The reason being, big heroes in Bollywood are competing with each other to remake Telugu movies.
Do you admit that Indian film industry remains male-dominated?
Yes, I do agree that movie industry is dominated by males. Nevertheless women too are getting good opportunities of late.
BTW who’s your favourite hero?
Nagarjuna is always my favourite hero in Telugu.
We heard that you are spending some time for social cause.
Yes, I’m dedicating some time for UBM, an international live media. This company provides opportunities to several people, and at the same time lends financial support to women, children and poor.
What’s next for Kajal in Telugu?
Presently I’m doing a special role in Ram Charan’s ‘Yevadu’. I’ll be seen as Allu Arjun’s pair in that film. He is also giving a special appearance. I’m yet to commit to any film in Telugu. Whereas in Tamil, I’m doing ‘All in All Azhagu Raja’ with Karthik and ‘Zilla’ with Vijay. I’m also getting good offers post ‘Special 26’. A few are under discussions.