As she likes it!

Kajal Aggarwal talks to DC about the demands of characters that push her limits in more ways than one.

 Kajal Aggarwal

As somebody who rose to stardom at a young age, Kajal Aggarwal is quite confident about what she wants in her life. Her candid nature is what makes her special.

Gearing up for the release of the Jiiva-starrer Kavalai Vendam, Kajal says she’s in the best phase of her career now. “I have always wanted to be a good performer than being a mere actor. When I do so, I give my 100 per cent. It’s been nine years since my first film got released. Still when I sign a film, I have the same enthusiasm and energy in me. I am ambitious,” she smiles.

Speaking about Kavalai…, she says it’s a love story. “Jiiva is my co-star and he’s fun to work with. I play a strong-headed, like-minded, independent, yet confused girl. But like many other women out there, she contradicts herself emotionally when she falls in love,” she adds.Kajal is quite choosy when it comes to her films — “I go by the script mostly and my instinct. Any role that I am doing has to be well-defined. I don’t want to simply run around trees and vanish! Initially, I feared being typecast but it took me a while to get over it.”

“It’s quite fortunate that I have been a part of many hit films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. I love what I am doing, so I really enjoy it. I have Brahmotsavam, Sardaar Gabbar Singh and a film opposite Vikram here. There’s no time to think much, complain or introspect,” she says and adds that she’s aware of the expectations her fans have — “That, for me, is the biggest recognition. The belief and the love they have for me is amazing. So I try and pick roles that audiences like.”What has she learnt being here? “I always keep challenging myself and I like to push my boundaries. I have learnt to be more patient and be more self-critical,” she laughs.

Not many know that she has a jewellery brand, Marsala. “My sister and I started the brand together. I am looking forward to expand its presence down south as well. I have a start-up social commerce venture, too,” she quips.

Five years from now? “I am not really a planner in life, but I’d like to see myself as a successful entrepreneur someday. Now, I find it a bit tough to manage my personal life and professional ones... questions about my relationship status — I can only say I want to act, act and act for now! Success and fame are short-lived. Anyone can achieve success with one film, but sustaining it constantly is really an achievement,” she signs off.