Kajal Aggarwal Tells Bollywood To Learn Punctuality From South Film Industry
Kajal Aggarwal spoke candidly about her career choices and the changing landscape of South Indian cinema.
Indian actress Kajal Aggarwal has built a remarkable career across Telugu, Tamil and Hindi cinema, but she says her decision to focus primarily on the South was driven by the kind of opportunities that came her way. During a recent conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, the actress spoke candidly about her career choices, the changing landscape of South Indian cinema, and her experience of working alongside Salman Khan. Discussing why her Bollywood filmography is comparatively limited, Kajal revealed that the projects she received in the South consistently offered stronger characters and better storytelling.
According to her, the roles she aspired to play were readily available in Telugu and Tamil films, leaving little reason to accept Hindi projects that she felt were less compelling.
Speaking about the evolution of South Indian cinema, Kajal noted that the industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. She also had a piece of advice in store for the filmmakers in Bollywood, asking them to learn punctuality as it will hold them in good stead.
"Bollywood should learn punctuality from the South. In Hindi films, nothing is on time. In the South, they work by the clock. I am used to reaching on time, and I like it that way. In Hindi, the timings are very off," Kajal said in an interview with Shubhankar Mishra.
The actress also reflected on sharing screen space with Salman Khan in 'Sikandar'. Kajal admitted she was thrilled to collaborate with the superstar, revealing that he had been her childhood crush. She also shared an amusing behind-the-scenes memory, saying the longest she has ever waited on a film set was while shooting with Salman.
"Salman Khan has made me wait the longest, and I was not used to it. I wondered what was happening. He came around afternoon or evening, so I would go to exercise in the gym, which was on set. I am used to the punctuality and discipline of South cinema," the actress said.
Kajal began her acting journey with the Hindi film ‘Kyun...! Ho Gaya Na’ in 2004 before finding widespread recognition in the Telugu and Tamil film industries. Over the years, she has established herself as one of South India's leading actresses with commercially successful films including 'Magadheera', 'Darling', 'Mr. Perfect', 'Mersal' and 'Vivegam'. In Hindi cinema, she is best known for 'Singham', opposite Ajay Devgn, and 'Special 26', featuring Akshay Kumar.
Kajal is gearing up for the release of 'The India Story', directed by Chettan DK. The film stars Shreyas Talpade in a leading role and is presented by Zee Studios. Produced by Swati Vinayak Saindane, Anita Jadhav, Vinayak Saindane, Kalpesh Shah, Devyani Khorate and Prem Joshi, the film is slated to hit theatres on July 24.
Kajal also features in Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious adaptation of 'Ramayana'. The star-studded cast includes Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Rakul Preet Singh, and Ravie Dubey, among others.
