There's a huge Indian community who have made the UAE their second home - do you get the attraction?
I do, actually, and there is such a recall for Bollywood here, too. Hindi films, for any Indian, are in their bloodstream. It's part of their genetic make-up to enjoy these movies. You can't escape it, really.
Can you explain why some Hindi actors find the term "Bollywood" disrespectful?
It's probably because it's a take-off from "Hollywood". Our film industry is the biggest in the world today, we certainly make the most movies and we probably have a lot more of a history to back it up. So maybe that's why some people would not look at it in the right light. We're not a take-off; we're an original entity in ourselves.
Coming from an acting and directing background, do you have the same ambitions for your children?
I don't have ambitions for them, I just hope they grow up happy in their lives and do whatever they love. But, yes, as far as going into the film industry is concerned, whatever they want to be, if they're interested - definitely. If not, great for them also.
Have they shown any interest so far or have you spotted any family traits?
Well, I see a lot of me in them. Mind you, I didn't even want to be an actress when I was 8 or 9 years old - I gradually grew into it - so maybe that will happen for them as well.
The Hindi film industry today is probably a very different place to the one you entered 20 years ago. Is it harder for Hindi actresses to make it these days?
In fact, I think it's much easier today. It was really a small, close-knit community back then. The feeling today is more corporate and it has a lot more going for it. It's a fantastic place to be in because financially it is much easier to make different films. People are more willing to take chances and this business is all about making money.
Have you got any filming projects on the horizon?
I don't have anything currently; I'm still looking for that A1 perfect script, so I'm waiting.
Is the script what you look for above all else in a project - over the director, genre, location, cast, etc?
Yes, it's always the script. And I have been really picky as far as my movies are concerned. Besides, after you have two kids you really want the movie you're working on, for 150 days away from your family, to be worth it. I've gotten pickier and pickier.
Is there one dream role you'd love to be offered?
I don't really have one. I know that sounds weird to say, but my dream script would be something that just fits me. The minute I hear it, I'll know it. I didn't have a dream man either but I found him.
Are we talking just Bollywood or Hollywood when it comes to your long-term ambitions?
As far as Hollywood is concerned, there are so many parameters that it's difficult to even have a presence over there.
. Check out our video interview with Kajol online at
[ www.thenational.ae/multimedia ]
Life according to Kajol
I never leave home without. my sense of humour.
My favourite heels are. a fabulous pair of nude peep toes, I love them and they go with everything.
My last indulgent buy was. a beautiful pair of glasses from a quaint shop in London, they cost a bomb!
I've made quite a few fashion faux-pas. half of my life really! But I'd never cringe about them and know my sense of humour helped me carry them off!
I would sum up my life philosophy as. living in the now and definitely giving everything 100 per cent.
Kajol on Roger Dubuis:
Why do you identify with the brand?
Their watches are very timeless and elegant - exactly like me! [laughs].
What appeals to you about the designs?
The watches are not run-of-the-mill or something you'll see anywhere else. A touch of unexpected and unusual is what I like.
Do you own a watch for every occasion?
Not really, there are too many occasions in my life. But yes I do have a few special watches that I take care of.
Is there one timepiece you treasure above others?
I'm not really sentimental about my watches, but find them utterly beautiful.
Kajol's biography
Name: Kajol Devgn (nee Mukherjee)
Born: August 5, 1974
Parents: the actress Tanuja and the film director Shomu Mukherjee
Married: the Hindi actor Ajay Devgn in 1999
Children: Daughter Nysa, 9, and son Yug, 2
Debut:
Bekhudi
in 1992 while at school
Blockbusters: several including
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
and
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Philanthropy: noted for her charity work with women and children
Roger Dubuis
Established: 1995 by master watchmaker Roger Dubuis and designer Carlos Dias
Product lines: Excalibur, La Monegasque, Pulsion and Velvet
Collection inspirations: The Incredible Player, Incredible Warrior, Incredible Venturer and Incredible Diva
Dubai boutiques: The Boulevard, Emirates Towers 04 325 2211
Damas - Burj Al Arab 04 348 4816
[ www.rogerdubuis.com ]
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