A peep in the life of Kajol
Noreen Aslam

BOMBAY—Film pundits, who declared that Bollywood actress Kajol is past her prime after having delivered flawless performances in blockbusters like ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ and ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ and now has nothing new to offer, may soon have to eat their words as the talented actress is all set to be in her element in Yash Chopra’s forthcoming mega love saga ‘Fanaah’.
Excerpts from the Interview:
You’re returning back to films after five years. What made ‘Fanaah’ to be the ideal choice?
This is the first time I am being paired with Aamir Khan, who is known to be methodical and a perfectionist. I really do not know how things will turn out. But I am sure that the final result will be eye dazzling. It’s a great script. And of course, the director and production house also mattered. I would have loved to restart her career with director Karan Johar, who had offered me an awe-inspiring role, but it would not have been possible for me to handle a big outdoor schedule in London for his next film.
As an actress how do you take care of yourself?
I am a strong believer in simple life and even my lifestyle is like any other person who hails from a middle-class family. I’ve always been health and fashion conscious. After becoming mother I believe that I’m in cloud 9 and this has so much to do with my happiness. But I’ve also got extra cautious about my health, diet and exercise regimen. I go cycling and swimming to keep myself in shape. I also pay due attention to my outfits. My wardrobe is filled with designer collection of other designers apart from my favourite Manish Malhotra. Nothing is hard and fast in my life. Except one or two things, my life also changes like clothes and after getting married my wardrobe has become richer. I believe in dressing myself in clothes that looks decent on me and makes my simple persona look impressive.
How do you make time for your family, now that you’re back to films again?
My daughter Nysa and Ajay are my top priority in life. How much I may be busy with work, I always find out time for my daughter. I drop her to school everyday. Ajay, Nysa and I always have dinner together. Our lives are incomplete without her. Ajay dotes on her and just a look from her is enough to melt him. She is very naughty and we try to fulfill almost every wish of hers. But she also gets the stick when she becomes stubborn. Right now, my priority is to give her a nice upbringing.
What about managing the house?
After getting up early in the morning for six days in a week and going for shooting after eating whatever I can lay my hands upon, I get tired and that is why I like to spend my holiday in a special manner by getting up late and then going out for lunch and dinner. Like other women I also try to make my home sweet and beautiful. As the atmosphere of my home is very tranquil I like to spend most of my time in my study.
What about your favorite hobby?
I’m a bookworm and can be always seen with a book in my hand and library is my favourite stamping ground. Writing comes very naturally to me Writing helps me unwind. Apart from advertisements, I am also focusing on writing. I cannot disclose what I am writing right now, but soon people will get to know about it. Writing has also helped me understand myself better. I like to travel also. I also like to know things closely.
Why have you been keeping yourself away from the media all this while?
This is because I’m more of a private person and prefer to keep my personal life under wraps. Those who prefer to call me snooty for this reason I must tell them, I myself hate those who put on airs.
Do you want your daughter to be in films?
Hailing from a strong film clan, I want to make my daughter an actress one day. She will make a better actress than me. I will make her stronger than myself. And if today I have to give her marks in acting, then I will give her 20 out of 10.
What are your plans from here?
I want to give birth to another child and give a decent upbringing to both of them. Motherhood is simply great.