Kajol breezed into town on December 5 on the last leg of her promotions for her Friday film Salaam Venky. Accompanying the actor was co-star Vishal Jethwa — who plays her son in the film — and actor-director Revathy. Based on a book named The Last Hurrah, which is inspired by a true story, Salaam Venky tells the story of the indelible bond between a mother and son, with the latter suffering from a rare form of muscular dystrophy. The relationship between the two and how they choose to lead their lives forms the crux of the film.

At the media interaction held at Oberoi Grand, the always effervescent Kajol shared how she had initially refused to do the film, because as a mom herself, she could not bear to do any roles where her own child would suffer. However, she said that she was blown away by the script and agreed to take it on, knowing that she would regret not doing it afterwards. She also added that her character of Sujata was similar to her at a basic level, and, in fact, to every mother, for every mother is ready to do anything, at any cost, to make her child happy.

Looking effortlessly gorgeous in a black floral sari and minimal make-up, Kajol, who is back in the city after five years, admitted to being in a self-induced ‘food-coma’, after tucking into local delicacies for lunch. When t2 caught up with her and the rest of the Salaam Venky team for a chat, she was back to being her usual chirpy and energetic self.

Actor-director Revathy, who helms Salaam Venky, with Vishal Jethwa and Kajol, posed for t2 at the Oberoi Grand

Kajol, did being a mom yourself make it relatively easier for you to play this character, or did its emotionally-heavy content make it more difficult?

Kajol: Being a mom is an important part of who I am, it’s ingrained into my personality. So yes, playing a mom comes easily to me. At the same time, my character was pretty intense in a different kind of way, so it required a lot of thought. As it’s based on a real-life character, there was an added responsibility in portraying the role. Look, as a parent you tend to get worried for your kid even when they catch a cold. So I just imagined the mental condition of a mom who has known about her son’s illness for years and has carried on like that for 25 years. I tried to understand how courageous and strong she would be. I tried to bring her to life on screen in as authentic and convincing a way as I could, because ultimately, when you think of it, this really happened to somebody.

Revathy: Kajol got into the character beautifully. Her words and actions just flowed naturally, and she transformed into Sujata, heart and soul.

Vishal, this wasn’t an easy role to play, both physically and emotionally. What aspects of it did you find particularly challenging?

Vishal Jethwa: Yes, it was a tough role to play, firstly because, like most ordinary people, I had no knowledge of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which Venky (his character) suffers from. So, I had no way of knowing how someone with this condition would behave. Then I learnt that people with this condition hardly have any mobility. So that was another limitation. I had to emote through my words and expressions only. Internally, it was difficult trying to feel the emotions that Venky would feel when he faced rejection, when he realised he wouldn’t live long.

Kajol with Vishal Jethwa in Salaam Venky, releasing in cinemas on December 9

This is a film that required a lot of comfort and chemistry between Sujata and Venky. Did it happen organically or did you have to work on it?

Vishal: That was another challenging aspect of my role. Thankfully, I have seen very few of Kajol ma’am’s films, else I would have been all the more intimidated by her!

Kajol: How can you say that... you haven’t seen my films Vishal?! (pretends to be offended and continues in a teasing tone) Actually, the credit for our chemistry in the film goes to me! I am the one who did all the hard work in developing the bond between him and me, and whatever performance he has given in this movie, I taught him how to do it! (Laughs the distinct Kajol laugh)

Revathy: It was actually a natural and gradual process. We started with very light scenes so that they could become familiar with and connect to each other. Later, we went on to do the more emotional scenes. And I must say that the nuances of the characters and the situations brought out by them will definitely tug at your heartstrings.

Kajol: I remember Vishal was very nervous on the first day. It was a hospital scene and I saw him lying on the bed. That very day I knew that we would click, that he was Venky in every way and that I was his mom.

What do you want the audiences to feel or think when they leave the theatre after watching Salaam Venky?

Revathy: That life is precious. Enjoy every moment and value your relationships. Stop waiting for an ideal situation in future to be happy. Don’t take life for granted and choose to celebrate your life as it is.

Which is your favourite mother-son film? Tell t2@abp.in