I prefer choosing films that are worth my time

Returning to work after having a baby presented unique challenges for Kajal Aggarwal. “It’s a bit challenging because it was the first time I am doing high-octane action sequences. I delivered a baby boy back then, so it was even more challenging to put up with the fitness levels. I have to push myself to get into the character,” says Kajal.

Despite the option to use a body double, Kajal chose to perform her stunts herself. “I performed dare-devil stunts on my own because I want my character to look believable. It’s a very exciting yet challenging role that has several layers and shades. I wanted to showcase my different abilities and that’s precisely why I have taken up.”

Balancing her new role as a mother with her demanding career required substantial support. “It’s important to invest time in creating a safety and support system around you. Obviously, with a baby, I need to have trusted people around me where I can go to work peacefully. I need to believe that the baby is in safe hands. Thankfully I have great people around — my husband, in-laws, grandparents, and staff,” she shared, highlighting the significance of her support network. She and her husband share responsibilities, which allows her to manage both her career and motherhood.

Kajal also discussed the emotional challenges of returning to work so soon after giving birth. “There were instances where I cried going to work leaving the baby at home because I was back to work three months after the birth of a newborn. That mom’s guilt is hard and will never go away, but that’s something many working women experience,” she said. This realisation has been one of the biggest in her life, highlighting the universal struggle of balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

In her latest film, Sathyabhama, directed by Suman Chikkala, Kajal took on a physically demanding role. She underwent rigorous mixed martial arts (MMA) training in Mumbai to prepare for it. “The defence techniques helped me improve my spontaneity. Reflexes and impulsiveness are significant in action sequences,” she noted. Kajal’s prior experience with martial arts, including Krav Maga and Kalaripayattu, also came in handy for this role.

When producers Bobby Tikka and Srinivasa Rao Takkalapalli narrated the emotional journey of a resilient cop to her, she found the role fulfilling. Being a working mother, Kajal admits it was demanding to strike a work-life balance, investing a lot of time in the role while also caring for her baby.

After becoming a mother, Kajal’s approach to selecting scripts has evolved. “Yes of course! My time is a huge factor and is very limited. I prefer choosing films that are worth my time and make me feel worth it. The story should have the magnitude and worth because I have to stay away from my son while working on the film,” she explained.

In an era where women characters are strongly written, Kajal believes that gender has never been a barrier to storytelling. Her husband Gautham is also supportive and provides feedback on her films. “He watches my films, although he doesn’t understand the technicalities in filmmaking. I get excited and keep telling him about all the back stories that happen. He appreciates the kind of stories I pick up,” she shared.

In her latest film, Sathyabhama, Kajal took on a physically demanding role. She underwent rigorous mixed martial arts (MMA) training in Mumbai to prepare for IT. Kajal’s prior experience with martial arts, including Krav Maga and Kalaripayattu, also came in handy for this role.