The first thing we're told whilst waiting at the threshold of Kajol's suite on the sixth floor of Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, for an interview, is that the actress is currently not comfortable taking any pictures - photographers please remain outside. The reason? Why it's simply that her make-up is not quite right at the moment (odd, she's hardly the type we had pegged for a diva).
But the actress is quick to placate those who've waited an hour or so to snap shots of her - she's had an unusually long and equally tiring day thus far. She needs some time to put herself together and pull off the ultra-glamorous façade that's expected off a celebrity when facing the camera.
Unfortunately, the promotional, pre-premiere interviews of her latest film My Name is Khan (MNIK) are running late. There's a tight schedule to keep to; all she's able to spare are measly ten-minute chat sessions. So speed-talking will just have to be the order of the day.
"No, I don't play a terrorist in the film, if that's what you're wondering," quips Kajol, her trademark wide smile in place, as she dismisses the rumour that her character in Karan Johar's latest drama bares some negative shades.
"In fact, Mandira's an extremely interesting character. She's a little bruised, a little tattered, she's practical, sensible and even a little mad. Frankly, she's a little bit of everything and she's definitely not perfect. I admire her."
The movie, which is being hailed as Johar's most realistic to date, reunites Indian cinema's favourite, not to mention most popular, trio of friends, post an eight-year-long hiatus - that of director Karan Johar, actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
Penned by Shibani Bathija, the script follows Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) - who suffers from Autism in the form of Asperger's Syndrome - as he sets out on his own little mission post the 9/11 attacks: win back Mandira, the love of his life, and meet the President of United States of America, perhaps to put an end to, or at least highlight the horror of, unjust racial profiling.
"It's always a great experience working with friends; either you become better ones, or you don't stay friends at all. I really hope that we've become better friends at the end of the day," continues Kajol.
The actress further comments that although a lot of research went into the role of Rizvan Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan endlessly toiled away to perfect his performance, Johar etched her character so intricately that hardly any research was required on her part. She goes as far as to label herself lucky to be working with him once again.
"I don't miss working because I'm not exactly sitting and twiddling my thumbs at home. There's a lot going on in my life - I'm travelling a lot and there's a baby to look after. It's difficult to juggle my career and motherhood. There are some tough choices to be made. But if it's taken one day at a time, it's not impossible," comments Kajol on her sparing presence in Hindi films as of late.
Lastly, the actress touches on the subject of the controversy currently surrounding Shah Rukh Khan. The actor's comment on the subject of bringing in Pakistani cricket players into the Indian Premiere League's (IPL) kitty sparked the anger of Mumbai's Shiv Sena. This hampered the release, and even promotion, of MNIK for which the actor apologised to Johar and Kajol.
"He meant to apologise to us for what's happening. But it's really okay. He's a friend of mine and Shah Rukh never really needs to say sorry to me. That's what friends are for - they accept you as you are."
Kajol's take on:
Not lip-syncing to any songs in MNIK: It required realism, so we couldn't have suddenly broken into song with guest appearances - it would have jarred. But I love lip-syncing to songs. I truly enjoy them and they're a pleasure to work in.
Being one of the first two Indian actors to ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange NASDAQ:
It was a great honour. We didn't realise how important an act it was till it was finished. But when our trailer was being screened at Times Square, that's when it hit us.
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