A bold exploration of Indian sexuality: Kajol's two cents on 'Lust Stories 2'

Anthology series features four distinct narratives, each presenting a different viewpoint on 'lust'

Kajol, the renowned Bollywood actor, is captivating audiences with her role in Lust Stories 2, a groundbreaking anthology series featuring four distinct narratives, each presenting a different viewpoint on the meaning of lust. In an interview with The Hindu, she shares her thoughts on the project and the significance of exploring the themes of lust, desire, and sexuality in Indian cinema.

Kajol remarks, "The film presents four completely different points of view on what lust actually means." She acknowledges that in societies worldwide, lust is often associated with sexuality, but these films challenge conventional notions and leave viewers questioning their own understanding of lust. "You are left thinking, hey, could this be right? Could it be wrong? What is your idea of right and wrong?" she ponders.

In her segment, Kajol portrays a mother trapped in a loveless marriage within a grand household. Her husband, played by Kumud Mishra, succumbs to compulsive desires for their maid. Mishra, known for his versatility in portraying complex characters, reflects on why he is often cast as a symbol of carnality. He tells the outlet, "These are all different characters except that one operative word," implying that lust is a universal aspect of human nature. Mishra emphasizes on the role of cinema and entertainment in promoting sexual literacy, suggesting that art plays a vital part in initiating meaningful conversations about these topics.

Kajol, echoing Mishra's sentiment, stresses upon the importance of normalizing discussions surrounding sex and relationships. She praises the younger generation, particularly Gen Zs and Gen Alphas, for their progressive outlook on these matters. "Somewhere down the line, progress has happened because everybody is beginning to see the world as they see it," she remarks, highlighting the shifting societal attitudes towards sexuality.

Director Amit Sharma shares an interesting anecdote from his film Badhaai Ho, which tackled the discomfort of a son discovering his middle-aged parents' unexpected pregnancy. Despite initial concerns that conservative small towns like Ahmedabad might reject the film, it surprisingly garnered immense popularity there. Sharma explained, "They told me that people were reluctant to watch the film with their parents. Yet, when it actually came out, Ahmedabad was number one in collections."

Kajol also expressed enthusiasm for her recent foray into streaming platforms, such as Netflix and YouTube. Prior to Lust Stories 2, she starred in the Netflix family drama Tribhanga and the viral short film Devi. Furthermore, she has an upcoming project titled The Trial, a courtroom drama series set to release on Disney+ Hotstar in July.

Embracing this new phase of her career, Kajol appreciated the shift in focus from superficial attributes to the substance of her acting. “We are in a fabulous phase now where it does not matter what your chest measurements are or whether your nose is the perfect size,” remarked Kajol. “I love where I am today as an actor. Don’t want to be running around trees no more," she quipped, highlighting the changing landscape of Indian cinema.

Lust Stories 2 represents a significant milestone in the Indian cinematic landscape. Through its bold exploration of lust, desire, and relationships, the show challenges societal norms and sparks important conversations about sexuality. With Kajol's compelling performance and the collective efforts of talented directors, the anthology promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences, inviting them to contemplate their own perceptions of right and wrong. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, projects like Lust Stories 2 pave the way for a more open and inclusive dialogue on sexuality and human relationships.

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