Bollywood's charming and outspoken actress Kajol has been entertaining audiences in her unique style for years. Now she is venturing into the horror genre with her upcoming film 'Maa', releasing on June 27. In an exclusive chat with 'Hindusthan Samachar', she revealed intriguing stories from the shoot and candidly discussed different facets of her career.

Is this your first horror film? What attracted you to this story?

In fact, this film was not initially intended to be a horror film. I came across a concept based on the stories of Kali and Raktabeej. This story has been very dear to me since childhood, something I have always loved hearing. When the idea arose about what would happen if something like this occurred in today’s time, I found it extremely exciting. We initially decided it would be written as a thriller. When the script was completed, we realized that it would be better to present this story as a horror-thriller to convey its depth and impact to the audience.

How has the role of a mother changed in real life?

I think the role of a mother in real life is still very much the same as before. Whenever someone does something wrong, it is often said, Did your mother not teach you anything? The role of mothers is deeply ingrained in our societal perception. A mother is at the root of values because she spends the most time at home with the children, directly impacting their behavior. However, it is also true that we do not give as much importance to mothers' contributions as we should. We often overlook their sacrifices and hard work.

Was this film physically and mentally exhausting for you?

Absolutely! Horror films have their own style and presentation. The story of this film has depth and mystery that directly affects our minds and brains. It was necessary to maintain an emotional connection along with technical aspects such as action and VFX. That is why this film was not only physically exhausting but mentally exhausting as well.

Why did it take you so long to step into the horror-comedy genre?

To be honest, I did not receive many offers for horror films in my career. The scripts I received lacked the depth or appeal that could excite me. During that time, when horror films were made, more attention was paid to the characters and scares rather than the stories themselves. Perhaps that’s why I did not find much interest in horror films from that period.

What did you find most challenging during the film’s shooting?

The most challenging part for me in the film was performing the action scenes, as I had never done action before. When I performed those scenes, I understood the technical aspects behind them, and that’s when I started to have even more respect for my husband Ajay Devgn, who has been doing action continuously for so many years (laughs). There is a scene in the film where the curtain is removed from the idol of Maa Kali; that moment shook me to my core. It felt like I was given the fortune to act in front of the goddess alongside my devotion to her. That moment was the most emotional and memorable for me.

How has your approach to choosing films changed?

Now I give the script much more importance than before. For me, the depth of the story is the most crucial aspect. That is why I have become more selective. I prioritize projects with a strong story and characters that are worthy of sharing. However, it is very rare for everything—story, characters, and director—to align perfectly.

How much change is there in the number of women-centric films?

Yes, because times have changed, and the audience's mindset has evolved significantly. I would like to give much credit to the OTT platforms. With the advent of OTT, audiences have started watching stories in various languages and styles, and thanks to subtitles, language is no longer a barrier. The standard of cinema has risen significantly. It is no longer possible to make a film merely to get by; audiences now demand a compelling and profound story.

You have worked with all three Khans; would you like to work with them again?

Today, stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Ajay Devgn are following their own paths. Everyone is working in their preferred genres, but they are also continuously experimenting. Whether it’s Shah Rukh or Aamir, they are all very experimental and try to present something new in each film. Their careers began in an era without social media or digital promotion. They achieved stardom through their hard work and talent. That is why even today, they do not hesitate to take risks with their films and strive to offer something new to the audience.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar