Kajal Aggarwal says stronger scripts, meaningful roles, and a disciplined work culture made South Indian cinema the preferred choice throughout her successful acting career.
Actor Kajal Aggarwal has revealed why she dedicated most of her two-decade acting career to South Indian cinema despite beginning her journey in Bollywood. The actress said the decision was shaped by better storytelling, stronger characters, and a more professional working environment in the Telugu and Tamil film industries.
Born into a Punjabi family in Amritsar, Kajal started her acting career with the 2004 Hindi film Kyun…! Ho Gaya Na. Although she worked in both Hindi and South Indian films, she said South cinema consistently offered roles that challenged her as an actor and supported her long-term career ambitions.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kajal explained that she never wanted to accept ordinary or repetitive roles simply to remain visible in Bollywood. Instead, she chose projects that provided meaningful performances and opportunities for artistic growth. According to the actress, filmmakers in the South regularly presented scripts that aligned with her expectations.
Kajal also praised the disciplined work culture in the South Indian film industry, describing punctuality and professionalism as key reasons behind her preference. She said production teams typically follow strict schedules, with cast and crew respecting call times and completing work efficiently.
By comparison, Kajal observed that delays are more common on Bollywood sets. She noted that, after spending years working in South cinema, she has become accustomed to productions where time management is treated as a priority. She believes the Hindi film industry could benefit from adopting similar practices.
Reflecting on her experience in Sikandar, Kajal shared a lighthearted anecdote about working with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. She admitted he had been her childhood crush and said she was excited to work alongside him. However, she joked that Salman was also the co-star who made her wait the longest before filming began. During those breaks, she often used the time to work out in the gym available on set.
Over the years, Kajal Aggarwal has established herself as one of the leading and highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema while maintaining a presence in Hindi films. She will next appear in The India Story, directed by Chetan DK and featuring Shreyas Talpade.
About The Author
