I've Done Some Dumb Things in My Twenties: Kajal Aggarwal

...says actress Kajal Aggarwal, who opens up to City Express on a number of issues ranging from her upcoming film Paayum Puli with Vishal to how life has changed at 30

When a heroine hits 30, people have only two things to ask them about. Marriage and calling it a day. Try going there and Kajal Aggarwal’s eyes get real large, that trademark look of mock fury that she’s directed at Karthi, Vijay and most recently Dhanush. After stopping by in town for the audio launch of Vishal’s Paayum Puli, the actress who’s hotter and more happening at 30 than she was a decade ago, gets chatting about her newfound wonder years.

You’re playing a girl who’s super scared of everything in Paayum Puli. How’d that work for you?

I am very impulsive. And in this role, I cannot relate to how this girl is afraid of small things. Something as silly as crossing the road. Like I don’t know anyone who’s scared of something that silly. But eventually, it was fun. Sometimes, it gets a little difficult to do things that you cannot relate to. Having said that, I’ve done a lot of characters in the past that I can relate to.

Suseenthiran shot this film rapidly. Is that something you’re used to?

We actually finished before time which was a new experience for me. I really loved working super fast. I don’t like to faff on set. So, working fast was awesome. And I’m used to Susi’s pace because it was the same when I did Naan Mahan Alla.

Vishal’s been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride these past few months — with the Nadigar elections and all. Was that impact felt on set?

Vishal is someone who’s very chilled out. Obviously, he’s very emotional too. But between shots or on an easy day, he’s a lot of fun. However, there are times when he’s moody. He’s also a very sensitive person. He feels bad for people who have a sob story. I am quite an emotional person myself, so I get it.

So, the set wasn’t a very happy place?

It was! Soori and I had a blast especially, because we bonded over food. Everywhere we went to shoot, the two of us would find food joints and keep binging. I’m a huge foodie and discovered that he’s one too. After we wrapped up, I realised I had become a caffeine addict because we kept on drinking coffee on set! 

Now that you’re 30, does it feel any different to do the same roles you were doing almost a decade ago?

(Mock stares) Thirty is the new 20. This is 2015. Look at us, I mean hello (laughs). I’m loving it and this is the best phase of my life. In my twenties, I was really dumb and immature and did some pretty, brash things. My mum is right here and has been witness to some of the madness and shenanigans that I’ve done. I’m now older, wiser and richer. I can totally afford more things that I want. I don’t have to go running to daddy for things that I want. I still do it because it’s fun though. It’s great to have a sort of financial and intellectual independence where you’re capable of taking care of yourself and your parents. It’s a good place to be in.

So, is there a bucket list to check off?

I love travelling. I want to see a whole load of places around the world and I need to try a whole load of adventure sports. I try to get in something every year. I’m spending New Year’s Eve in Bali again and last time, I tried deep sea diving. And I also did some skydiving in Chicago. So, maybe white water rafting would totally work on my list this year.

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