The minute you walk into Kajal Aggarwal's cosy nest in the city, you feel calm. It's partly because the entire house is done up in white. Ask her if she considers it her lucky colour - she wears white in the introduction scenes in most of her films, including her biggest hits Magadheera and Singham -and she promptly says, “I don't believe any colour in particular can bring good luck. I think it's just a coincidence that I was introduced in white costumes. That said, the colour is very soothing. So, my house is all white.“ Her third film in Bollywood - Deepak Tijori's Do Lafzon Ki Kahani, which has her starring opposite Randeep Hooda - is set to hit screens on June 10. The actress talks to BT about her chemistry with Randeep, how she juggles careers in Bollywood, Tamil and Telugu industries and why she finds it difficult to shift base here from south, where she has a huge body of work.

With your third film in B-Town up for release, have you started feeling butterflies in your stomach?
After Singham and Special 26, this is a big release for me in Bollywood. I'm slightly nervous, but I'm more excited. It's a great story and working with Randeep was fab. My character is meaty and I had a beautiful time playing Jenny. I saw the Korean film (Always), from which this one is inspired and it made me want to do the Hindi version with all the more passion.

How did you land the role?
The makers wanted someone who wasn't too exposed in the Hindi industry, but at the same time, was experienced. I've done my share of big films in the south and this worked to my advantage. They wanted someone who looked innocent (smiles) and I guess I fit the part well. But, my character is visually impaired, so, prepping for the role wasn't easy. I've done my bit of homework, met people and rehearsed a lot to portray the character.

You learnt Braille in the process...
Yes, just the basics and trust me, it's a difficult system to learn. When you are younger, your fingers are nimble and sensitive to the different dots in the system. But as you get older, it's difficult to differentiate between them. I visited a centre for the visually challenged as part of my preparation to understand the lifestyle of the people there. Did you know that visually-impaired people have gadgets especially made for them? They have their own cell phone, microwave and typewriters. They follow a set pattern to walk and it's called assisted walking; they hold on to a stick or another person, and that too, with their right hand because it's easier to maneuver. I also read a lot of Hellen Keller books.

How difficult is it to act when you can see everything, but have to pretend that you can't?
This is the first time I'm playing a differently-abled person. And portraying visual impairment is difficult. I can see what's going on, but I have to act like I can see nothing. And this can be quite a challenge. I wanted my eyes to look blank, but at the same time I had to be careful about not looking expressionless. So, I tried seeing with each eyeball on either side. Hopefully, it's worked and people will notice it.

Did rumours of the film being shelved affect you, given that this is your first Bollywood release in almost three years?
There were a lot of production issues, but the movie wasn't shelved. It was just pushed to a further date. I was busy with my other projects, so it didn't worry me because I knew we would get the best possible date for its release.

Your chemistry with Randeep is sizzling and your lip-lock was the talk of social media...
He is a powerhouse performer and the best thing about him is that he is honest in the way he talks, acts and in every sphere of his life. He is passionate about his craft and that shows in whatever he does on screen. We shared a great camaraderie. We used to pull each other's leg and just to trouble the crew, we fought before every romantic scene. Another thing I remember is that every time we prepared to film a crucial scene, it would start raining. And we had to deal with rains in Malaysia, which are torrential most of the time. So, we would run to a café nearby and sip on hot coffee, waiting for the downpour to stop. Deepak (who was the director) would initially fret, but soon he got into the groove.

You've worked with Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar and now, Randeep. Who do you find hotter?
It's so difficult to choose. All three are blessed with brain, brawn, personality and talent.

Bollywood is known to be a tough industry to survive in. Do you feel your juggling act (between south and Hindi films) could cost you some good roles on both sides?
No, not at all. Balancing my career between two industries has never been an issue. I started with a Telugu film and have a soft corner for the south industry, though I've grown up speaking Hindi. I don't think language can be a barrier when it comes to acting.And, since I come from a theatre background, I'm used to memorising my lines. So, I get to choose what I want to do.

However, not many heroines from down south have been able to balance both industries with as much success?
I'm very loyal to my south fans and the industry there. So, it's hard for me leave all the love, respect and admiration and shift base here. I'm a Mumbai girl and have lived here for most of my life. At the same time, I've spent 10 years of my life in the south and feel like a south Indian at heart. Even if I'm comfortable, and I know everyone in Bollywood, I can't just leave behind my roots. It's not easy to migrate to another industry. So, my contemporaries and I are trying our best to strike a balance. This way, we get to enjoy the best of both the worlds.