Actor Kajal Aggarwal has opened up about the key differences between the South Indian and Hindi film industries, saying that South cinema provided her with more meaningful roles while Bollywood could learn the importance of punctuality. In a recent interview, the actress also revealed that Salman Khan was the actor who made her wait the longest on a film set.

Having established herself as one of the leading actors in both industries, Kajal said her career choices have always been guided by the quality of roles rather than the number of films. She added that after embracing motherhood, she has become even more selective about the projects she signs.

South Cinema Offered Better Opportunities

Speaking about her career, Kajal said the roles she was receiving in South Indian films were more aligned with her creative aspirations than those being offered in Bollywood.

She explained that she consistently chose quality over quantity and found South cinema to be more willing to offer substantial characters. According to Kajal, language was never a barrier in her career, as her focus has always been on meaningful storytelling and strong performances.

The actress noted that it took her several films to fully understand and appreciate the craft of filmmaking, after which she became deeply committed to choosing projects that challenged her as an actor.

Bollywood Should Learn Punctuality

Kajal also pointed to a significant difference in work culture between the two industries, highlighting punctuality as one area where Bollywood could improve.

She said film shoots in the South generally follow strict schedules, with cast and crew working according to the clock. In contrast, she described Bollywood schedules as less predictable, often involving long delays.

Recalling one particular experience, Kajal revealed that Salman Khan was the co-star who kept her waiting the longest during a shoot.

She said the actor would sometimes arrive only in the afternoon or evening, a work style that was unfamiliar to her after years of working in the South Indian film industry. To utilize the waiting time, she would often head to the gym available on the film set.

Changing Representation of Women in South Films

Kajal also spoke about the evolution of female characters in South Indian cinema, saying the industry has become far more progressive in recent years.

According to her, filmmakers are now writing stronger, more independent and coming-of-age roles for women, moving away from stereotypical portrayals that were once common.

She remarked that South cinema is no longer "obsessed with female navels," referring to a style of glamorous presentation that had often been criticized in commercial films. Kajal added that throughout her career she maintained clear boundaries and refused to perform scenes she considered unnecessary or objectifying.

Busy Line-Up Ahead

On the professional front, Kajal Aggarwal is preparing for the release of The India Story. She will also be seen in Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana" Parts 1 and 2, where she is set to portray Mandodari, one of the pivotal characters in the epic adaptation.

With projects spanning multiple languages and genres, Kajal continues to maintain a strong presence in Indian cinema while advocating for better-written roles and greater professionalism across the film industry.