Kajal Aggarwal awaits the release of 'Kavacham' on December 7.  In this interview, she talks about the film, her changed perspectives as an actress, what she is looking to do now, an auto-immune disorder she got treated with this year, her school in Araku and more.  

What is your role in 'Kavacham'?  You seem to have a special kind of role in it.  

First of all, not every film needs to have a special kind of role for you.  There are other aspects.  The entire genre of 'Kavacham' is very interesting.  I want to look at the entire project these days.  I want to encourage and support films and work with directors who have something new to offer.

What kind of a film is 'Kavacham'?

It is a thriller and a love story.  It's a fast-paced, keeping-on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller.  That's the raison d'etre of the script.  The audience will be hooked to the screen post interval when twists and turns start unfolding.  I haven't experimented too much with genres before this one.  'Kavacham' is mainstream and commercial for sure.  But it's different.

Are you a damsel in distress in it?

I have played the damsel-in-distress kind of roles in the past.  As for 'Kavacham', it's for the audience to find out who the hero is out to protect.  My character is not the driving force of the story.  It's an important role is what I can say.  

You are now being paired up with young heroes.  Did you plan for this?

I never planned it this way.  My main focus is on the scripts.  I want to broaden my horizon.  I am done with doing the same kind of stuff.   I am trying to balance it out.  That I am getting paired opposite the younger lot is flattering to me.

How come you didn't do it years ago?

I was mentally not ready to take on the films which were different.  I was still in my comfort zone.  I now feel I have broken out of that shell where I am now open to experimenting.  I am now ready for different things that excite me.  Once you reach a level of security, it's easy to try out new things.  I am now stable and I don't mind experimentation.  But to get to this place, you have to be conventional in the beginning.  I am playing different sorts of age groups, characters - black, white and grey.  

Can we say that you are doing experimental stuff like 'AWE' because you have nothing to lose?

I think every Friday every actor has something to lose.  The environment is shaky and challenging.  It's not smooth.  I do get scared before every release.  But I don't get sleepless nights now.  I don't get jitters.  I am now in a space where I don't get attached anymore. I do work to the best of my ability.  I have learned to accept the result of a movie, whatever it may be.

What's the secret of your success?

Hard work is the secret.  You should have a drive to prove yourself with every film.  It's upon each person.  It's upon how committed, passionate you are.  

Tell us about your role in 'Indian-2'.

I am very excited about 'Indian-2'.  I am dying to tell you all about it.  But I will share it later.  

How has the year been for you?

Professionally, it's much more than what I expected.  In January, I thought I would relax, take a break.  I was very unwell at the beginning of the year.  I was bed-ridden for 3 months.  Nobody knows about it.  I thought I will finish my current assignments and take a break. But life had other plans.  Somehow, I had the busiest year.  I have loved everything.  I can't be more grateful.  I am very excited now.  I am doing a full-on comedy in Tamil.  I am doing a very intense role in Teja sir's film with Bellamkonda Srinivas, again.  It's one of the most challenging roles ever.  

Unwell for 3 months?  What was the health complaint?

I had an auto-immune disorder.  I was on medication.  I had to slow down.  You can't do anything about it.  I never knew I had it.  I was running away to glory until I realized I had unexplainable fatigue, fever every evening!  I am used to working out and eat healthy.  So, I don't know how it happened.  All is well that ends well.  

Tell us about your 'Queen' remake in Tamil.  

I had seen 'Queen' when it released 5 years ago.  When 'Paris Paris' came to me, talks were going on about different things.  I am happy that I have done it only in one language. I loved Kangana Ranaut's performance in the original.  She is innocent and beautiful in the film.  I have tried to retain that innocence.  I have kept it quite Tamil and the sensibilities are native.  I am playing Parameswari, a relatable girl.  I have patch work of two days left.  This sort of film has been hard to coordinate and too difficult since it involves four busy actresses.  

When are you getting married?

I was so tempted to get married this year (Jokes).  Everybody is getting married. 

How do you view your ability to influence things as a celebrity?  

Power is something most people desire and don't know what to do with.  Whatever power I have, I feel I try my best to translate it into something positive, influence those who follow me, in an appropriate way.  It helps me give back to society.  I am extremely involved in the education of tribal kids in Araku Valley.  I run a marathon for Think Peace every year.  I have built a school for tribal kids in Araku.  I want to expand it.  

Built a school in Araku?  People just don't know about it

I quite like Araku.  I also think Think Peace people are very credible.  I want to back them and support those who are honest and genuine.  I have seen Think Peace guys proving mid-day meals, sanitation. They teach kids in a playful manner.  The kids in the school are taught English and the syllabus is friendly.  They send me the pics/videos of these kids playing, singing my songs and addressing me as 'Kajal Akka'.