Bhagavanth Kesari | Kajal Aggarwal: I am the live wire and funny bone of the film

Bhagavanth Kesari is one of the two major releases hitting the screens this festival season. Balakrishna headlines the film directed by Anil Ravipudi. Kajal Aggarwal plays the former’s romantic interest in the actioner. Ahead of its release, the actress shared her experiences of being part of a prestigious project.

Also read: Best Kajal Aggarwal movies to watch on OTT 

The vibe of team Bhagavanth Kesari

All of us are excited about it. We’ve made a good, entertaining film. We got along well during the shoot and can’t wait to watch it on the big screen. I play Katyayani. She is the main humour element in the film. I play a psychologist. She is the film's live wire, funny bone and mentally coaches Sreeleela to become stronger.

Working with Balakrishna

Balakrishna is very energetic; he is a senior yes but a passionate, simple and nice person. He is funny, great sense of humour, is very frank and calls a spade a spade. He says things as it is, black or white, no shades of grey. He’s a happy-go-lucky person and switches on and off camera effortlessly. His comic timing was fabulous. Sreeleela, I and Balayya are all Geminis, have our birthdays in the same week and we share similar traits.

Associating with director Anil Ravipudi

Working on the film was a memorable experience. Anil Ravipudi is very versatile, he has so much more to offer. I really liked F2 and F3. He has excelled and outdone himself this time. He has such a long way to go as a filmmaker. He brings food from his house, which was my favourite part of the shoot. I am a foodie. He’s a good friend now.

On other actors, crew, production house

Arjun and I only had one scene in common and the next day it was my birthday. Thaman has done a great job. Cinematographer Ram Prasad and I had worked before and it was good to reconnect again. Shine Screens is a professional production house and I look forward to working with them more.

Being part of an emotional family drama

I am a family person at heart too. It was very emotional to watch such a story come alive. I am close to my husband, sister, in-laws and relatives. I shared my personal experiences with the team as well.

On her time away from films

I was very busy, giving birth to a baby and raising a child. I was shooting for three films - Indian 2, Bhagavanth Kesari and Satyabhama, till the last semester before delivering. I was busy doing endorsements after pregnancy. I have hardly had any time to miss being in films.

Her advice for upcoming actresses of Sreeleela’s generation

I feel personal growth is as important to cinema. I’ve invested in businesses and run a family. I enjoy the variety in my life. Sreeleela is a humble, hardworking girl and knows what she wants. Back in our time, we didn’t get photographed going to airports and didn’t care about social media. We lived in simpler times and more fun, and innocent. I am very glad to see that now girls are so focused and aware.

Film choices - as a viewer, actor

As an actor, I am greedy. I like impactful roles. As a viewer, I am a consumer, quite open in my spectrum of genres - I enjoy all sorts of films based on my mood.

Also read: Unstoppable with NBK Season 3 on OTT: Bhagavanth Kesari star Nandamuri Balakrishna returns as a talk show host