Kajol is happy focusing on TV commercials

Kajol has cut back on films and is focusing on TV commercials to spend more time with her daughter. I don’t want to work so much. I’m happy to get my time off and spend quality time with Nysa, she says.

Despite doing very few films, your visibility is high due to the products you endorse. Is it a career strategy?

I don’t think of it as a strategy. I never sat down and planned. It just happened. I did what was best at that particular time.

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There was a time when Pepsi was your sole endorsement. What’s changed over the years that you now endorse over half a dozen brands?
Honestly, as a brand ambassador, I didn’t find anything before Whirlpool that I was willing to stand up for. Whenever I endorse a brand, I look into what it is all about, whether it is stable, reliable. I don’t know if I’ve fool-proofed it, but I do certainly look into these aspects.

Is it also because ads demand lesser time and pay more?
Well, I do have a certain number of brands, but they still require lesser time than a movie. A film requires 300 per cent energy and you need to be constantly focused.

What do you look for in a brand before you decide to promote it?
I look for reliability. It’s important that I know that the product I’m promoting is worth it. I won’t promote something I don’t believe in, or will harm someone or something in any way.

Buzz in the advertising circles is that you really lift the brand to another level with your association.
I hope that is because I’m choosy and I believe in the product.

Why aren’t you doing more films?
Because I don’t want to work so much. I’m happy to get my time off and spend quality time with my daughter Nysa.

While other actresses would think a dozen times, you don’t seem to have any qualms about playing a mother to 8-10-year-old kids in commercials.
I always wanted kids. I wanted a baby ever since I was three or something. Kids are a natural part of life.