Kajol, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, has shared a candid insight into why she initially hesitated to pursue a career in films despite growing up in a cinematic family. In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kajol reflected on the immense struggles her mother, veteran actor Tanuja Mukherjee, faced as a working woman in the industry.
Tanuja, remembered for iconic performances in films like Jewel Thief (1967) and Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), often worked long hours under challenging conditions, with financial instability adding to the pressure. Kajol recalled, “She worked from seven in the morning till late at night, sometimes coming home only to bathe and head back to set. Nobody could pay me enough to do that. That was the main factor that made me not want to be in films.” Growing up surrounded by actors and filmmakers, Kajol noted she was never starstruck but deeply aware of the sacrifices behind the glamour.
Kajol also highlighted how these early experiences shaped her approach to work today. She ensures that every project respects her time, boundaries, and creative comfort. “If I like a script, there aren’t too many do’s and don’ts. But I will not subject myself to scenes of molestation or rape. I don’t enjoy them as subjects, and I don’t feel they’re necessary to prove my worth as an actor,” she said.
Her reflections shed light not only on her mother’s resilience but also on the ongoing conversation around fair pay, humane work hours, and creative autonomy for women in Bollywood.