Kajol, born in Bombay (now Mumbai), has a rich Bollywood heritage. Her mother, Tanuja, is an actress, and her father, Shomu Mukherjee, was a film director and producer. Kajol’s younger sister, Tanishaa, also ventured into acting, and she comes from a family deeply connected to Hindi cinema, with relatives like her maternal aunt, actress Nutan, and her maternal grandmother, Shobhna Samarth.

Growing up in a diverse cultural environment, Kajol inherited both Maharashtrian pragmatism from her mother and Bengali temperament from her father. Despite her parents’ separation, Kajol, raised by her maternal grandmother, felt a strong sense of support at home.

Kajol, known for her lively and impulsive nature during her youth, attended St. Joseph’s Convent School in Panchgani. Alongside her studies, she actively participated in extracurricular activities, particularly dancing. Her love for reading fiction began in school, providing comfort during challenging times.

Her journey into films commenced with “Bekhudi” in her teens, a stroke of luck as she was discovered by photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha, who also wrote the film’s screenplay. Originally planning to return to school after the summer vacation, Kajol made the life-changing decision to pursue a full-time career in film, a choice she later looked back on with some reflection.

Kajol’s story is a captivating blend of talent, family legacy, and personal resilience, reflecting the unique dynamics of her Bollywood journey.

Film career

Early work (1992–1994)

At the age of seventeen, Kajol stepped into the world of acting with the 1992 romantic drama “Bekhudi,” sharing the screen with debutant Kamal Sadanah and her mother, Tanuja. Despite the film’s commercial setback, Kajol’s portrayal of Radhika earned positive recognition.

In 1993, she featured in the crime thriller “Baazigar” alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Shilpa Shetty, a significant success that marked the beginning of her frequent collaborations with Khan. While Kajol’s performance received critical acclaim, her appearance faced some criticism.

The year 1994 saw Kajol in “Udhaar Ki Zindagi,” playing an orphaned girl visiting estranged grandparents. Despite its lackluster box office performance, she received the Best Actress (Hindi) award from the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association. This period prompted Kajol to shift towards lighter roles in films like “Hulchul,” “Gundaraj,” and “Karan Arjun.”

Her breakthrough came with the 1994 film “Yeh Dillagi,” a Yash Raj Films romance based on the play “Sabrina Fair.” Portraying Sapna, a chauffeur’s daughter turned model, Kajol’s convincing performance earned her a first Best Actress nomination at the Filmfare Awards. This success marked a transformation in Kajol’s screen persona, as noted by both The Indian Express and Screen.

Established actress (1995–1998)

In 1995, Kajol had two major successes opposite Shah Rukh Khan: “Karan Arjun” and “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.” Despite her small part in “Karan Arjun,” she explained her preference for ornamental roles. The latter became a landmark in Indian cinema, running for over 1000 weeks in Mumbai and earning Kajol her first Best Actress Filmfare Award.

In 1997, her role in “Gupt: The Hidden Truth” marked a turning point, portraying an obsessive lover turned psychopathic killer. She became the first female actor to win the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role.

The late ’90s showcased Kajol’s versatility. In “Hamesha,” she played a leading role in a reincarnation-based film. She then starred in the Tamil film “Minsara Kanavu,” praised for her expressive performance despite commercial failure.

1998 solidified Kajol’s leading status with hits like “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya,” “Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha,” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.” “Dushman” brought critical acclaim for her dual roles, while “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” secured her icon status, earning her a second Best Actress Filmfare Award.

Kajol’s remarkable 1998 concluded with Karan Johar’s blockbuster “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.” Playing Anjali Sharma, she received accolades for her bold and convincing performance, winning several awards. Kajol emerged as a consummate heroine with sensational screen presence.

Career fluctuations and hiatus (1999–2001)

After her marriage, Kajol’s debut in “Dil Kya Kare” was scrutinized as an “acid test.” Despite the film’s negative reviews, she chose the role for its shades of grey. In contrast, “Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain,” co-starring Anil Kapoor, resonated well with both critics and audiences, earning her another Best Actress Filmfare nomination. However, “Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya,” her final release that year, didn’t fare well commercially.

The subsequent year featured Kajol and husband Ajay Devgn in his home-production “Raju Chacha,” a children’s film with a significant budget. However, the lack of imagination in the script impacted their chemistry, resulting in mixed reviews. “Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi” (2001), where Kajol played twin sisters, received poor reviews, labeled as a double bore. Both films experienced box office flops.

In 2001, Kajol took on a pivotal role in Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…,” which became the top-grossing Indian production overseas. Portraying Anjali Sharma, she delivered a remarkable comic-dramatic performance with a Punjabi dialect, earning her a third Filmfare Award. Critics praised her precise timing and subtle expressions, acknowledging her impact in stealing the show.

Post “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…,” Kajol opted for a sabbatical from full-time acting, focusing on her marriage. Despite initial perceptions suggesting her career was over, her impactful performances and accolades showcased her enduring influence in the industry.

Success with intermittent work (2006–2020)

Kajol’s return to films in 2006 with Kunal Kohli’s “Fanaa” showcased her versatility as she portrayed Zooni Ali Beg, a blind Kashmiri woman entangled in a love story with a terrorist. The film was a financial success, earning Kajol accolades, including her fourth Filmfare Award.

In 2010, Kajol delivered a powerful performance in “My Name Is Khan,” a film addressing discrimination against American Muslims post 9/11. Her portrayal of Mandira earned her a fifth Best Actress Filmfare Award, solidifying her place as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses.

Throughout the following years, Kajol continued to balance her acting career with intermittent breaks. She starred in films like “We Are Family” (2010), “Dilwale” (2015), and ventured into production with the Marathi film “Vitti Dandu.” While some films received mixed critical reviews, Kajol’s performances remained a consistent highlight.

In 2018, she took on the role of a helicopter parent in “Helicopter Eela,” exploring the challenges of parenthood and personal aspirations. The film faced commercial and critical challenges, but Kajol’s portrayal showcased her ability to embody diverse characters.

Kajol’s journey reflects a blend of critical acclaim, commercial success, and her ventures into production, emphasizing her enduring impact on the Indian film industry.

Personal life

Kajol and Ajay Devgn began dating in 1994 during the filming of Gundaraj. They opted for a unique approach to love, avoiding traditional expressions and growing together organically. The couple tied the knot on February 24, 1999, in a traditional Maharashtrian ceremony at Devgn’s residence.

Their marriage faced media scrutiny, with criticism over Kajol’s decision to settle down at the pinnacle of her career. Despite rumors and divorce speculations, Kajol maintained her focus on family and career. The couple has two children, Nysa and Yug.

Kajol, who has always been private about her personal life, dismisses gossip and prefers to avoid extensive interviews. Since 2015, she has used Devgn as her surname, and she appreciates the joys of motherhood, highlighting how her children bring out the best in her.