Kajol: "I'm the Laziest Actor" | 33 Years in Bollywood, Nepotism & Self-Belief | THR Talks

Anupama Chopra
By Anupama Chopra
LAST UPDATED: DEC 16, 2025, 13:09 IST|57 min|59.2k views

In this candid conversation, Anupama Chopra sits down with Kajol Devgan for an intimate discussion about her remarkable 33-year career in Hindi cinema. Kajol opens up about her unconventional approach to acting, revealing why she considers herself "the laziest actor" and how she's worked with far fewer films than her contemporaries. She discusses her morning rituals, the importance of self-belief, and why she doesn't chase fame. Kajol also shares her experience working on Two Much with Twinkle Khanna, her journey with body image, and how becoming a mother transformed her self-perception.


From her breakthrough roles in Baazigar and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to recent successes like Do Patti and The Trial Season 2, Kajol reflects on technique, burnout at 18, and learning to "lie to the camera." She addresses nepotism in Bollywood, pay disparity, the double standards around age gaps in films, and why she refuses to do molestation or rape scenes. Anupama and Kajol discuss everything from her 8-hour mornings to working with Govinda, her self-critical checklist after watching her performances, and finding confidence after 40.

Next Story

Vetrimaaran on Viduthalai, Violence & Vision | THR Talks

Anupama Chopra
By Anupama Chopra
LAST UPDATED: SEP 04, 2025, 16:53 IST|1h 11m|113.8k views

Anupama Chopra hosts acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Vetrimaaran at THR Talks, where he opens up about his unconventional filmmaking process and the creative philosophy behind his critically acclaimed works. Vetrimaaran discusses how his latest film "Viduthalai Part 2" evolved from a small 40-day project into an epic two-part saga shot over 200+ days. He reveals his unique approach to filmmaking without a traditional bound script, explaining his "10 rupees for 12 rupees" investment philosophy and how he collaborates with actors like Dhanush, Vijay Sethupathi, and upcoming star Simbu.


The director delves into his production ventures including "Bad Girl," addresses the challenges of censorship with films like "Manushi," and shares insights on balancing commercial viability with artistic integrity. Vetrimaaran candidly discusses his editing process where he becomes his harshest critic, the importance of location and dialect in his storytelling, and his belief that while cinema cannot directly change the world, it can empower people to stand behind those who can bring change. He also reveals details about his upcoming Vada Chennai universe film with Simbu and clarifies it's not Vada Chennai 2, which will eventually happen with Dhanush.


Next Story

Imtiaz Ali on Love, Cinema & Being the King of Re-releases | THR Talks

Anupama Chopra
By Anupama Chopra
LAST UPDATED: JUN 12, 2025, 10:36 IST|1h 10m|59.5k views

Anupama Chopra sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali for an intimate conversation about his approach to cinema, love stories, and the art of filmmaking on The Hollywood Reporter India's THR Talks. Imtiaz opens up about being crowned the "undisputed king of re-releases," his unique casting philosophy, and why he considers himself "cinema illiterate" despite creating some of Hindi cinema's most beloved films.


The conversation delves deep into Imtiaz's creative process, from his emotional approach to directing to his experiences working with stars like Ranbir Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan. Anupama and Imtiaz discuss the challenges of creating modern love stories, the influence of poetry on his work, and memorable behind-the-scenes moments from films like Rockstar, Highway, and Chamkila. This candid discussion offers rare insights into the mind of one of contemporary Indian cinema's most influential directors.

Next Story

Vicky Kaushal on ‘Chhaava,’ and Completing 10 Years In The Movies | Anupama Chopra | THR Talks

Anupama Chopra
By Anupama Chopra
LAST UPDATED: DEC 17, 2025, 12:25 IST|50 min|143.4k views

In this exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, actor Vicky Kaushal opens up about his ambitious role in “Chhaava”, in which he portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Speaking with Anupama Chopra, Vicky discusses the intense physical and emotional demands of the biopic, from mastering sword fighting to embodying the lion-like spirit of his character.


He reflects on 10 years of stardom post-Masan, his evolving approach to playing real-life heroes, and his upcoming collaborations such as Love & War with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Mahavatar with Amar Kaushik. In this candid conversation, Vicky talks about overcoming fears, the responsibility of portraying historical icons, and how he continues to challenge himself to bring new dimensions to Indian cinema.

Next Story

From Loneliness to Joy ft. Sanjay Leela Bhansali | THR Talks

Anupama Chopra
By Anupama Chopra
LAST UPDATED: OCT 22, 2024, 17:00 IST|1h 22m|149.2k views

In this captivating episode of THR Talks, Anupama Chopra engages with the legendary filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who shares his profound insights into the world of cinema.


With over two decades of experience, Bhansali reflects on the duality of his artistic journey—feeling both blessed and cursed by the craft he cherishes deeply. He discusses how each film represents a process of self-annihilation, revealing the emotional toll it takes while also expressing the joy that comes from creating art out of loneliness and chaos. As they delve into the intricacies of his subconscious creative process, Bhansali emphasizes the importance of absolute control over every frame, showcasing his relentless pursuit for perfection in storytelling and visual aesthetics.


Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a filmmaker who has reshaped Indian cinema, making it not just a profession but a profound personal journey.


00:00 Introduction

01:43 Sanjay Leela Bhansali joins the conversation

02:45 Discussing the process of filmmaking

03:58 Finding joy in filmmaking

06:22 Creative process and subconscious inspiration

08:54 Childhood memories influencing his films

11:27 Personal cinema and subconscious expression

13:54 Role of the subconscious in creating moments of magic

17:02 Praying and patience in the creative process

19:20 Discussing resilience

22:12 Importance of being alive in the moment

25:45 Gratitude towards Vidhu Vinod Chopra

29:10 Balancing art and commerce

31:15 Deep meaning behind 'Devdas'

34:08 Working with star actors

38:19 Relationship with actors like Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh

41:07 Process with actors like Alia Bhatt

44:10 Director-actor relationship

47:07 Approach to music and importance in his films

49:54 Influence of parents on his love for music

52:13 Tradition of music in Indian cinema

58:16 Thoughts on criticism and reviews

1:04:16 Working again with Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal

1:07:45 Reflection on his relationship with cinema

1:09:19 Audience Q&A

1:15:11 Advice to student filmmakers on observing life

1:17:11 Discussion on being intimidated by scale

1:21:48 Importance of being insecure and nervous as a filmmaker

1:22:37 Closing remarks


#SanjayLeelaBhansali #THRTalks #FilmmakingInsights