For Kajol, acting is learning on the go

From understanding the craft of acting to the importance of body language and on-screen chemistry, Kajol learnt the basics of her profession one film at a time over her two decade-long career.

In an interview with PTI, ahead of her upcoming film "Helicopter Eela", Kajol, one of the most spontaneous actors in the industry, talks learning the ropes of acting on set.

The actor lists down three films -- her 1992 debut "Bekhudi", "Udhar Ki Zindagi" (1994) and "Dushman" (1998) as her favourites.

While the first two films may not have been blockbusters, but they helped her grow as an artiste.

"All the films are completely different from 'Bekhudi' to Udhar Ki Zindagi' to 'Dushman' to 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. There was no connect but that's what drove me to take up these films as I learnt something new every time as an actor," Kajol says.

"Bekhudi", directed by Rahul Rawail, marked Kajol's entry in films and the actor credits the movie for teaching her the basic essentials of filmmaking - from facing the camera to gaining technical knowledge.

"I learnt so much on that film. Rahul uncle was one of the best teachers in that aspect as far as the nuances were concerned.

"It was one of the first films in which I worked with screenwriter and fashion photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha and make-up artiste Mickey Contractor, they were amazing with me."
"But when I was shooting for 'Udhar Ki Zindagi', I was like, 'I can't do films that are so heavy, it sucks so much out of you'. I did not want to do that anymore."
"... I (told her) that I want to do films with three songs, three scenes, etc. So I signed up films like 'Hulchul' and 'Gundaraj', among others."
"They told me they just need one close-up shot and that they will manage it. They lived up to their promise. When you watch the film, you can't make out. They handled it so well. I am glad I did the film."
"There were so many parts in the film where there were no dialogues. There were lengthy scenes but at the same time, a lot was established without saying too much. Everything was done in a subtle way."