Kajal Agarwal: Chiranjeevi sir is the best!

Kajal Aggarwal is one of the few star heroines whose stardom is evergreen. This Sankranthi, after flops like ‘Brahmotsavam’ and ‘Sardaar Gabbar Singh’, she has a big hit in ‘Khaidi No. 150’. Relishing the fact that it has become huge hit in just 5 days, Kajal talks about her lifetime experience of romancing Chiranjeevi in the film. 

It must have been a remarkable experience to work with Megastar Chiranjeevi in the 10th year of your career. How did you find him to be?

He is extremely humble, extremely gracious. He is one of the nicest, sweetest, most down to earth, most grounded individuals despite being such a huge a star. This whole scheme is really beautiful. 

Professionally, he has this amazing stamina and energy to constantly stand there in front of the camera and not move till break is announced. When it came to our generation, it kind of withered away. Working with Chiranjeevi sir, I realized the professionalism and attitude they used work with. It’s just so contagious. Personally, it is his humility that is the takeaway.

Actresses have worked with a father and then his son. In your case it’s the reverse. 

But he is one of the coolest actors ever. He didn’t let me feel that he doesn’t belong to our generation. He is far more chilled out. He didn’t let that disparity show. 

You got to work with almost all the Mega heroes. Who do you rate the best?

Why such a complicated question? (Smiles) It’s very difficult to say who was best, who was not. I can say one thing. Chiranjeevi sir is the best. It’s not a safe answer, it’s an honest answer. He is so cute, he will be anyone’s favourite, naturally. 

Don’t you think your role in ‘Khaidi No. 150’ is too insignificant?

I knew it right from the beginning, and I was absolutely OK with it. There are some movies you do for the character; there are some movies you do for the people. 

How could you manage to match Chiru’s dancing talent?

I learnt the steps and matched. I worked hard for it. I tried my level best to match his poise and grace. I had a lot of fun dancing with him. He gave me small tips, like saying ‘Instead of doing like this, why don’t you bend your knees?’ It came out in just one take. Such tiny things we don’t think about he knows because of his amazing experience.

For me, dancing with Chiranjeevi sir and Charan was an epic moment in my career. It’s my Kajrare moment. 

So, when are you getting married, now that you are 30? Do you have a boyfriend?

How many years can you give me? (Guffaws) I am going to introduce you to my dad. (Laughs). I will get married, but not now. I don’t have a boyfriend. 

What are your upcoming movies? Aren’t you doing less of films in Tollywood, off late? And, after ‘Pakka Local’ in ‘Janatha Garage’, are you open for special songs in future?

In Telugu, I am acting opposite Rana. I am working with Teja sir 10 years after my debut film (‘Lakshmi Kalyanam’) directed by him hit the screens in 2017. In Tamil, I am doing Ajith’s movie. After this, there will be a movie with Vijay. I am trying my best to strike a balance between Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. I am not doing less of Tollywood. As for doing special songs, I have no plans of doing them. If something amazing comes, I will think about it.

– Interview by L Venugopal