Skip to main content

Atypical heroine who showed little interest in conventional glamour

By Harsh Thakor* 
On August 5th, Kajol celebrated her 50th birthday. Widely regarded as one of the most talented and well-rounded actresses of her era, she brought a unique vibrancy and zest for life that set her apart from many of her contemporaries. Her ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions and fully embody her characters was unrivaled by any other heroine of her time. 
Kajol portrayed a remarkable variety of roles throughout her career, showcasing her versatility. Her innocence, vulnerability, comedic timing, and magnetic intensity captivated audiences, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cinema. Kajol's career mirrored the evolving nature of Indian cinema. She transitioned from a youthful romantic lead to taking on more complex roles, ultimately becoming a role model for aspiring actresses. 
Unlike many of her peers, she often showed little interest in conventional glamour. Despite not fitting the traditional mold of beauty like Madhubala or Aishwarya Rai, Kajol's powerful screen presence and confidence drew audiences in. She was known for her disdain for elaborate costumes and jewelry, often pushing back against the commercial pressures of the industry. 
In many respects, Kajol served as an antithesis to the typical heroines of her time. Despite her illustrious lineage—as the daughter of actress Tanuja and filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee—Kajol led a relatively private life, attending social events sparingly and keeping her circle of close associates small. She valued authenticity over the film industry's superficialities and was deeply committed to the roles she portrayed on screen.
Kajol was known for her meticulous approach; she would only perform a scene if she was genuinely convinced about it. Once she made up her mind, though, her performances would burst with compelling energy. In a time when many stars eagerly accepted stage shows, Kajol was remarkably selective about her appearances. 
Kajol's journey began at St. Joseph's Convent in Panchgani, leading to her silver screen debut in the film "Bekhudi". Although it was a box office failure, her undeniable talent convinced many in the film fraternity that she was destined for stardom. In February 2011, she won her fifth Filmfare Best Actress award, tying with her aunt Nutan for the record of most Filmfare awards. 
Kajol's composed demeanor throughout her career—never overly discouraged by failures or excessively thrilled by successes—speaks volumes about her humility. She often stated that she viewed herself as "Kajol first, then the character." In 1999, she married Ajay Devgan, which marked a significant transformation in her personal and professional life. Kajol's influence extends far beyond her films. 
She exemplified the changing face of Indian cinema, evolving from a youthful romantic lead to an actress who took on complex roles, thereby becoming an inspirational figure for many. Her iconic on-screen chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan is celebrated as one of the best in Bollywood history. While she was an extraordinary actress, she didn't often venture into experimental or progressive roles, and critics noted that her acting style remained relatively consistent over the years. 
Off-screen, Kajol is known for her philanthropic efforts. In 2008, she received the Karmaveer Puraskaar for her contributions to social service and has served as an international goodwill ambassador for The Loomba Trust, a charity focused on supporting widows and their children around the world. 

Notable Films of Kajol

1. Baazigar (1993): In this thriller, Kajol played Priya, effectively conveying a range of emotions tied to love, trust, and betrayal alongside Shah Rukh Khan. 
2. Udharr Ki Zindagi (1994): Portraying a granddaughter grappling with the grief of her son's death, Kajol delivered a performance of remarkable intensity and sensitivity at just under twenty. 
3. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): In this iconic romantic drama, Kajol played Simran, a young woman caught between familial traditions and her desires, displaying the emotional nuances that became a cornerstone of the film's success. 
4. Gupt (1996): At the height of her success, Kajol showcased her range by taking on a negative role, delivering a powerful performance. 
5. Ishq (1997): In this romantic comedy, she brought a dynamic energy to the character of Kajal, enhancing the storyline with her expressive acting and impeccable comic timing. 
6. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998): As Anjali Sharma, Kajol masterfully depicted the intricate dynamics of friendship and love, earning her acclaim for emotional depth and strong chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan. 
7. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001): Playing Anjali, she portrayed a bold young woman whose love for Rahul, also played by Shah Rukh Khan, added emotional weight to the film's narrative. 
8. Fanaa (2006): In the role of Zooni, a blind woman navigating the complexities of love and betrayal, Kajol's performance was characterized by vulnerability and strength. 
9. My Name Is Khan (2010): Her portrayal of Mandira showcased the struggles of a single mother facing prejudice, resonating deeply with audiences. 
10. We Are Family (2010): In this family drama, she embodied Maya, delivering a captivating performance while tackling themes of divorce and personal challenges.
---
*Freelance journalist

Comments

TRENDING

Workers' groups condemn Gujarat Ordinance increasing working hours, warn of statewide agitation

By A Representative   At a consultation organised today by the Asangathit Shramik Hit Rakshak Manch at Circuit House in Ahmedabad, leaders of major trade unions and labour rights organisations strongly opposed the Gujarat government’s recent ordinance amending the Factories Act and the draft rules notified under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code, 2020. Around 50 representatives from central trade unions, independent unions, and labour welfare organisations participated in the meeting.

The myth of population decline: India’s real challenge is density, not fertility

By N.S. Venkataraman*   India’s population in 2025 stands at approximately 1.4 billion. In 1950, it was 359 million, rising sharply to 1.05 billion by 2000. The population continues to grow and is projected to reach around 1.7 billion by 2050.

How natural and organic farming can be a key to combating the climate crisis

By Raj Kumar Sinha*  On July 9, while addressing the “Sahkar Samvad” in Ahmedabad with women and workers associated with cooperatives from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that natural farming is essential for both our health and the health of the soil. This is a significant statement in the context of addressing the climate change crisis. Natural farming can play a crucial role in combating climate change. Also known as organic farming, it is a system of agriculture that can increase food production without harming the environment. Natural farming has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 35% to 50%.

Another 'honor' killing in Tamil Nadu: Caste pride has murdered love, again

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  Once again, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a brutal so-called 'honor' killing. This time, it is Kevin Selvaganesh, a 27-year-old software engineer from the Scheduled Caste community, who has been hacked to death by the family of the girl he loved since childhood. Kevin, a brilliant student employed at Tata Consultancy Services, was in a relationship with Subashini, his schoolmate and girlfriend. The couple, both well-educated and professionally qualified, had plans to marry. Yet, that love story ended in bloodshed — sacrificed at the altar of caste pride.

From Kailasa to Lodonia: The business of inventing nations in India

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  This is the story of India—and the 'ideas' and 'imagination' that shape it. Some years ago, someone announced the creation of the 'United States of Kailasa,' a fictional nation 'founded' by Swami Nithyananda, who remains wanted in multiple criminal cases in India, including rape and murder. Remarkably, representatives of this fabricated country even managed to 'participate' in various United Nations events, including sessions of CEDAW in Geneva.

The GMO illusion: Three decades of hype, harm, and false hope

By Sridhar Radhakrishnan  Three decades of hype, billions of dollars spent, and still no miracle crop. It's time to abandon the GMO biotech fairy tale and return to the soil, the seed, and the farmer. “Trust us,” they said. “GMOs will feed the world.” Picture a world where there is plenty of food, no hunger, fields grow without chemical pesticides, children are saved from malnutrition, and people live healthily.

'Bengali Muslim migrant workers face crackdown in Gurgaon': Academic raises alarm

By A Representative   Political analyst and retired Delhi University professor Shamsul Islam has raised serious concerns over the ongoing targeting and detention of Muslim migrant workers from West Bengal in Gurgaon, Haryana. In a public statement, Islam described the situation as "brutal repression" and accused law enforcement agencies of detaining migrants arbitrarily under the pretext of verifying their citizenship.

Deaths in Chhattisgarh are not just numbers – they mark a deeper democratic crisis

By Sunil Kumar  For a while, I had withdrawn into a quieter life, seeking solace in nature. But the rising tide of state-sponsored violence and recurring conflict across India has compelled deeper reflection. The recent incidents of killings in central India—particularly in Chhattisgarh—are not isolated acts. They point to a larger and ongoing crisis that concerns the health of democracy and the treatment of marginalised communities.

100 yrs of RSS as seen by global media house: Power, controversy, push for Hindu-first India

By Rajiv Shah  On a blistering summer evening in Nagpur, nearly a thousand men in brown trousers, white shirts, and black caps stood in formation as a saffron flag was raised, marking a graduation ceremony for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers. This vivid scene, described in a recent FT Weekend Magazine article, “A hundred years after it was founded, India's Hindu-nationalist movement is getting closer to its goal of a Hindu-first state,” captures the enduring presence of the RSS, a century-old Hindu-nationalist organization.