I chose Aparna Sen as my favourite director while studying cinema in college: Kajal Aggarwal

“Kemon acho, Kolkata?” -- she asked in unbelievably fluent Bengali and yearned to learn more of the language during her month-long stay in the city. As she sipped her first bhanrer cha with us, she took an instant liking to it and craved for more. In between Bangla lessons, multiple cuppas and adda, Kajal Aggarwal settled down for a freewheeling chat with CT. The actress -- who is currently in Kolkata to shoot for Tathagata Singha's Hindi film, Uma -- expressed her love for the City of Joy, spoke about her character in the film, life after marriage, pandemic lessons, acting journey and much more.Excerpts:
Has Kolkata managed to impress you so far?
Apart from a day trip during college, I’ve never been to Kolkata. So, I can say this is my first visit to the City of Joy. The warmth of the people here melts my heart. I’ve quite a few places on my bucket list that I’d like to tour on my off day -- especially Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge. The rich heritage this city has on display is intriguing. I must say Kolkata looks mesmering in the rain. I have a few Bengali friends here who will make sure I don’t miss out on anything during my month-long stay here.
Anyone who comes to Kolkata has a long list of food that they wish to try. What are you most excited about?
I have been a vegetarian for three years now. So, I’m looking forward to tasting aloo posto, shukto and all other popular Bengali veg delicacies. I had tasted maachher jhol long back. On my first day here, I tried the sandesh and it was so yum. Now I can’t wait to try mishti doi and phuchka. Besides, I want to buy Bengali handloom saris for my mother and mother-in-law. I am not much of a sari person, so I can borrow it from them when I feel like wearing one (laughs)!
And what do you plan to buy for your husband (Gautam Kitchlu)?
He loves art pieces and I’ve heard Kolkata has some lovely art stores. My husband also loves poetry, so I plan to buy Rabindranath Tagore’s books for him.
You gave your first shot in Kolkata at the iconic Kumartuli. You even posted a photo from there on your social media account. What did you like about the neighbourhood?
That place is just stunning with such a rich culture! The considerable antiquity of the area transports you to a different era. I saw exceptionally skilled artisans giving life to idols. No wonder, Kolkata is known to be a city of arts and culture. I would love to visit the city during Durga Puja to see more of that.
Coming back to work, you are playing the titular character in Uma. Tell us about your role and the film.
The film is set in an aristocratic household with the backdrop of a wedding for which the entire family assembles. The drama unfolds through the multifaceted characters with the arrival of a stranger, Uma. It’s a beautiful character and I love how Tathagata has sketched it. Uma means Ma Durga, who’s a symbol of shakti. And my character is a beautiful metaphor -- she is fierce and soft at the same time. It is a brilliant juxtaposition of shakti and sthirata. After being offered this character, I tried to know more about Ma Durga by reading up on mythology. The good thing is I am similar to Uma in real life -- fierce and soft at the same time.
Is Uma a Hindi remake of the Bengali film Durga Sohay?
No, it is not.
What made you give your nod to a debutant director?
I loved the script and my character. It was refreshing to see the director’s clarity, determination and confidence despite this being his debut film. He knew exactly what he was doing. Right from our first script narration, which happened on Zoom, to multiple meetings thereafter -- I’ve always found Tathagata extremely sorted. Besides, Uma is a feel-good film, something we all could use in these trying times.
Are you clued into the Bengali film industry?
Oh yes! I am a huge fan of Satyajit Ray. I’ve also watched films of Ritwik Ghatak, Aparna Sen and Rituparno Ghosh. I am well aware that Bengali films have good content and the quality of filmmakers here is fabulous. I would love to act in a Bengali film if a good script comes my way. In college, I had cinema as one of my subjects. I had to choose a director and explain why I like his/her films. And I chose Aparna Sen’s 36 Chowringhee Lane.
We heard that you were attending virtual classes on astrophysics, Bhagavad Gita and crocheting in the lockdown. You even taught English to your domestic help’s son...
During the first wave, I was trying to remain productive, so I kept myself busy by doing all these online courses. But then I got married and finding time for these things became difficult. But during the second wave, I didn’t feel motivated to do anything. It was depressing for everybody. The Covid fatigue had set in and the news of death from all around was difficult to cope with. So many children are not able to attend school in the pandemic, so I helped my domestic help in this hour of crisis by educating her son. The Bhagavad Gita course has taught me how to be happy by following the simple paths of honesty, righteousness, love and kindness.
What have been your biggest pandemic lessons.?
This pandemic has taught me the importance of family, relationships and self-love. I realised how necessary it is to find time for yourself. I have always been an extremely hard-working person, slogging almost 360 days and burning myself out. The pandemic taught me the importance of work-life balance.

What did you do to stay positive in these difficult times?
Meditation and workout helped me stay positive to a great extent. In the first lockdown, my mother and I spent a lot of time cooking, which was therapeutic. In the second lockdown, my mother-in-law taught me knitting and crocheting, which were helpful as well. We all are in the same boat and having a positive outlook is paramount. What helped me the most to stay calm and positive was my discipline. I used to wake up at 6 am whether or not I had to go for a shoot and kept myself busy with other work at home. Having a routine helped me keep anxiety at bay.
You’ve spent 17 years in the industry. Was it a smooth journey or a roller-coaster ride?
What is life without a roller-coaster ride? I had my share of ups and downs, but I don’t have any regrets or complaints. Things that did not go well for me have become my major learning lessons. At the same time, I am overwhelmed by all the love and appreciation that the audience from across the globe have showered me with.
On one hand, you are essaying a character like Uma and on the other hand, the audience will get to see you as a RAW agent opposite Nagarjuna. Does it get too challenging or do you enjoy being versatile?
Being able to portray a variety of characters on screen is extremely fulfilling for any actor. I am grateful that I have reached that stage in my career where I am able to choose and play diverse characters. People accept me in versatile roles and appreciate it -- what more can I ask for?
You got married in October last year. How has life post-marriage been?
It has been wonderful, touch wood. I am grateful for having such a loving, protective, understanding and amazing companion. Gautam is my best friend, I feel secure and complete with him. He is a great man and a wonderful husband.
There is a growing concern in the industry that the audience might not go back to the theatres as they are used to OTT platforms now. What’s your take on that?
Well, I do believe that OTT has grown by leaps and bounds in these past few years. Irrespective of the language and medium, good content will always attract the audience. However, I believe theatrical experiences cannot be replaced -- never ever. People will come back to the theatres once the COVID fear dies down and they feel safe. I am quite optimistic in this regard.
Tell us about your current and upcoming projects.
I am doing Acharya with Chiranjeevi sir. I just completed shooting for a Tamil film titled Ghosty and two more Tamil films are in the pipeline. I will soon start shooting for a Telugu film opposite Nagarjuna.
Pics: Kaustuv Saikia