Bollywood icon Kajol will play a mother once again on big screens in actor-filmmaker Revathi's Salaam Venky, which is slated for Dec 9 release. India Blooms correspondent Souvik Ghosh speaks to the senior actor during her promotional trip to Kolkata on Monday.

Q. How different is this film for you?

A. It's a great responsibility actually when one is playing a real life character, which has to be justified on-screen. We do take the responsibility very seriously and not take cinematic liberties.

Kajol | Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Q. How did you respond when you were offered the character since you have played similar roles twice in the recent past (in Helicopter Eela and Tribhanga)?

A. I had actually turned down the offer instantly because I don't do films where something happens to my on-screen child. I have become very cautious about it after I became a mother (in real life). I don't want to play that kind of role and I am very clear about that. I had said 'no' when Revathi ma'am offered me the role though I have always deeply respected her.

Q. So when did you change your mind?

A. She (Revathi) insisted on narrating the script to me. I loved the script and the way it was written. I had watched Revathi ma'am's film Phir Milenge with Salman (Salman Khan) and Shilpa Shetty, which I thought was a very sensitively handled  and well balanced film. At that point, I thought of working with her given a chance.

(From L to R) Vishal Jethwa, Kajol, Revathi | Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Upon reading Salaam Venky's script, I thought I would regret it if I don't do this film. So I closed my eyes, picked up the phone and told her "okay ma'am, handle me". She very sweetly replied, "Don't worry, I will take care of you on set" (laughs).

Q. How do you differentiate your role as a heroine and a mother?

A. Being a heroine is a part of my life, not entirely my life. My life comprises various parts including work, family, children. The value of each part is exclusive.

Q. Do you have a dream role?

A. No. My dream and aim is to keep working and be happy doing films. It makes me sound less goal-oriented than others but yeah, I wait and see what everybody else offers me.

Kajol | Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Q. How do you see OTT platforms coming from the era where it was all big screens?

A. There is a lot of freedom of speech and freedom with topics on OTT, which we do not have on big screens.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)