New Delhi: Directed by Puri Jagannadh and starring Mahesh Babu, the first major Tollywood movie of the year had quite a pleasant box office opening.
In the city on a promotional tour, Kajal Aggarwal got talking about her profession. “The year 2011 has been a good year for me. My movies have done well and the audience have received me pretty well. I’m very happy and very grateful about how things have worked out so far.”
Playing the part
In Businessman, I play Chitra, a painter. She’s a naivete, yet at the same time very bold and independent. Despite the independence she is a very confused person and is caught in this love-hate relationship with the hero. I really liked the character for that very reason.
Also Chitra has Boho-chic look. She’s colourful and funky in her own way. Puri was specific about the kind of look he wanted and so the three of us — him, the designer and me — we sat down together to create what finally became the character.
On-Screen romance
I don’t know why the lip-lock is being blown out of proportion. It came naturally with the scene which was very intense, at the same time it was very brief. In fact, if it wasn’t harped on, I doubt people would’ve have realised it. It was very aesthetically shot.
In terms of shooting the scene, I felt it would be better if I discussed it with the co-actor so as to avoid any confusions. So Mahesh and I discussed it, little things like where we’d keep our hands and body language, so on and so forth.
Movie culture
Our audience is definitely growing. They’re beginning to accept different genres of film and are willing to test the unconventional. There is a new wave of strong, bold films and we have a lot to look forward to.
Also, women as such are not being typically objectified as they were used to. While I have seen that happen to actresses like Sridevi and Madhuri, and even now to some of my counterparts, they are being given stronger characters. Nevertheless, at some point yes, women in the industry are objectified.
What next
I have two movies in Tamil lined up — one with Surya called Maatraan and another with Vijay called Thupaki. I also have two Telugu movies in the loop, co-starring Charan and directed by V V Vinayak and a Srinu Vaitla movie. By March first week I will begin shooting for a Bollywood movie, but I can’t tell you anymore than that. By the end of February you will hear about it from the producers themselves.
