Aug 25, 2009

With stars in her eyes, 21-year-old Kajal Raj from B C Road here dreams of making it big in our very own Sandalwood. Ambitious girl that she is what’s holding her back from being up there with leading league of stars is her background coupled with the fact that she has no ‘Godfather’ to give that one push.

“As far as I remember, since childhood I have been fascinated by the glamour world. The passion towards acting refuses to die in me despite the fact that I have no godfathers in the industry and my family is not strong enough to support me financially, says Kajal. Anees Raj, Kajal’s father who was an advocate died three years ago. And now the family is looked after by her elder brother. 

The fact that she is a Muslim too has been a hindrance. Though we do find many girls from Muslim community in the glamour world, they have their own limitations to overcome certain challenges in the field. However, Kajal begs to differ and says, “"My religion has never been an obstacle to aspire for my goals. I look up to many Muslim girls who have made it big in Hindi films and also in the modeling arena.” Bold Kajal, who has studied up to standard X has her eyes firmly set on the tinsel town and no interest in pursuing further studies.

Kajal has already made her acting debut with Kannada serial, Comedy Express, which was telecast in DD Chandana. Though a small role, Kajal says it has filled more confidence in her. She also regrets that due to personal reasons she had to reject an offer to act in another serial. What fuelled her desire to make it big in films is the role in the Beary language telefilm, Sandola, produced and directed by Ismail Moodshedde.

“Though a role of supporting character, the particular role instilled in me lot of self-confidence and gave me the courage to dream big. From here, I intend to bag a role in a Kannada movie and also get into modeling, says Kajal. “And now, my first intention is to get a role in Kannada movie or taking part in modelling" adds Kajal

Kajal sees her mother, Nishaz Raj as a positive influence in her life with her ever-supporting nature. "My mother is everything to me. She is the one who inspires me, and always encourages me to go and fulfill my dreams,” she says. “My mother is always with me and do not go for shoots without her. We went to Malnad for a shooting for over ten days and this time along with my mother, my sister Jahnavi Raj, who has a role in telefilm, Sandola accompanied me.

19-year-old Jahnavi, a second-year pre-university college student is the younger sibling of Kajal and dreams of walking in her sister’s footsteps. A good-looking Jahnavi however says, “I get nervous when I face camera. It was the first-time ever I faced the camera for Sandola. I am hopeful that I will be able to do better in the days to come, adds Jahnavi.

Jahnavi

"There is nothing wrong in dreaming big. We are ready to face hurdles and are working hard by taking dancing, acting and music lessons. With hardwork and honestly nothing is impossible,” says Jahnavi, who first prefers to complete her studies. Though both Kajal and Jahnavi know their limitations, it is the sheer courage to live their dreams that has kept them going.