Kajol in the one actor who has, even with growing age, marriage and motherhood, remained one of the most sought after leading ladies on Bollywood. Her extraordinary ability to play any character to the core is unmatchable. She is all set to strike once again with Karan Johar’s Siddharth Malhotra directed We Are Family. Here, Kajol speaks about the film, her life and motherhood.
VIPUL K SHAH
Was it difficult for you to play a role which is already played before by someone else?
No, it was not so difficult. As you know We Are Family is the re-make of Stepmom but it is completely Indanised for our viewers. WAF has different situations to suit our taste. Also, it has songs interwoven in the narrative. We all believe we have made a good film.
Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon in STEPMOM
Have you seen Stepmom?
Yes, but long time ago. I had liked the film.
Do you feel nervous for release of the film?
Definitely! One feels nervous when she knows somebody has already done it on the international platform. There is little insecurity about whether you will do justice to (the role) or not. You even know hat people will make comparisons. But you also feel satisfied knowing the fact that you have played (a role) that you wanted to play. Maya is a different character than what Susan Sarandon has played in the original.
What is your view about the current scenario of Bollywood?
Our concepts for films have changed from the time I did Baazigar. At that time every film had to have a love story, whether a film was a thriller or horror or an action-oriented one. In the end, the hero and heroine would meet in a melodramatic way. The film had to have few songs. Today, we have films of varied genres. It is good for us as actors to be in the film industry. It is a really nice time!
Kajol with kids in WE ARE FAMILY
Do you think the society accept hatke films?
It depends on marketing and promotion. It depends on how you make your film relatable to people so that they can identify with it. If a viewer doesn’t understand teasers, he will not go to watch the film. For, a viewer has a wide range of choice today and the price factor also matters. When people spend big money for tickets, they should get the desired satisfaction.
How easy it was for you to play Maya or a mother’s role?
As actors, we earn experience from real life incidents that helps us. I am also a mother so I have knowledge and experience of being a mother. Maya is very easy to read or predict. Every woman will identify herself with Maya. Maya loves her children and takes all the decisions keeping them in mind.
Do you think Indian audience will accept such a subject having another woman in husband’s life?
I wish such a situation never arise in any woman’s life. But the situation in the film is hypothetical and is answered hypothetically. It is a life changing question. Individually, it depends on you, where you are, what your nature is and how is your financial condition, if at all you have to face such a situation in reality.
Kajol. Aamir in FANAA
You had played mother’s character in Fanaa, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, My Name is Khan, U Me Aur Hum and now in We Are Family…
I had not planned to play mother’s role in those films. The scripts were awesome. I believe the script has to back you up on screenplay level. All those films were best in their own way.
How was your experience working with debutant director Sidhharth Malhotra?
When you are working with a new director, you come to know about his abilities right in the first schedule. Fortunately, Sidhharth is a good film maker. He knows his job very well.
Arjun Rampla in WE AR EFAMILY
Arjun Rampal’s role seems not so important…
That’s not true. He is the pillar of story. The film would not have happened without him. But yes, the interaction between two women is more interesting.
Kajol with Kareena in WE ARE FAMILY
You have worked with Kareena in K3G before. What difference you feel in her today?
At the time of K3G she was very young and had less experience. Today, she is lot more experienced.
What change you have noticed in Ajay Devgn in these years?
Before our marriage he would think he did not have any responsibility. He has changed a lot after marriage. He takes his responsibilities very seriously and delivers what is expected from him.
Does he watch your films?
No. Now I have told him I will not watch his films till he watches mine! (laughs)
Kareena with kids in WE ARE FAMILY
You hate giving interviews…
Yes I find it very boring to answer same questions again and again.
How Nysa is reacting when you are conceiving once again?
She says mom I cannot hug you but I forgive you! I will hug you later.
How is the motherhood experience for you?
Motherhood is a combination of all the things. It is very very tiring and also a great experience at the same time.
What is the secret behind the glow on your face?
There is nothing like any specific mantra. You have to love yourself. I have always believed in God. I thank god every morning after waking up.
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