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{{short description|Indian actress (born 1974)}} | |||
{{distinguish|text=[[Kajal Mukherjee]]}} | |||
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}} | |||
{{Good article}} | |||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| name = Kajol | | name = Kajol | ||
| birth_name = Kajol Mukherjee | | birth_name = Kajol Mukherjee | ||
| parents = {{ | | image = Kajol during the promotion of Tanhaji.jpg | ||
| caption = Kajol in 2020 | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1974|08|05}} | |||
| birth_place = [[Bombay]], [[Maharashtra]], India | |||
| other_names = Kajol Devgan | |||
| occupation = Actress | |||
| years_active = 1992–present | |||
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Ajay Devgn]]|1999}} | |||
| parents = {{hlist|[[Shomu Mukherjee]]|[[Tanuja]]}} | |||
| family = [[Mukherjee-Samarth family]] | |||
| works = [[Kajol filmography|Full list]] | |||
| awards = [[List of awards and nominations received by Kajol|Full list]] | |||
| honours = [[Padma Shri]] (2011) | |||
| signature = Kajol signature (1).png | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Kajol Devgan'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kajol Devgan Congratulates Ajay, Team Of Tanhanji For The Big Win At National Awards |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/kajol-devgan-congratulates-ajay-team-of-tanhanji-for-the-big-win-at-national-awards-1543989 |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=ABP Live |language=en}}</ref> ([[née]] '''Mukherjee'''; born 5 August 1974), known [[mononymous person|mononymously]] as '''Kajol''', is an Indian actress. Described in the media as one of the most successful actresses of [[Hindi cinema]],<ref name="Mint">{{cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/PIrB95Jf8mO76uj5ZLIH7O/Kajol.html |title=Kajol |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=4 May 2013 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116100913/https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/PIrB95Jf8mO76uj5ZLIH7O/Kajol.html |url-status=live}}</ref> she is the recipient of [[List of awards and nominations received by Kajol|numerous accolades]], including six [[Filmfare Awards]], among which she shares the record for most [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] wins with her late aunt [[Nutan]]. In 2011, she was honoured with the [[Padma Shri]] by the [[Government of India]]. | |||
Kajol | |||
The daughter of [[Tanuja]] and [[Shomu Mukherjee]], Kajol made her acting debut with ''[[Bekhudi]]'' (1992) while still in school. She subsequently quit her studies, and had commercial successes in ''[[Baazigar]]'' (1993), opposite [[Shah Rukh Khan]], and ''[[Yeh Dillagi]]'' (1994). Starring roles with Khan in the top-grossing romances ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]'' (1995) and ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]'' (1998) established her as a leading star in the 1990s and earned her two Filmfare Awards for Best Actress. She also gained critical appreciation for playing a psychopathic killer in ''[[Gupt: The Hidden Truth]]'' (1997) and an avenger in ''[[Dushman (1998 film)|Dushman]]'' (1998). | |||
She | |||
After starring in the family drama ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001), which won her a third Filmfare Award, Kajol took a sabbatical from full-time acting and worked infrequently over the next decades. She won two more Best Actress awards at Filmfare for starring in the romantic thriller ''[[Fanaa (2006 film)|Fanaa]]'' (2006) and the drama ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'' (2010). Her highest-grossing releases came with the comedy ''[[Dilwale (2015 film)|Dilwale]]'' (2015) and the period film ''[[Tanhaji]]'' (2020). | |||
In addition to acting in films, Kajol is a social activist and noted for her work with widows and children. She has featured as a talent judge for the reality show ''[[Rock-N-Roll Family]]'' in 2008, and holds a managerial position at Devgn Entertainment and Software Ltd. Kajol has been married to the actor and filmmaker [[Ajay Devgn]], with whom she has two children, since 1999. | |||
==References== | == Early life and background == | ||
{{See also|Mukherjee-Samarth family}} | |||
[[File:Kajol, Tanuja, Tanisha Mukherjee at Esha Deol's wedding reception 12.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Kajol and Tanuja with their mother Tanuja.|Kajol with her mother [[Tanuja]] (centre) and sister [[Tanishaa Mukerji|Tanishaa]] (right) at actress [[Esha Deol]]'s wedding reception in 2012. Kajol said that Tanuja was her inspiration to be an actress.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/just-in-kajol-may-star-in-this-persons-biopic-29952-1.html |title=Just in! Kajol may star in this person's biopic |date=22 August 2018 |last=Singh |first=Raghuvendra |access-date=8 February 2022 |work=[[Filmfare]] }}</ref>]] | |||
Kajol was born in [[Mumbai|Bombay]] (present-day Mumbai) on 5 August 1974.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/21dinesh.htm |title=Sparkling spitfireTanuja |last=Raheja |first=Dinesh |date=21 January 2003 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-date=14 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214004852/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/21dinesh.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-birthday-wishes-ajay-devgn-renuka-shahane-6540199/ |title=Kajol turns 46: Ajay Devgn, Renuka Shahane and others wish the Tribhanga actor |last=Kameshwari |first=A. |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=5 August 2020 |location=New Delhi, India |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=15 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015080119/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-birthday-wishes-ajay-devgn-renuka-shahane-6540199/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Her mother, [[Tanuja]], is an actress, while her father [[Shomu Mukherjee]] was a film director and producer.{{Sfn|Dawar|2006|p=62}}<ref>{{cite web |date=10 April 2008 |title=Kajol's father passed away |url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/news/type/view/id/1179762/Kajol%27s+father+passed+away |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126112650/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/news/type/view/id/1179762/Kajol's+father+passed+away |archive-date=26 January 2013 |access-date=12 March 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Her younger sister, [[Tanishaa Mukerji|Tanishaa]], is also an actress.<ref name="Tanisha" /> Her maternal aunt was actress [[Nutan]] and her maternal grandmother, [[Shobhna Samarth]], and great-grandmother, [[Rattan Bai]], were both involved in [[Hindi cinema]]. Her paternal uncles, [[Joy Mukherjee]] and [[Deb Mukherjee]], are film producers,<ref name="Tanisha">{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Kshama |date=19 July 2003 |title=Acting intrigues me: Tanisha |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/tanisha/20030719.htm |work=Rediff.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209160519/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/tanisha/20030719.htm |archive-date=9 February 2012 |access-date=11 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> while her paternal and maternal grandfathers, [[Sashadhar Mukherjee]] and [[Kumarsen Samarth]], respectively, were filmmakers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/profile/story/20130617-ayan-mukerji-bollywood-yeh-jawaani-hai-deewani-764016-1999-11-30 |title=The Pulp Prodigy: Ayan Mukerji ready to enter the big league of Bollywood |author=Singh, Suhani |work=[[India Today]] |date=30 November 1999 |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831094718/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/profile/story/20130617-ayan-mukerji-bollywood-yeh-jawaani-hai-deewani-764016-1999-11-30 |archive-date=31 August 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="family" /> Kajol's cousins [[Rani Mukerji]],<ref name="family">{{cite news |last=Varma |first=Anuradha |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=In Bollywood, everyone's related! |date=14 June 2009 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-06-14/news-interviews/28162188_1_fardeen-khan-zayed-khan-kajol |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219210956/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-06-14/news-interviews/28162188_1_fardeen-khan-zayed-khan-kajol |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Sharbani Mukherjee]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mathur |first=Vartika |date=3 September 2009 |title=Identity crisis |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Identity-crisis/article16878953.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827082833/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Identity-crisis/article16878953.ece |archive-date=27 August 2020 |access-date=11 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Mohnish Behl]] are also actors;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/04bahl.htm |title=Actor Mohnish Behl's father dies in fire |date=4 August 2004 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040806031152/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/04bahl.htm |archive-date=6 August 2004 |url-status=live}}</ref> whereas [[Ayan Mukerji]] is a director.<ref>{{cite news |work=[[Mid-Day]] |title=Waking up Ayan |date=12 August 2008 |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2009/aug/120809-Ayan-Mukerji-Karan-Johar-Wake-up-Sid-Entertainment.htm |access-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403013803/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2009/aug/120809-Ayan-Mukerji-Karan-Johar-Wake-up-Sid-Entertainment.htm |archive-date=3 April 2012}}</ref> | |||
Kajol describes herself as being mischievous, stubborn, and impulsive at a young age.<ref>{{cite web |last=Choudhary |first=Anuradha |publisher=iDiva |title=Kajol: A Mother's Role is More Defined |date=13 April 2012 |url=http://idiva.com/news-work-life/kajol-a-mothers-role-is-more-defined/12151 |access-date=2 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609104853/http://idiva.com/news-work-life/kajol-a-mothers-role-is-more-defined/12151 |archive-date=9 June 2012}}</ref> Her parents separated when she was young, but Kajol was unaffected by it since the matter was never discussed at home.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Times of India |title=The agony & ecstasy of being Tanuja |date=10 August 2003 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/The-agony-ecstasy-of-being-Tanuja/articleshow/134291.cms |access-date=2 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925030811/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/The-agony-ecstasy-of-being-Tanuja/articleshow/134291.cms |archive-date=25 September 2013}}</ref> Kajol was looked after by her maternal grandmother, who "never let me feel that my mother was away and working".<ref name="India Today" /> According to Kajol, her mother inculcated a sense of independence in her since she was young. Growing up between two separate cultures, she inherited her "Maharashtrian pragmatism" from her mother and her "Bengali temperament" from her father.<ref name="India Today" /> As part of tradition, along with the Mukherjee family, Kajol, a pracitising [[Hindu]], celebrates the [[Durga Puja]] festival in the suburban neighbourhood of [[Santacruz, Mumbai|Santacruz]] annually.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kashyap |first=Archita |publisher=[[CNN IBN|IBNLive]] |title=Rani, Kajol keep spirit of Durga Puja alive |date=22 September 2011 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rani-kajol-keep-spirit-of-durga-puja-alive/50812-8.html |access-date=8 February 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726090058/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rani-kajol-keep-spirit-of-durga-puja-alive/50812-8.html |archive-date=26 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.femina.in/fashion/how-to/how-to-rock-the-durga-puja-look-like-bollywood-celebs-63843.html |title=How to rock the Durga Puja look like Bollywood celebs |date=28 September 2017 |work=[[Femina (India)|Femina]] |access-date=8 February 2022 |last=Satpathy |first=Kriti Saraswat}}</ref> | |||
Kajol was educated at [[St. Joseph's Convent School, Panchgani]]. Apart from her studies, she participated in extra-curricular activities, such as dancing.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 August 2007 |title=When Kajol was head girl |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/reader/20070822.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=12 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607155714/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/reader/20070822.htm |archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref> It was in school that she began to form an active interest in reading fiction, as it helped her "through the bad moments" in her life.<ref>{{cite news |work=[[Mid-Day]] |title=Kajol shoots for a short film on education and literacy |date=19 April 2012 |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/apr/190412-Kajol-shoots-for-a-short-film-about-education-and-literacy.htm |access-date=2 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630154819/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/apr/190412-Kajol-shoots-for-a-short-film-about-education-and-literacy.htm |archive-date=30 June 2012}}</ref> In the early 1990s, Tanuja tried to direct a film to launch her as an actress, but it was shelved after a few days of shooting.{{Sfn|Iyengar|2012|pp=246–254}} At sixteen, Kajol began work on ''[[Bekhudi]]'', which according to her was a "big dose of luck";<ref name="India Today" /> she was cast by him when she visited the studio of the photographer [[Gautam Rajadhyaksha]], who also wrote the film's screenplay.<ref name="hitlist" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030615/spectrum/main2.htm |title=Portrait of a portraitist |last=Bose |first=Derek |author-link=Derek Bose |date=15 June 2003 |work=The Tribune |access-date=4 January 2021 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225108/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030615/spectrum/main2.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> She intended to return to school after shooting during her two-months summer vacation but eventually dropped out to pursue a full-time career in film—though she later regretted the decision.<ref name="India Today">{{cite news |last=Bamzai |first=Kaveree |author-link=Kaveree Bamzai |work=India Today |title=Return of the natural |date=22 May 2006 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html |access-date=2 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005183624/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html |archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2013/feb/04/kajol-regrets-ignoring-her-education-447516.html |title=Kajol regrets ignoring her education |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |date=4 February 2013 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118065159/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2013/feb/04/kajol-regrets-ignoring-her-education-447516.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Film career == | |||
{{See also|Kajol filmography|List of awards and nominations received by Kajol|l2=awards and nominations}} | |||
=== Early work (1992–1994) === | |||
Kajol made her acting debut at age seventeen in the 1992 romantic drama ''Bekhudi'' alongside another debutant, [[Kamal Sadanah]], and her mother Tanuja.{{Sfn|Dawar|2006|p=62}} Kajol played Radhika, who falls in love with Sadanah's character against her parents' disapproval.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dileep |first1=Lalita |title=Lovers on the run |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pH9lAAAAIBAJ&pg=306%2C1534976 |work=The Indian Express |date=31 July 1992 |page=5 |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=29 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129003908/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pH9lAAAAIBAJ&pg=306%2C1534976 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film turned out to be a box office flop,<ref name="UMH" /> but Kajol's performance gained positive notice.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/513C91EA3B56F6C565256940004E8814?OpenDocument |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214150958/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/513C91EA3B56F6C565256940004E8814?OpenDocument |archive-date=14 February 2008 |title=Marriage no bar |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=14 February 1999 |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=29 December 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, she was cast in [[Abbas–Mustan]]'s crime thriller ''[[Baazigar]]'' (1993), the fourth-highest-grossing film of the year with revenues of {{INRConvert|182.5|m}}.<ref name="UMH">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2008/02/01/stories/2008020150240800.htm |title=You, me aur Kajol |date=1 February 2008 |agency=Bollywood News Service |access-date=30 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829164921/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2008/02/01/stories/2008020150240800.htm |archive-date=29 August 2008 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Co-starring [[Shah Rukh Khan]] and [[Shilpa Shetty]], the film saw Kajol in the role of Priya Chopra, a young woman who falls in love with her sister's murderer, unaware of his identity.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Baazigar' was shot with two endings, reveal Abbas-Mustan |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/baazigar-was-shot-with-two-endings-reveal-abbas-mustan-118111100208_1.html |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |date=11 November 2018 |work=[[Business Standard]] |location=Mumbai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120005950/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/baazigar-was-shot-with-two-endings-reveal-abbas-mustan-118111100208_1.html |archive-date=20 November 2018 |access-date=22 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Baazigar'' marked the first of her many collaborations with Khan.{{Sfn|Vasudevan|2000|p=256}}<ref name="NDTV" /> Although her performance drew critical attention, Kajol was criticised for her looks.<ref name="Verma, Sukanya">{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/06slid2.htm |title=Oh Kajol! Unraveling a phenomenon |date=6 December 2001 |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |author-link=Sukanya Verma |work=Rediff.com |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119204709/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/06slid2.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.screenindia.com:80/old/20020426/fcover.html |title=Hits and misses |date=26 April 2002 |last=Khatib |first=Salma |work=Screen |access-date=15 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507193752/http://www.screenindia.com/old/20020426/fcover.html |archive-date=7 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
In 1994, Kajol appeared in ''[[Udhaar Ki Zindagi]]'' as an orphaned girl who visits her estranged grandparents ([[Jeetendra]] and [[Moushumi Chatterjee]]).<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Live on borrowed time |date=1994 |magazine=Democratic World |publisher=Gulab Singh & Sons |volume=23 |page=25}}</ref> It failed to do well at the box office, however, Kajol was named the [[Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Best Actress (Hindi)|Best Actress (Hindi)]] by the [[Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards|Bengal Film Journalists' Association]].<ref name="BOI 1994">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=200&catName=MTk5NA== |title=Box Office 1994 |publisher=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=10 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830151924/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=200 |archive-date=30 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923184251/http://www.bfjaaward.com/award-winners.php?year=1995 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |publisher=[[Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards]] |title=Award Winners – 1995 |access-date=28 August 2020 |url=http://www.bfjaaward.com/award-winners.php?year=1995 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The film was an emotionally draining experience for Kajol, and she later maintained that it had affected her so deeply that after shooting ended, she was on the verge of a crisis. Consequently, she made a deliberate decision to sign up lighter films in which she would have roles of minimal importance and no intense dramatic efforts, including ''[[Hulchul (1995 film)|Hulchul]]'', ''[[Gundaraj]]'', and ''[[Karan Arjun]]''—all released a year later.<ref name="hitlist">{{cite news |last1=Shekhar |first1=Mayank |author-link1=Mayank Shekhar |title=Sit with Hitlist – Kajol: I am not doing movies anymore which require me to cry |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/kajol-walks-down-memory-lane-and-gets-candid-with-mayank-shekhar/19804156 |access-date=6 November 2020 |work=[[Mid-Day]] |date=15 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=16 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916155222/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/kajol-walks-down-memory-lane-and-gets-candid-with-mayank-shekhar/19804156 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
She gained wider public recognition for her role in ''[[Yeh Dillagi]]'', a romance produced by [[Yash Raj Films]] and based on the 1953 American play ''[[Sabrina Fair]]''.{{sfn|Viswamohan|Tom|2020|p=17}} She starred as Sapna, a chauffeur's daughter who becomes a model and catches the interest of the two sons of her father's employers ([[Akshay Kumar]] and [[Saif Ali Khan]]).{{Sfn|McNally|2010|p=216}} A financial success,{{Sfn|McNally|2010|p=216}} ''Yeh Dillagi'' proved to be a breakthrough for Kajol,{{Sfn|Dawar|2006|p=62}} earning her a first [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] nomination at the annual [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref name="Awards">{{cite web |url=http://oldbh.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrities/awards/8615/index.html |title=Kajol: Awards & nominations |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=23 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204151341/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrities/awards/8615/index.html |archive-date=4 December 2009}}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' took note of her believable performance,<ref>{{cite news |author1=PR |title=Gentle comedy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nX1lAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA6 |work=The Indian Express |date=3 June 1994 |page=6 |language=en |access-date=31 October 2020 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601115157/https://books.google.com/books?id=nX1lAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA6 |url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]'' concluded that ''Yeh Dillagi'' had changed her screen persona from a [[girl next door]] to a beauty extraordinaire.<ref name="An enigma">{{cite news |url=http://www.screenindia.com/may02/kajol2.htm |title=Kajol: An enigma |date=2 May 1998 |work=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020415082528/http://www.screenindia.com/may02/kajol2.htm |archive-date=15 April 2002 |access-date=17 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Established actress (1995–1998) === | |||
[[File:Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol unveil the special coffee table book 'DDLJ'.jpg|thumb|Kajol with [[Shah Rukh Khan]] in 2014 celebrating 1000 weeks continuous showing of ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]''. According to her, Khan is one of her favourite co-stars.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranisingh/2016/01/30/shah-rukh-khans-dilwale-film-co-stars-talk-about-working-with-srk/?sh=67dfd7dfba66 |title=Kajol on Shah Rukh Khan, "He owes me his life, a lot more, actually!" Dilwale film co-stars talk |date=30 June 2016 |last=Singh |first=Rani |work=[[Forbes]] |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081708/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranisingh/2016/01/30/shah-rukh-khans-dilwale-film-co-stars-talk-about-working-with-srk/?sh=67dfd7dfba66 |url-status=live}}</ref>|alt=Photograph of Kajol with Shah Rukh Khan.]] | |||
In 1995, Kajol had two major commercial successes opposite Shah Rukh Khan: ''[[Karan Arjun]]'' and ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]''.<ref name="BOI 1995" /> The former is an action film by [[Rakesh Roshan]], based on the concept of [[reincarnation]],{{Sfn|Pomerance|2005|p=369}} and it offered her the small part of Sonia Saxena Singh, Khan's love interest.{{Sfn|Edwards|Bhaumik|2008|p=134}} She explained her minor role in the film, saying that she wanted to be in an ornamental role and admitting she had nothing to do in the film except be glamorous.{{Sfn|Dwyer|2000|p=177}} The film emerged as the second-highest-grossing film of the year in India.<ref name="BOI 1995">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201&catName=MTk5NQ== |title=Box Office 1995 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=12 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830151926/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201 |archive-date=30 August 2012}}</ref> Kajol's next releases—''[[Taaqat (1995 film)|Taaqat]]'', ''Hulchul'' and ''Gundaraj''—underperformed at the box office;<ref name="BOI 1995" /> the latter two were her earliest collaborations with her future-husband, [[Ajay Devgn]], and trade analysts linked the failure to their chemistry.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ebay.com/itm/FILMFARE-rare-Bollywood-Magazine-DEC-1994-Shahrukh-Amitabh-Juhi-Rekha-Mamta/164556654891? |title=When Love Calls |date=December 1994 |magazine=[[Filmfare]] |volume=43 |issue=12 |page=86 |editor-last=Mohamed |editor-first=Khalid |access-date=18 February 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081701/https://www.ebay.com/itm/FILMFARE-rare-Bollywood-Magazine-DEC-1994-Shahrukh-Amitabh-Juhi-Rekha-Mamta/164556654891 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cine-Blitz-Magazine-Bollywood-January-1996-Rekha-Kajol-Raveena-Pooja/164759257316? |title=Ajay Jealous of Shah Rukh??? |date=January 1996 |page=103 |magazine=[[Cine Blitz]] |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418081732/https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cine-Blitz-Magazine-Bollywood-January-1996-Rekha-Kajol-Raveena-Pooja/164759257316 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In ''Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'', Kajol's final 1995 release, she and Shah Rukh Khan starred as [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|non-resident Indians]] from London who fall in love during a trip across Europe and reunite in India to persuade her conservative father to call off her upcoming arranged marriage.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124391503672175543 |title=Bollywood's NRI Reel Finally Gets Real |date=9 June 2009 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |last=Venugopal |first=Arun |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120023916/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124391503672175543 |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol spoke of her attachment to the project and her full emotional involvement with her character, Simran.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/im-extremely-possessive-about-ddlj-10888-3.html |title=I'm extremely possessive about DDLJ |last=Chaudhary |first=Anuradha |date=19 October 2015 |orig-date=1996 |work=Filmfare |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=21 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121130300/http://www.filmfare.com/features/im-extremely-possessive-about-ddlj-10888-3.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yashrajfilms.com/docs/default-source/aditya-chopra-interviews/Aditya-Chopra-Interviews.pdf?sfvrsn=2 |title=Aditya breaks his silence |date=April 1996 |work=Filmfare |publisher=[[Yash Raj Films]] |page=7 |access-date=30 December 2020 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101044648/https://www.yashrajfilms.com/docs/default-source/aditya-chopra-interviews/Aditya-Chopra-Interviews.pdf?sfvrsn=2 |url-status=live}}</ref> One of the most successful films of all-time in India,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=all_time_earners |title=All Time Earners Inflation Adjusted (Figures in Ind Rs) |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=12 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112114511/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=all_time_earners |archive-date=12 January 2008}}</ref> it has been continuously running in Mumbai and, having surpassed 1000 weeks of screening in 2014, became the longest-running Indian film ever.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ddlj-completes-1000th-week-at-maratha-mandir/article6686035.ece |title=DDLJ completes 1,000th week at Maratha Mandir |last=Rashid |first=Omar |date=12 December 2014 |work=The Hindu |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=27 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027101237/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ddlj-completes-1000th-week-at-maratha-mandir/article6686035.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/features/dilwale-dulhania-le-jayenge-the-record-breaking-bollywood-rom-com-celebrating-1000-weeks-in-cinemas |title="Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge": The Record-Breaking Bollywood Rom-com Celebrating 1000 Weeks in Cinemas |last=Harris |first=Scott Jordan |publisher=[[RogerEbert.com]] |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116002652/https://www.rogerebert.com/features/dilwale-dulhania-le-jayenge-the-record-breaking-bollywood-rom-com-celebrating-1000-weeks-in-cinemas |url-status=live}}</ref><!--<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141213/entertainment-bollywood/gallery/shah-rukh-khan-and-kajol-celebrate-1000-weeks-ddlj-maratha |title=Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol celebrate 1000 weeks of DDLJ at Maratha Mandir |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=13 December 2014 |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> --> Equally popular with critics, the film earned ten [[Filmfare Awards]], including a first Best Actress for Kajol.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rvhtAAAAMAAJ |title=Seema Biswas bags Best Actress award |date=1996 |magazine=Data India |publisher=[[Press Institute of India]] |page=351 |issue=1–50 |volume=52 |access-date=13 January 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081717/https://books.google.com/books?id=rvhtAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L85kAAAAMAAJ |title=Awards: His achievements... |magazine=Screen |publisher=Indian Express Limited |volume=2 |year=2002 |page=172 |access-date=28 November 2020 |archive-date=8 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108040321/http://books.google.com/books?id=L85kAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref> It has been voted one of the best films ever made in polls by the [[British Film Institute]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/imagineasia/guide/poll/india |title=Top 10 Indian Films |publisher=[[British Film Institute]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120160633/http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/imagineasia/guide/poll/india |archive-date=20 January 2012 |access-date=3 January 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/DDLJ-is-Bollywoods-most-evergreen-love-story-Survey/articleshow/52078150.cms |title='DDLJ' is Bollywood's most evergreen love story: Survey |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |work=The Times of India |date=2 May 2016 |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529200300/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/DDLJ-is-Bollywoods-most-evergreen-love-story-Survey/articleshow/52078150.cms |archive-date=29 May 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Raja Sen from [[Rediff.com]] thought Kajol was well-cast as Simran, arguing that "the real-as-life actress bringing warmth and credulity to the initially prudish and reluctant Simran".<ref name="ten">{{cite web |title=DDLJ: Ten years, everybody cheers |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/may/13raja.htm |date=13 May 2005 |author=Sen, Raja |access-date=25 January 2011 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530014324/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/may/13raja.htm |archive-date=30 May 2015}}</ref> 1996 saw her in the poorly received action film ''[[Bambai Ka Babu (1996 film)|Bambai Ka Babu]]''.<ref name="NDTV" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=202&catName=MTk5Ng== |title=Box Office 1996 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=12 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125141035/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=202&catName=MTk5Ng%3D%3D |archive-date=25 January 2008}}</ref> | |||
In 1997, Kajol's portrayal of Isha Diwan, an obsessive lover turned psychopathic serial killer, in ''[[Gupt: The Hidden Truth]]'', was labelled by critics a turning point.{{Sfn|Chaudhuri|Nayak|2005|p=155}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010429/spectrum/main4.htm |title=Much more than masala |last=Sekhon |first=Aradhika |date=29 April 2001 |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064058/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010429/spectrum/main4.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> The director [[Rajiv Rai]] said that he "tapped the versatile artistry in Kajol", commending her for the finesse she brought to the part.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rajendran |first=Girija |title=A complete change of scene |url=http://www.hindu.com/2001/08/17/stories/0917022a.htm |date=17 August 2001 |access-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108055627/http://www.hindu.com/2001/08/17/stories/0917022a.htm |archive-date=8 January 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The suspense thriller, also starring [[Bobby Deol]] and [[Manisha Koirala]], was a mainstream success.<ref name="1997 BO">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Nw== |title=Box Office 1997 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111130538/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203 |archive-date=11 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.filmfare.com/awards/bestactr1.htm |title=Best Actress: Kajol |date=1999 |work=Filmfare |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990507233619/http://www.filmfare.com/awards/bestactr1.htm |archive-date=7 May 1999 |access-date=11 January 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[India Today]]'' noted Kajol for outpacing her co-stars,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/19970714-latest-movie-releases-832542-1997-07-14 |title=Latest movie releases |work=India Today |date=14 July 1997 |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081701/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/19970714-latest-movie-releases-832542-1997-07-14 |url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[The Times of India]]'' wrote in 2016 that she was "probably the first to have broken her [[wikt:goody two shoes|goody-two-shoes]] image".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/priyanka-katrina-bipasha-super-hot-baddies-of-b-town/photostory/52129993.cms |title=Priyanka, Katrina, Bipasha – Super hot baddies of B-Town |date=5 May 2016 |work=The Times of India |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=21 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121164204/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/priyanka-katrina-bipasha-super-hot-baddies-of-b-town/photostory/52129993.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2002, Rediff.com included her performance in its listing of best villain performances.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/feb/07vil.htm |title=Good guy, bad guy: The lure |work=Rediff.com |last=Vijayakar |first=Dr. Rajiv |date=7 February 2002 |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165037/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/feb/07vil.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol eventually became the first female actor to be nominated for and win the [[Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role]].<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web |title=The life and times of Kajol |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?ID=250&StoryID=ENTEN20090103171 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712061923/http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?ID=250&StoryID=ENTEN20090103171 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 July 2012 |date=29 July 2009 |access-date=31 May 2012 |publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> In later years, Kajol said she accepted the part to avoid [[typecasting]]<ref name="Neelam Gupta interview" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.vogue.in/content/bollywood-celebrity-kajol-then-and-now-pictures-complete-beauty-evolution |title=In pictures: Kajol's complete beauty evolution |last=Khatib |first=Hasina |date=22 April 2020 |work=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]] |access-date=16 November 2020 |archive-date=13 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013195845/https://www.vogue.in/content/bollywood-celebrity-kajol-then-and-now-pictures-complete-beauty-evolution |url-status=live}}</ref> and expressed her desire to play more roles of the type.<ref name="asked" /> | |||
Following a leading role in the reincarnation-based film ''[[Hameshaa]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Nandita |title=Life Minus the Lilt |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/22091997/cinema1.html |access-date=10 May 2020 |work=India Today |date=22 September 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001205140900/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/22091997/cinema1.html |archive-date=5 December 2000}}</ref> Kajol replaced [[Madhuri Dixit]] to play the lead opposite [[Prabhu Deva]] and [[Arvind Swamy]] in [[Rajiv Menon]]'s [[Tamil cinema|Tamil-language]] romantic musical ''[[Minsara Kanavu]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.screenindia.com/may02/kajol3.htm |title=Interview with Kajol |date=2 May 1998 |work=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020224152658/http://www.screenindia.com/may02/kajol3.htm |archive-date=24 February 2002 |access-date=17 November 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Kajol found dancing alongside Deva (himself a dance choreographer) difficult and it took her dozens of retakes and rehearsals to get the steps right.<ref name="Dream girl">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04kajl.htm |title=Dream girl |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |work=Rediff.com |date=4 April 1997 |access-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602230644/http://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04kajl.htm |archive-date=2 June 2010}}</ref> She played Priya Amalraj, a convent student who aspires to become a [[nun]], and her voice was dubbed by actress [[Revathi]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Exuding-positivity/article16303280.ece |title=Exuding positivity |last=Chowdhary |first=Y. Sunita |date=24 May 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120130035/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Exuding-positivity/article16303280.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Indian Express'' reviewed: "Kajol is full of beans and fits into her character with commendable ease. Hers is perhaps one of the most expressive faces of the present".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Desai |first=M. S. M. |date=4 May 1997 |title=Film Review — Sapnay: A tangled love triangle |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/film-review-sapnay-a-tangled-love-triangle/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929033308/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/film-review-sapnay-a-tangled-love-triangle/ |archive-date=29 September 2021}}</ref> While the original version was embraced by audiences, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film (titled ''Sapnay'') failed commercially.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesofindia.com/150700/15mdel19.htm |title=Can subtitles give dubbing a drubbing? |last=Nair |first=Suresh |date=15 July 2000 |work=The Times of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000819031853/http://www.timesofindia.com/150700/15mdel19.htm |archive-date=19 August 2000 |access-date=29 December 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Her next release was [[Indra Kumar]]'s comedy-drama ''[[Ishq (1997 film)|Ishq]]'', alongside [[Aamir Khan]], [[Juhi Chawla]] and Ajay Devgn.<ref name="1997 BO" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04ajay.htm |title=A passion for action |last=Verma |first=Suparn |author-link=Suparn Verma |date=4 April 1997 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110082516/http://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04ajay.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> A commercial success, the film won critical praise for the performances of the four leads.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/rewatchingmovies-1997s-mega-hit-ishq-is-nothing-but-a-classist-cringe-worthy-film-1884567.html |title=#90sMoviesIn2018: 1997 Mega-Hit 'Ishq' is Nothing But a Classist Cringe-Fest |website=[[News18]] |date=21 September 2018 |access-date=22 October 2020 |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027195829/https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/rewatchingmovies-1997s-mega-hit-ishq-is-nothing-but-a-classist-cringe-worthy-film-1884567.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19971208-film-review-ishq-starring-aamir-khan-ajay-devgan-juhi-chawla-kajol-831042-1997-12-08 |title=Same old story |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |author-link=Anupama Chopra |date=8 December 1997 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=22 October 2020 |archive-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023173347/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19971208-film-review-ishq-starring-aamir-khan-ajay-devgan-juhi-chawla-kajol-831042-1997-12-08 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
[[File:Rani Mukerji, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol at the 20 years celebration of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|alt=Rani Mukerji, Shah Rukh Khan, and Kajol pose for the camera.|Kajol with [[Rani Mukerji]] (left) and Khan at an event for ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]'' in 2018]] | |||
In 1998, Kajol reinforced her status as a leading actress of Hindi cinema by featuring in the three [[List of Bollywood films of 1998|highest-grossing productions of the year]]: ''[[Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998 film)|Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya]]'', ''[[Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha]]'' and ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]'';{{Sfn|Liz|2010|p=22}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiafm.com/year98.htm |title=The best of 1998: Top actors, actresses & movies |year=1999 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990421051319/http://www.indiafm.com/year98.htm |archive-date=21 April 1999 |access-date=13 November 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> all of which were nominated for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film]], with the lattermost winning it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368676.cms |title=The Nominations – 1998 |publisher=[[Times Internet]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225193802/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368676.cms |archive-date=25 December 2018 |access-date=27 December 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-23055646.html |title='Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' wins all top Filmfare honors |work=[[India Abroad]] |date=26 February 1999 |access-date=27 December 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608083928/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-23055646.html |archive-date=8 June 2014}}{{subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref> ''Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya'', where she played a naïve village girl, released first and won her positive feedback.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bollywood bore |last=Vijiyan |first=K. N. |work=New Straits Times |date=11 April 1998 |page=10}}</ref> She next played twin sisters, Sonia and Naina, in ''[[Dushman (1998 film)|Dushman]]''.<ref name="BOI 1998" /> Revolving around Naina's quest to avenge the murder of Sonia, the film saw Kajol in one of her best-reviewed performances.{{Sfn|Ganti|2012|pp=210–211}}<ref name="top">{{cite news |last1=Rathod |first1=Kinnari |title=Kajol's top 10 performances |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/kajols-top-10-performances-6906-1.html |access-date=20 November 2020 |work=Filmfare |date=5 August 2014 |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018121920/https://www.filmfare.com/features/kajols-top-10-performances-6906-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Having initially refused the offer due to her lack of comfort shooting the rape scene, she finally accepted it on the condition that a body-double be used in it.<ref name="hitlist" /> The film won her the [[Screen Award for Best Actress]].<ref name="Awards" /> [[Suparn Verma]] noted her for being in "superb form" in both roles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amazon as avenger |last=Verma |first=Suparn |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/jun/04dush.htm |date=4 June 1998 |access-date=1 June 2012 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219061418/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/jun/04dush.htm |archive-date=19 December 2015}}</ref> | |||
[[Anees Bazmee]]'s romantic comedy ''Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha'', a remake of the 1995 American film ''[[French Kiss (1995 film)|French Kiss]]'', followed. She played the comic role of Sanjana, a clumsy woman who travels from [[Paris]] to India in search of her philandering fiancé, but falls for another man (Ajay Devgn).<ref>{{cite news |title=Film Review: Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha |work=Rashtriya Sahara |publisher=Sahara India Mass Communication |year=1998 |volume=6 |issue=1–6 |page=161}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q2BDAAAAYAAJ |title=Listless love lore |work=India Today |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=3 August 1998 |volume=23 |pages=69–70 |access-date=28 November 2020 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081702/https://books.google.com/books?id=q2BDAAAAYAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref> The film became a hit<ref name="BOI 1998">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA== |title=Box Office 1998 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080122163707/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA%3D%3D |archive-date=22 January 2008}}</ref> and fetched Kajol another Best Actress nomination at Filmfare that year.<ref name="Awards" /> Deepa Deosthalee from ''The Indian Express'' called ''Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha'' "Kajol's film all the way" and commended her presence that made the film to be worth-watching;<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/film-reviews/ |title=Film Reviews |last=Deosthalee |first=Deepa |date=25 July 1998 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=19 December 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711081717/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/film-reviews/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Khalid Mohamed]] referred to her as "the show's super-saving grace. Bubbly and spontaneous as ever, hers is a perfectly balanced performance, rescuing even the loudest scenes from going over the top."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Khalid |title=Saturday Flight Fever |url=http://www.indiatimes.com/bollywood/filmrev/film31.htm |access-date=1 May 2020 |work=Filmfare |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |year=1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991009093655/http://www.indiatimes.com/bollywood/filmrev/film31.htm |archive-date=9 October 1999}}</ref> | |||
The biggest success of 1998 for Kajol was her final release of that year, [[Karan Johar]]'s directorial debut, ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai''.<ref name="BOI 1998" /> The first Indian feature to be shot in Scotland,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/bollywood-moves-to-scotland-1088031.html |title=Bollywood moves to Scotland |last=Sareen |first=Jaideep |date=23 October 2011 |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817060947/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/bollywood-moves-to-scotland-1088031.html |url-status=live}}</ref> it emerged as an all-time blockbuster in both India and overseas.<ref name="BOI">{{cite web |title=Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU= |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=26 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222234101/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU%3D |archive-date=22 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="overseas">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners |title=Overseas Earnings (Figures in Ind Rs) |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207070143/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners |archive-date=7 February 2008}}</ref> Kajol played Anjali Sharma, a tomboyish college student who is secretly in love with her best friend from college (Shah Rukh Khan).{{Sfn|Haiderali|2003|p=32}} The story follows their renewed encounter years later when he is widowed and she has transformed her appearance and is already engaged to marry someone else.{{Sfn|Cunningham|Sinclair|2001|p=177}} Critics considered Kajol's performance bold and convincing, despite an otherwise unrealistic plot.<ref name="Open" /> [[Nikhat Kazmi]] wrote that she is "almost mesmeric" in the part.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kazmi |first=Nikhat |work=The Times of India |title=Friendship or Love |year=1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990502211518/http://www.indiatimes.com/bollywood/filmrev/kuch.htm |url=http://www.indiatimes.com/bollywood/filmrev/kuch.htm |archive-date=2 May 1999 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Khalid |title=Young, yummy and happening |url=http://www.filmfare.com/site/btalkies/bomb36.htm |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=Filmfare |year=1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990909021809/http://www.filmfare.com/site/btalkies/bomb36.htm |archive-date=9 September 1999 |language=en}}</ref> She won her second Best Actress award at the [[44th Filmfare Awards]] and first [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Female]] for her work.<ref name="Awards" /> ''[[Filmfare]]'' included Kajol's performances in both ''Dushman'' and ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' in its listing of Indian cinema's "80 Most Iconic performances".<ref name="80 Iconic Performances">{{cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/details.php?id=954 |title=Filmfare – 80 Iconic Performances 9/10 |access-date=8 July 2013 |date=9 June 2010 |work=Filmfare |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225101342/http://filmfare.com/articles/80-iconic-performance-910-990.html |archive-date=25 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In a year-end column, ''[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]''{{'s}} Madhur Mittal reported that Kajol had "emerged as the consummate heroine with her excellent emoting and sensational screen presence in each portrayal".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98nov01/sunday/bolywood.htm |title=Kajol scores a hat-trick |last=Mittal |first=Madhur |date=1 November 1998 |work=The Tribune |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927034055/http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98nov01/sunday/bolywood.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Career fluctuations and hiatus (1999–2001) === | |||
Journalists speculated that the supporting role of the [[Mistress (lover)|other woman]] of Ajay Devgn's character in ''[[Dil Kya Kare]]'', Kajol's first release after marriage, would be "the acid test" for her.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Rani: Date-book full sitting and pretty! |date=1999 |magazine=[[Cine Blitz]] |publisher=Blitz Publications |page=48 |issue=2 |volume=25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/04D3B1E4CFF0D67D652569400062A39A?OpenDocument |title=Long innings of a winsome performer |last=Rajendran |first=Girja |date=26 November 1999 |work=The Hindu |access-date=29 December 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427183551/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/04D3B1E4CFF0D67D652569400062A39A?OpenDocument |archive-date=27 April 2008 }}</ref> She explained that she accepted the role solely "because it had shades of grey".<ref name="DKK">{{cite news |last=Choudhary |first=Anuradha |title=Interview — Kajol |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/march2000/ivw1a.html |work=[[Filmfare]] |date=March 2000 |access-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725131737/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/march2000/ivw1a.html |archive-date=25 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.filmfare.com/thebuzz/april2000/04_2_2000b.htm |title=Kajol: Taking It Easy! |work=Filmfare |date=4 February 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010807210401/http://www.filmfare.com/thebuzz/april2000/04_2_2000b.htm |archive-date=7 August 2001 |access-date=11 January 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The film met with largely negative reviews,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=My Vision for the Future: When Giving and Receiving Become One |magazine=[[Manushi]] |date=March–April 2000 |last1=Kishwar |first1=Madhu |author-link1=Madhu Kishwar |last2=Jha |first2=Prem Shankar |author-link2=Prem Shankar Jha |number=116–121 |page=42}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chopra |first1=Anupama |title=Movie: Dil Kya Kare |url=http://www.india-today.com/moviemasala/archives/reviews/dkk.html |access-date=10 May 2020 |work=India Today |date=4 October 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010508203443/http://www.india-today.com/moviemasala/archives/reviews/dkk.html |archive-date=8 May 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://digitalht.com/bollywood/reviewsdilkyakare.htm |title=Dil Kya Kare |last=Vasudevan |first=R. |year=1999 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000310114638/http://digitalht.com/bollywood/reviewsdilkyakare.htm |archive-date=10 March 2000 |access-date=4 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> though ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' noted her for playing the role with finesse.<ref>{{cite news |title=Right for the family |date=2 October 1999 |page=24 |last=Vijayan |first=K. N. |work=New Straits Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Anjoom |first1=Mukhtar |title=Dil Kya Kare (Hindi) |url=http://deccanherald.com/deccanherald/sep26/rev.htm |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=26 September 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000617225911/http://deccanherald.com/deccanherald/sep26/rev.htm |archive-date=17 June 2000}}</ref> Commercially too, the film failed to do well.<ref name="Neelam Gupta interview">{{cite news |url=http://www.digitalht.com/bollywood/interviews.htm |title="I can't understand art films": Kajol |last=Gupta |first=Neelam |date=1999 |work=Hindustan Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000301093919/http://www.digitalht.com/bollywood/interviews.htm |archive-date=1 March 2000 |access-date=6 January 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The drama ''[[Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain]]'', on the other hand, performed well with critics and audiences.<ref name="BOI 1999">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ== |title=Box Office 1999 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708090437/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205 |archive-date=8 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/23hum.htm |title=Till incompatibility do us part |work=Rediff.com |last=Taliculam |first=Sharmila |date=23 January 1999 |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=4 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104114835/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/23hum.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Co-starring [[Anil Kapoor]], it gave her experience with "the stereotypical, sacrificing woman role"<ref name="Verma, Sukanya" /> and earned her another Best Actress Filmfare nomination.<ref name="Awards" /> The film generated media coverage for being one of the few woman-centered films to attract viewers in Indian cinemas.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |author-link=Shubhra Gupta |title=Show me the money |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-life/article1115049.ece |date=21 March 2008 |access-date=1 June 2012 |work=[[Business Line]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222143717/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-life/article1115049.ece |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> Her final release of the year was ''[[Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya]]''.<ref name="BOI 1999" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/01hote.htm |title=The parting game |last=Taliculam |first=Sharmila |date=1 July 1999 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020095845/https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/01hote.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> The ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' noted her chemistry with [[Jackie Shroff]] but wrote off the film.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.digitalht.com/bollywood/reviewshotehotepyarhogaya.htm |title=Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya |last=Vasudevan |first=R. |year=1999 |work=Hindustan Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000123042938/http://www.digitalht.com/bollywood/reviewshotehotepyarhogaya.htm |archive-date=23 January 2000 |access-date=4 November 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
The following year, Kajol and her husband starred together in his home-production ''[[Raju Chacha]]'', whose plot revolves on the love story between a conman and a governess of three children belonging to a wealthy family.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/1D290542CF28AEFB65256940004D0D6A?OpenDocument |title=Flying high |last=Banerjee |first=Piali |date=31 October 1999 |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=29 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427183934/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/1D290542CF28AEFB65256940004D0D6A?OpenDocument |archive-date=27 April 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> The children's film, with a production cost of {{INRConvert|300|m}}, was declared as among the most expensive Hindi films at the time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Raju Chacha may be most expensive Bollywood film ever |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/nov/08raju.htm |date=8 November 2000 |access-date=1 June 2012 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160817/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/nov/08raju.htm |archive-date=21 February 2014}}</ref> [[Dinesh Raheja]] wrote of the lack of imagination in the script, which affected the chemistry between Kajol and Ajay Devgn.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tntmovies.thenewspapertoday.com/reviews/reviewraju.shtml |title=Raju Chacha – Grimm's Tale Could Do with a Trim |last=Raheja |first=Dinesh |date=2000 |work=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010418051924/http://tntmovies.thenewspapertoday.com/reviews/reviewraju.shtml |archive-date=18 April 2001 |access-date=26 February 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/raju-chacha/critic-review/raju-chacha-movie-review/ |title=Raju Chacha Movie Review |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=30 December 2000 |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=12 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812125541/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/raju-chacha/critic-review/raju-chacha-movie-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In Rahul Rawail's ''[[Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi]]'' (2001) Kajol played twin sisters who are separated at birth. The film was poorly reviewed as was Kajol's dual role, dismissed as "a double bore".<ref>{{cite web |title=Amazon as avenger |last=Someshwar |first=Savera R. |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jan/19khatti.htm |date=19 January 2001 |access-date=1 June 2012 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112095552/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jan/19khatti.htm |archive-date=12 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://tntmovies.thenewspapertoday.com/boxoffice/hero.shtml |title=Heroine Kaun |date=2001 |work=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010413020418/http://tntmovies.thenewspapertoday.com/boxoffice/hero.shtml |archive-date=13 April 2001 |access-date=26 February 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Roshmila Bhattacharya]] from ''Screen'' defended Kajol's presence and her energetic performance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Roshmila |title=Twintracks and parent traps |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010126/review.htm |access-date=2 May 2020 |work=Screen |date=26 January 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021206125320/http://www.screenindia.com/20010126/review.htm#kuc |archive-date=6 December 2002}}</ref> Both ''Raju Chacha'' and ''Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi'' were flops at the box office,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA== |title=Box Office 2000 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830151941/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206 |archive-date=30 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="BOI 2001" /> which Kajol professed to have left her frustrated.<ref>{{cite news |title=Finally, film on Taj Mahal love story |last=Waheed |first=Sajahan |date=3 May 2001 |work=New Straits Times |page=5}}</ref> | |||
Later that year, Kajol played a leading role in Karan Johar's ensemble drama ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'', which was the top-grossing Indian production of all-time in the overseas market.<ref name="BOI 2001">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMQ== |title=Box Office 2001 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080122102503/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMQ%3D%3D |archive-date=22 January 2008}}</ref> She played Anjali Sharma, a young [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] woman from the [[Chandni Chowk]] area who falls for a wealthy man (Shah Rukh Khan).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-01-15-0201150013-story.html |title=A big hit for Bollywood |last=Daswani |first=Kavita |date=15 January 2002 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514081703/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-01-15-0201150013-story.html |archive-date=14 May 2021 |access-date=27 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Sfn|Hogan|2009|p=167}} She identified herself with the character's noisy nature and found similarities between it and that of [[Hema Malini]] in ''[[Sholay]]'' (1975).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/13kajol.htm |title=Karan did my homework for me |last=Ali |first=Rashmi |date=13 December 2001 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=22 November 2020 |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129165120/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/13kajol.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> The role required Kajol to speak in [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], a language she was not fluent in, and although she struggled at first to master it, she achieved the pronunciation and diction with the help of producer [[Yash Johar]] and some of the crew members.<ref>{{cite news |title=Filmfare — Print Edition: Best Actress (Kajol) |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2002/ivw3.html |work=Filmfare |date=April 2002 |access-date=3 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222165709/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2002/ivw3.html |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> Her comic-dramatic performance and Punjabi dialect met with critical acclaim and won her a third Filmfare Award in the Best Actress category.<ref name="Awards" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Adarsh, Taran |date=11 December 2001 |title=Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham review |url=http://indiafm.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201895 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710041007/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201895 |archive-date=10 July 2012 |access-date=3 December 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ziya Us Salam]], in a review for ''[[The Hindu]]'', asserted: "Kajol steals the thunder from under very high noses indeed. With her precise timing and subtle lingering expression, she is a delight all the way."<ref>{{cite news |author=Us Salam, Ziya |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2001/12/21/stories/2001122100840203.htm |title=Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham |access-date=14 February 2011 |date=21 December 2001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125233850/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2001/12/21/stories/2001122100840203.htm |archive-date=25 November 2010 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?214169 |title=Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |author-link=Namrata Joshi |date=31 December 2001 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107161952/http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?214169 |archive-date=7 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Following ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...'', Kajol took a sabbatical from full-time acting and declined a number of film roles.<ref name="marriage">{{cite news |last=Pratap-Shah |first=Monisha |title=Getting candid with Kajol! |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/Getting-candid-with-Kajol/articleshow/1855615.cms |date=24 February 2002 |access-date=1 June 2012 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034339/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/Getting-candid-with-Kajol/articleshow/1855615.cms |archive-date=18 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=30 September 2010|title=Mr Smith, who do you think makes a better Mrs Smith?|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/mr-smith-who-do-you-think-makes-a-better-mrs-smith/cid/482087|work=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200826121238/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/mr-smith-who-do-you-think-makes-a-better-mrs-smith/cid/482087|archive-date=26 August 2020|access-date=6 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> She revealed that she did not quit the cinema, but became more selective of her role choices and wanted to put more focus on her marriage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gimme Gold |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/nov2001/ifocus10.html |work=Filmfare |date=November 2001 |access-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109222229/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/nov2001/ifocus10.html |archive-date=9 November 2013}}</ref> Film observers generally perceived at this time that her career was over.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.filmfare.com/articleshow/1021707.cms?&right=1&fright=1&botlink=1 |title=Top 10 – Actresses |date=February 2005 |work=Filmfare |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050315072515/http://www.filmfare.com/articleshow/1021707.cms?&right=1&fright=1&botlink=1 |archive-date=15 March 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=6 February 2022 }}</ref> | |||
=== Intermittent work (2006–2010) === | |||
[[Kunal Kohli]]'s romantic thriller ''[[Fanaa (film)|Fanaa]]'' (2006) marked Kajol's return to films.<ref name="good">{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/i-m-a-good-person-at-heart-kajol/story-uMOZMCaBNTAALKWGAXKGLM.html |title=I'm a good person at heart: Kajol |date=4 April 2008 |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=21 December 2021 |last=Kotwani |first=Hiren |archive-date=21 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221070920/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/i-m-a-good-person-at-heart-kajol/story-uMOZMCaBNTAALKWGAXKGLM.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/27/movies/27fana.html |title='Fanaa', a film about love and terrorists |author=Lee, Nathan |date=27 May 2006 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=19 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519131101/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/27/movies/27fana.html |url-status=live}}</ref> She portrayed Zooni Ali Beg, a blind [[Kashmir]]i woman who unwittingly falls in love with a terrorist (Aamir Khan).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2006/03/fanaa_preview.shtml |title=Fanaa: Destroyed in Love |last=Gajjar |first=Manish |date=29 October 2014 |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=4 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204171550/http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2006/03/fanaa_preview.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/theatrical-terror/239258 |title=Theatrical terror |date=16 December 2008 |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |work=Outlook |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601115211/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/theatrical-terror/239258 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film was promoted as her comeback, a term she disliked saying that she did not retire but only took a break.<ref name="reveals">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-10-12/news-interviews/27957746_1_kajol-nysa-fanaa |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707072438/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-10-12/news-interviews/27957746_1_kajol-nysa-fanaa |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 July 2012 |title=Kajol reveals all |date=12 October 2007 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/fanning-flames-1.238975 |title=Fanning flames |date=30 May 2006 |work=[[Gulf News]] |last=Gill |first=Anusha Samir |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116193721/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/fanning-flames-1.238975 |url-status=live}}</ref> Upon release, the film was a financial success,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Patkar |first=Medha |title=The hit list |date=February 2007 |magazine=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]] |volume=24 |issue=1–5 |page=84}}</ref> grossing {{INRConvert|1|b}} against its {{INRConvert|220|m}} budget.<ref name="BOI" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/2006-at-the-movies-106072901025_1.html |title=2006 at the movies |last1=Gupta |first1=Surajeet Das |last2=Osha |first2=Abhilasha |work=[[Business Standard]] |date=14 June 2013 |location=New Delhi, India |access-date=16 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627065144/https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/2006-at-the-movies-106072901025_1.html |archive-date=27 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both the film and Kajol's performance were received well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1194626-fanaa |title=Fanaa (2006) |publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018121941/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1194626-fanaa |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sudhish Kamath]] of ''The Hindu'' wrote Kajol is enough of a reason to watch it,<ref>{{cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/06/02/stories/2006060201010200.htm |title=Absolute non-starter — Fanaa |date=2 June 2006 |access-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223030836/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/06/02/stories/2006060201010200.htm |archive-date=23 February 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and [[Deepa Gahlot]] believed Kajol's conviction in the part made up for the film's flaws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gahlot |first=Deepa |author-link=Deepa Gahlot |date=29 May 2006 |title=Fanaa |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/fanaa-review-bollywood-pclvVTcggefbj.html |website=[[Sify]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201091626/https://www.sify.com/movies/fanaa-review-bollywood-pclvVTcggefbj.html |archive-date=1 December 2020 |access-date=26 February 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Fanaa'' fetched Kajol a fourth Filmfare Award and second Zee Cine Award for Best Actress.<ref name="Awards" /> | |||
[[File:SRK Kajol & Karan.jpg|thumb|upright=1|left|alt=Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Karan Johar pose for the camera.|Along with Khan and [[Karan Johar]] promoting ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'' in 2010. Asked by ''[[The Hindu]]'', she described the film as being more intense and different from her earlier projects.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/My-name-is-Kajol/article16836441.ece |title=My name is Kajol |last=Shah |first=Jigar |date=7 January 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=16 November 2020 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017204701/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/My-name-is-Kajol/article16836441.ece |url-status=live}}</ref>]] | |||
Kajol worked intermittently through the rest of the decade. In 2007, she started filming for [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s unreleased mythology film ''Ramayana'', based on the [[Ramayana|epic of the same name]], where she played the goddess [[Sita]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bollywood-turns-to-mythology/story-6k3ZAMSyOaJo1v8v8b0IyL.html |title=Bollywood turns to mythology |last=Jain |first=Princy |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 October 2006 |access-date=16 November 2020 |archive-date=30 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830084313/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bollywood-turns-to-mythology/story-6k3ZAMSyOaJo1v8v8b0IyL.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Has-Rajkumar-Santoshi-lost-his-midas-touch/articleshow/13145048.cms |title=Has Rajkumar Santoshi lost his midas touch? |last=Lalwani |first=Vickey |date=15 May 2012 |work=The Times of India |access-date=16 November 2020 |archive-date=30 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230015602/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Has-Rajkumar-Santoshi-lost-his-midas-touch/articleshow/13145048.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> She considered her husband's directorial debut ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]'' (2008) a special film in her career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31812120080207 |title=Ajay Devgan latest actor to climb aboard director bandwagon |last=Ganguly |first=Prithwish |date=7 February 2008 |work=[[Reuters]] |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601115154/https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31812120080207 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=I will work at my own speed: Kajol |work=Stabroek News |date=6 April 2008 |page=38 |issue=22 |volume=97}}</ref> In it, she starred as Piya Thapar, a woman suffering from [[Alzheimer's disease]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/The-doctor-is-in/article16576690.ece |title=The doctor is in! |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=18 February 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601115202/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/The-doctor-is-in/article16576690.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> Although the film underperformed commercially,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/u-me-aur-hum-disappoints-go-for-50-first-dates-instead_436140.html |title=U, Me Aur Hum disappoints; go for 50 First Dates instead |last=Kumar |first=Ashwini |date=11 April 2008 |publisher=[[Zee News]] |access-date=13 October 2020 |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012073117/https://zeenews.india.com/home/u-me-aur-hum-disappoints-go-for-50-first-dates-instead_436140.html |url-status=live}}</ref> she received another Filmfare nomination for Best Actress for her performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/u_me_aur_hum |title=U, Me Aur Hum (2008) |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028201705/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/u_me_aur_hum |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Economic Times (India)|The Economic Times]]''{{'}} Gaurav Malini noted that Kajol's "simmering pace and ... recurring amnesiac spells, rather than getting repetitive, add compelling credibility to the story".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/u-me-aur-hum-movie-review/articleshow/2955521.cms?from=mdr |title=U Me aur Hum: Movie Review |date=16 April 2008 |last=Malini |first=Gaurav |work=The Economic Times |access-date=26 February 2021 |archive-date=19 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419013621/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/u-me-aur-hum-movie-review/articleshow/2955521.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref> Her physical appearance, however, generated negative response from critics.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Movie Review: U Me Aur Hum |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |magazine=Outlook |date=22–28 April 2008 |volume=48 |issue=17 |page=87 |publisher=Outlook Publishing}}</ref> | |||
Kajol was next cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'' (2010), based on the discrimination faced by [[Islam in the United States|American Muslims]] after the [[9/11 terrorist attacks]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/my-name-is-khan-and-i-am-not-a-terrorist/578718/ |title=My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |date=13 February 2010 |work=The Financial Express |location=New Delhi, India |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=19 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419013621/https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/my-name-is-khan-and-i-am-not-a-terrorist/578718/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/movies/13name.html |title=A Hero Begins His Quest, and Then the Trouble Starts |last=Saltz |first=Rachel |date=12 February 2010 |work=The New York Times |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=12 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212163704/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/movies/13name.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It was the first Indian film distributed by [[Fox Star Studios]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/NnF2T44SQ3A3hFOEuTCDaO/Fox-Star-Studios-stays-put-in-Bollywood-reaps-dividends.html |title=Fox Star Studios stays put in Bollywood; reaps dividends |last=Sheikh |first=Aminah |date=17 January 2013 |work=Mint |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111143749/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/NnF2T44SQ3A3hFOEuTCDaO/Fox-Star-Studios-stays-put-in-Bollywood-reaps-dividends.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It opened to mixed-to-positive reviews,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/my_name_is_khan/ |title=My Name Is Khan |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=10 November 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025232616/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/my_name_is_khan |archive-date=25 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/my-name-is-khan |title=My Name Is Khan 2010 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108191110/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/my-name-is-khan |url-status=live}}</ref> and emerged as an international success.<ref name="boiworldwide">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/arounddetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=3997&nCat= |title=Top Worldwide Grossers All Time: 37 Films Hit 100 Crore |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=3 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205213224/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/arounddetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=3997&nCat= |archive-date=5 February 2012}}</ref> ''My Name Is Khan'' was screened at the [[60th Berlin International Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Shedde |first=Meenakshi |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world/my-name-is-khan-tickets-sold-out-at-berlin-before-dawn/story-ghojkDuuWoXXtMjEmaLkwM.html |date=12 February 2010 |title=My Name is Khan tickets sold out at Berlin before dawn |work=Hindustan Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001131347/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world/my-name-is-khan-tickets-sold-out-at-berlin-before-dawn/story-ghojkDuuWoXXtMjEmaLkwM.html |archive-date=1 October 2020 |access-date=19 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles]],<ref>{{cite news |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/director-s-cut-of-mnik-at-indian-film-fest-in-la/story-GUusbRPpurEpJM6AANRlBL.html |title=Director's cut of MNIK at Indian Film Fest in LA |date=17 April 2010 |work=Hindustan Times |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201003131856/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/director-s-cut-of-mnik-at-indian-film-fest-in-la/story-GUusbRPpurEpJM6AANRlBL.html |archive-date=3 October 2020 |access-date=19 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[Rome Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sarkar |first=Priyanko |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/srks-my-name-is-khan-screened-in-rome/ |title=SRK's My Name is Khan screened in Rome |date=5 November 2010 |work=The Indian Express |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015081829/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/srks-my-name-is-khan-screened-in-rome/ |archive-date=15 October 2020 |access-date=19 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol's portrayal of Mandira, a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] single mother who marries a Muslim man with [[Asperger syndrome]] was praised by Indian and overseas critics.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2009/dec/20/kajols-working-woman-look-in-my-name-is-khan-114668.html |title=Kajol's working woman look in 'My Name Is Khan' |work=The New Indian Express |date=20 December 2009 |location=New Delhi, India |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601115209/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2009/dec/20/kajols-working-woman-look-in-my-name-is-khan-114668.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Khan-do-no-wrong/article11673434.ece |title=Khan do no wrong |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |work=The Hindu |date=13 February 2010 |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011122416/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Khan-do-no-wrong/article11673434.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Rajeev Masand]] wrote positively of Kajol's sensitive performance,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-review-mnik-is-inherently-sincere/110054-8.html?from=tn |title=Review: My Name Is Khan is inherently sincere |publisher=IBNLive |date=13 February 2010 |last=Masand |first=Rajeev |access-date=12 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015133138/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-review-mnik-is-inherently-sincere/110054-8.html?from=tn |archive-date=15 October 2012}}</ref> while the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' found her to be appealing in an emotion-based role.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/lsquoMy-Name-is-Khanrsquo-makes-record-1.86-million-in-America/article16814677.ece |title='My Name is Khan' makes record $1.86 million in America |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |work=The Hindu |date=15 February 2010 |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=14 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014003345/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/lsquoMy-Name-is-Khanrsquo-makes-record-1.86-million-in-America/article16814677.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> For the film, Kajol won her fifth Best Actress award at Filmfare, thereby sharing the record with her late aunt, Nutan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity-profile/Kajol.htm |title=Kajol |publisher=Zee News |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=26 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226062310/https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity-profile/Kajol.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, she was nominated for the Screen Award for Best Actress, the [[Stardust Award for Best Actress in a Drama]] and the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Female.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/nominations-of-stardust-awards-2011/ |title=Nominations of Stardust Awards 2011 |date=22 January 2011 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204145957/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/nominations-of-stardust-awards-2011/ |archive-date=4 February 2018 |access-date=10 November 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/zee-cine-awards-2011/dabangg-bags-maximum-nominations-for-zee-cine-awards-2011_79689.html |title='Dabangg' bags maximum nominations for Zee Cine Awards 2011 |publisher=Zee News |date=14 January 2011 |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426105157/https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/zee-cine-awards-2011/dabangg-bags-maximum-nominations-for-zee-cine-awards-2011_79689.html |archive-date=26 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In the same year, Kajol was the protagonist in Siddharth Malhotra's ''[[We Are Family (2010 film)|We Are Family]]'', an adaptation of the 1998 American drama ''[[Stepmom (1998 film)|Stepmom]]'', alongside [[Kareena Kapoor]] and [[Arjun Rampal]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/we-are-family-disappoints-at-box-office/story-OO50Bi0Xw9zczCCVzTgQVO.html |title=We Are Family disappoints at box-office |work=Hindustan Times |date=7 September 2010 |access-date=2 January 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082148/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/we-are-family-disappoints-at-box-office/story-OO50Bi0Xw9zczCCVzTgQVO.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol played Maya, a character she identified with for being a "control freak" in chase of perfection, and found it largely different from the one played by [[Susan Sarandon]] in the original.<ref>{{cite news |title=My name is Kajol |work=The Telegraph |location=India |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100820/jsp/entertainment/story_12830576.jsp |date=20 August 2012 |access-date=1 June 2012 |first=Pratim D. |last=Gupta |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825173620/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100820/jsp/entertainment/story_12830576.jsp |archive-date=25 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://in.reuters.com/article/bollywoodNews/idINIndia-51013420100823 |title=A Minute With: Kajol |last=Jamkhandikar |first=Shilpa |date=23 August 2010 |work=Reuters |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118001619/https://in.reuters.com/article/bollywoodNews/idINIndia-51013420100823 |url-status=live}}</ref> Malhotra modelled Maya in part after his grandmother [[Bina Rai]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/look-who-inspired-kajol-s-character-in-waf/story-4VOq1gCK4lAMME3uzCUPAI.html |title=Look who inspired Kajol's character in WAF |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=4 September 2010 |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112222042/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/look-who-inspired-kajol-s-character-in-waf/story-4VOq1gCK4lAMME3uzCUPAI.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mayank Shekhar]] singled out Kajol's performance as being better than Sarandon's,<ref>{{cite news |last=Shekhar |first=Mayank |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mayank-Shekhar-s-Review-We-Are-Family/Article1-595316.aspx |title=Mayank Shekhar's Review: We Are Family |work=Hindustan Times |date=2 September 2010 |access-date=12 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121095223/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mayank-Shekhar-s-Review-We-Are-Family/Article1-595316.aspx |archive-date=21 January 2011}}</ref> and Rachel Saltz of ''[[The New York Times]]'' commented that "her naturalism gives the movie a genuine emotional kick".<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The New York Times |title=Mom-Stepmom Two Step |author=Saltz, Rachel |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/movies/06weare.html |date=5 September 2010 |access-date=2 July 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625232922/http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/movies/06weare.html |archive-date=25 June 2012}}</ref> Kajol's next release that year, ''[[Toonpur Ka Super Hero]]'' featured her as Priya Kumar, a woman stuck in a cartoon world.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/toonpur-ka-superhero-to-release-on-december-17/ |title=Toonpur Ka Superhero to release on December 17 |last=Sahgal |first=Geety |date=3 September 2010 |work=The Indian Express |location=Mumbai, India |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117090401/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/toonpur-ka-superhero-to-release-on-december-17/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol spoke of the challenge and difficulty dubbing for the film.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/91950/ajay-and-i-dont-agree-on-scripts-easily-kajol/ |title=Ajay and I don't agree on scripts easily: Kajol |date=20 December 2010 |work=The Express Tribune |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |access-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330082651/http://tribune.com.pk/story/91950/ajay-and-i-dont-agree-on-scripts-easily-kajol/ |archive-date=30 March 2014}}</ref> Dubbed the first Hindi [[live-action animated film]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Bollywoods-hits-vs.-flops/article15589272.ece |title=Bollywood's hits vs. flops |last=Udasi |first=Harshikaa |date=11 December 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120004150/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Bollywoods-hits-vs.-flops/article15589272.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31713520080201 |title=Ajay Devgan, Kajol in Bollywood's first live action animation film |work=Reuters |date=1 February 2008 |access-date=28 December 2020 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082148/https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31713520080201 |url-status=live}}</ref> the film polarised critics and failed to attract an audience.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Toonpur-Ka-Superhero-Like-a-childs-scrawl/article11643993.ece |title=Toonpur Ka Superhero: Like a child's scrawl |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |date=25 December 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117203219/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Toonpur-Ka-Superhero-Like-a-childs-scrawl/article11643993.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/tmk-opens-well-toonpur-is-slow-starter/ |title=TMK opens well, Toonpur... is slow starter |last=Kumar |first=Rinky |date=31 December 2010 |work=The Indian Express |location=Mumbai, India |access-date=2 January 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082151/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/tmk-opens-well-toonpur-is-slow-starter/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Her role was dismissed as not having provided her with scope to perform.<ref>{{cite news |last=Malani |first=Gaurav |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-23/news-interviews/28224378_1_animation-film-ajay-devgn-animated-characters |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707011056/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-23/news-interviews/28224378_1_animation-film-ajay-devgn-animated-characters |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 July 2012 |title=Movie Review: Toonpur Ka Superhero is a Golmaal of cartoons |date=23 December 2010 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 June 2012}}</ref> She followed it with a second hiatus upon the birth of her son in 2010 although she provided voiceover to the opening credits of the Hindi version of the fantasy film ''[[Eega]]'', which released in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/kajol-works-on-losing-postpregnancy-flab/726390/ |title=Kajol works on losing post-pregnancy flab |last=Sarkar |first=Priyanko |work=The Indian Express |date=19 December 2010 |location=Mumbai, India |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=10 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910115510/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/kajol-works-on-losing-postpregnancy-flab/726390/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Kajol-in-Makkhi/articleshow/16640824.cms |title=Kajol in Makkhi |date=15 January 2017 |work=The Times of India |agency=Times News Network |access-date=28 December 2020 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082155/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Kajol-in-Makkhi/articleshow/16640824.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== ''Dilwale'' and beyond (2015–present) === | |||
Following a five-year absence, Kajol teamed with Shah Rukh Khan for the seventh time in [[Rohit Shetty]]'s action romance ''[[Dilwale (2015 film)|Dilwale]]'' (2015).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2015/dec/12/Comeback-Queen-856819.html |title=Comeback Queen |last=Bhagat |first=Shama |date=12 December 2015 |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082206/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2015/dec/12/Comeback-Queen-856819.html |url-status=live}}</ref> She portrayed Meera Dev Malik, the daughter of a mafia don who falls for a man from the rival family.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajols-daughter-nysa-convinced-her-to-do-dilwale/ |title=Kajol's daughter Nysa convinced her to do 'Dilwale' |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=10 December 2015 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=6 January 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109034329/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajols-daughter-nysa-convinced-her-to-do-dilwale/}}</ref> Reviewers were varied in their opinions about the film;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dilwale_2015 |title=Dilwale |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=6 January 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=25 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225154426/https://rottentomatoes.com/m/dilwale_2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/Dilwale-Heart-attack/article13975204.ece |title=Dilwale: Heart attack |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |date=18 December 2015 |work=The Hindu |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108111255/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/Dilwale-Heart-attack/article13975204.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]'' declared it as the "most tiresome film of the year".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/rHsVfRQcF8RONFyiHFnkLJ/A-new-style-resume.html |title=A new style resume |last=Vasudev |first=Shefalee |date=4 February 2016 |work=Mint |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720144125/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/rHsVfRQcF8RONFyiHFnkLJ/A-new-style-resume.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The mixed critical response led her to express regret over her choice of the film over the thriller ''[[Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh]]'' (2016).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vidya-balans-kahaani-2-reason-why-sujoy-ghosh-scrapped-durga-rani-singh-674385 |title=Vidya Balan's 'Kahaani 2' is the reason why Sujoy Ghosh scrapped 'Durga Rani Singh' |last=Sen |first=Sushmita |date=12 August 2016 |work=International Business Times |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117003059/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vidya-balans-kahaani-2-reason-why-sujoy-ghosh-scrapped-durga-rani-singh-674385 |url-status=live}}</ref> Still, Kajol's performance drew positive comments despite a lesser character; in the words of Suhani Singh of ''India Today'', "Kajol is a radiant presence on the screen and delivers what's expected out of her—which is not much."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dilwale-review-the-film-struggles-to-make-its-way-into-the-audiences-hearts/1/550338.html |title=Dilwale review: The film struggles to make its way into the audience's hearts |last=Singh |first=Suhani |work=India Today |date=18 December 2015 |access-date=28 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226072734/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dilwale-review-the-film-struggles-to-make-its-way-into-the-audiences-hearts/1/550338.html |archive-date=26 December 2015}}</ref> ''Dilwale'' emerged as a major commercial success, grossing more than {{INRConvert|3.8|b}} worldwide, and ranks among of the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Bollywood films]] of all time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Worldwide Grossers All Time |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php |publisher=Box Office India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107113404/http://boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php |archive-date=7 January 2018 |access-date=5 February 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Kajol's performance garnered Best Actress nominations at various award ceremonies, including Filmfare.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nominations for the 61st Britannia Filmfare Awards |url=http://www.filmfare.com/news/nominations-for-the-61st-britannia-filmfare-awards-11809.html |work=Filmfare |date=11 January 2016 |access-date=11 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413161505/http://www.filmfare.com/news/nominations-for-the-61st-britannia-filmfare-awards-11809.html |archive-date=13 April 2016}}</ref> | |||
[[File:Riddhi Sen and Kajol promoting Helicopter Eela (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|alt=Photograph of Riddhi Sen and Kajol.|Kajol with co-star [[Riddhi Sen]] at an event for ''[[Helicopter Eela]]'' in 2018]] | |||
Later that year, she made her debut as a producer with the Marathi period drama ''[[Vitti Dandu]]'', co-produced by Ajay Devgn and Leena Deore, and exploring the relationship between a grandfather and his grandson. The film won the Best Marathi Film trophy at the [[Screen Awards]] and was well received by critics.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/marathi-and-the-award-goes-to/ |title=And the award goes to... |date=30 January 2015 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=13 December 2021 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213024707/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/marathi-and-the-award-goes-to/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Kajol starred opposite [[Dhanush]] in ''[[Velaiilla Pattadhari 2]]'', a sequel to the 2014 [[masala film]] ''[[Velaiilla Pattadhari]]'' and her second Tamil-language film after ''Minsara Kanavu''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/vip-2-producers-ink-pact-with-hike-messenger/article19459778.ece |title=VIP 2 producers ink pact with Hike Messenger |date=10 August 2017 |work=The Hindu |access-date=6 February 2022 |last=Kandavel |first=Sangeetha }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-thing-about-kajol/article24716187.ece |title=The thing about Kajol |date=17 August 2018 |work=The Hindu |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |access-date=6 February 2022 }}</ref> She was cast as Vasundhara Parameshwar, the chairwoman of the construction company Vasundhara Constructions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/jul/26/people-expect-more-when-it-is-a-sequel-soundarya-rajinikanth-on-velai-illa-pattadhari-2-1633747.html |title=People expect more when it is a sequel: Soundarya Rajinikanth on Velai Illa Pattadhari 2 |agency=Press Trust of India |work=The New Indian Express |date=26 July 2017 |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=11 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811075418/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/jul/26/people-expect-more-when-it-is-a-sequel-soundarya-rajinikanth-on-velai-illa-pattadhari-2-1633747.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol was somewhat apprehensive about doing the film but eventually accepted the role due to her faith in Dhanush and director [[Soundarya Rajinikanth]], citing them for giving the bravery she needed to acting in a non-Hindi-language film.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/030417/i-was-initially-apprehensive-about-vip-2-says-kajol.html |title=Exclusive: I was initially apprehensive about VIP 2, says Kajol |last=Ramasubramanian |first=Uma |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=3 April 2017 |access-date=1 November 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703040940/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/030417/i-was-initially-apprehensive-about-vip-2-says-kajol.html |archive-date=3 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/was-very-nervous-to-do-tamil-film-vip-2-kajol/1084622 |title=Was very nervous to do Tamil film 'VIP 2': Kajol |agency=Press Trust of India |date=26 June 2017 |work=Outlook |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=14 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914210656/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/was-very-nervous-to-do-tamil-film-vip-2-kajol/1084622 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Velaiilla Pattadhari 2'' opened to a negative critical reception but succeeded financially,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/dhanush-s-vip-2-rocks-the-box-office-despite-bad-reviews/story-UkKjYpokEG8CInfvrvAMXI.html |title=Dhanush's VIP 2 rocks the box-office despite bad reviews |last=Acharya |first=Sandeep |work=Hindustan Times |date=16 August 2017 |access-date=1 November 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013231/http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/dhanush-s-vip-2-rocks-the-box-office-despite-bad-reviews/story-UkKjYpokEG8CInfvrvAMXI.html |archive-date=7 November 2017}}</ref> but Kajol was praised for her elegance and suitableness to the role.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/120817/vip-2-moview-review-a-film-strictly-for-dhanush-fans.html |title=VIP 2 movie review: A film strictly for Dhanush fans |date=11 August 2017 |last=Subramaniam |first=Anupama |work=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=2 January 2021 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806220804/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/120817/vip-2-moview-review-a-film-strictly-for-dhanush-fans.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/vip-2-movie-review/ |title=Velai Illa Pattadhari 2 (VIP 2) Movie Review |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |date=18 August 2017 |work=[[Film Companion]] |access-date=26 February 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082150/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/vip-2-movie-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 2018, Kajol portrayed a [[Helicopter parent|helicopter mother]] with an aspiration to be a singer who enrolls at her son's ([[Riddhi Sen]]) college to complete her education in the drama ''[[Helicopter Eela]]'',<ref name="asked">{{cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/0AmKMJ0xPZ848iNUv42YCK/Kajol-I-am-always-asked-why-Im-not-doing-more-movies.html |title=Kajol: I am always asked why I'm not doing more movies |last=Jhunjhunwala |first=Udita |date=24 August 2018 |work=Mint |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033309/https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/0AmKMJ0xPZ848iNUv42YCK/Kajol-I-am-always-asked-why-Im-not-doing-more-movies.html |url-status=live}}</ref> based on [[Anand Gandhi]]'s Gujarati play ''Beta, Kaagdo''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-back-in-the-spotlight/articleshow/62595782.cms |title=Kajol back in the spotlight |work=Mumbai Mirror |access-date=25 January 2018 |date=25 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134818/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-back-in-the-spotlight/articleshow/62595782.cms |archive-date=25 January 2018}}</ref> She was particuraly drawn to the role for its colourful personality and her relationship with her son.<ref name="Helicopter Eela">{{cite web |url=https://scroll.in/reel/890331/kajol-interview-every-time-i-do-a-film-its-my-comeback-but-where-did-i-ever-go |title=Kajol interview: 'Every time I do a film, it's my comeback – but where did I ever go?' |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=16 August 2018 |website=Scroll.in |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-date=8 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108075232/https://scroll.in/reel/890331/kajol-interview-every-time-i-do-a-film-its-my-comeback-but-where-did-i-ever-go |url-status=live}}</ref> The feature failed both commercially and with critics,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/helicopter_eela |title=Helicopter Eela |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924124344/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/helicopter_eela |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/helicopter-eela-box-office-collection-day-3-kajols-film-earns-rs-3-crore-1932551 |title=Helicopter Eela Box Office Collection Day 3: Kajol's Film Earns Rs 3 Crore |last=Bhowal |first=Tiasa |date=15 October 2018 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019235641/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/helicopter-eela-box-office-collection-day-3-kajols-film-earns-rs-3-crore-1932551 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Kajol's performance was met with a mixed reception.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/helicopter-eela-review-kajol-is-a-treat-to-watch-as-a-doting-mother-singer-on-the-cusp-of-super-stardom/articleshow/66212253.cms?from=mdr |title='Helicopter Eela' review: Kajol is a treat to watch as a doting mother & singer on the cusp of superstardom |work=[[The Economic Times (India)|The Economic Times]] |date=15 October 2018 |access-date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814133011/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/helicopter-eela-review-kajol-is-a-treat-to-watch-as-a-doting-mother-singer-on-the-cusp-of-super-stardom/articleshow/66212253.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref> A reviewer for [[Scroll.in]] wrote that she "doesn't have Riddhi Sen's comfort level in the comic scenes. She settles down when the movie finally does."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://scroll.in/reel/897946/helicopter-eela-film-review-a-lost-opportunity-to-examine-a-typically-indian-mother-son-bond |title='Helicopter Eela' film review: A lost opportunity to examine a typically Indian mother-son bond |date=12 October 2018 |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |publisher=Scroll.in |access-date=19 December 2021 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507170514/https://scroll.in/reel/897946/helicopter-eela-film-review-a-lost-opportunity-to-examine-a-typically-indian-mother-son-bond |url-status=live}}</ref> Writing for the ''Hindustan Times'', Raja Sen criticised her boisterousness but said that the film's director [[Pradeep Sarkar]] "has lucked out with his heroine. Kajol is full of verve, and her enthusiasm is infectious even when her intensely eager character comes across as too chirrupy."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/helicopter-eela-movie-review-this-soppy-kajol-film-never-takes-off/story-qWxqCAM4O3k0yul4llcNML.html |title=Helicopter Eela movie review: This soppy Kajol film never takes off |date=17 October 2018 |work=Hindustan Times |last=Sen |first=Raja |access-date=19 December 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129012200/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/helicopter-eela-movie-review-this-soppy-kajol-film-never-takes-off/story-qWxqCAM4O3k0yul4llcNML.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The same year she dubbed the character [[Helen Parr (The Incredibles)|Helen Parr]] in the computer-animated superhero film ''[[Incredibles 2]]''{{'s}} Hindi version.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/kajol-joins-the-incredible-2-family-as-the-voice-of-elastigirl-28551.html |title=Kajol joins the Incredible 2 family as the voice of Elastigirl |last=Singh |first=Raghuvendra |work=Filmfare |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082151/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/kajol-joins-the-incredible-2-family-as-the-voice-of-elastigirl-28551.html |archive-date=14 May 2021 |date=29 May 2018 |access-date=28 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
[[File:Kajol in October 2021.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kajol in October 2021]] | |||
By 2020, which ''[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]'' declared a "big year" for Kajol,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-on-being-a-part-of-tanhaji/cid/1733268 |title=Kajol on being a part of Tanhaji... |last=Upadhyay |first=Karishma |date=5 January 2020 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107140037/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-on-being-a-part-of-tanhaji/cid/1733268 |url-status=live}}</ref> she has preferred to consider the importance of character rather than its length.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/kajol-give-me-three-scenes-i-can-create-magic/1753009 |title=Kajol: Give me three scenes, I can create magic |last=Banerjee |first=Arundhuti |date=5 March 2020 |work=Outlook |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112205601/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/kajol-give-me-three-scenes-i-can-create-magic/1753009 |url-status=live}}</ref> Her first release of the year was the period drama ''[[Tanhaji]]'', co-starring Ajay Devgn and [[Saif Ali Khan]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-ajay-devgn-saif-ali-khan-kajol-s-tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-in-trouble-petition-to-be-heard-on-december-19-2805475 |title=Ajay Devgn-Saif Ali Khan-Kajol's 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior' in trouble, petition to be heard on December 19 |last=Irani |first=Shaheen |date=13 December 2019 |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105111448/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-ajay-devgn-saif-ali-khan-kajol-s-tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-in-trouble-petition-to-be-heard-on-december-19-2805475 |url-status=live}}</ref> Based on the life of [[Tanaji Malusare]], it went onto become the highest-grossing film of the year, earning {{INRConvert|3.67|b}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2020&pageId=16 |title=Top Worldwide Grossers 2020 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116160557/https://boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2020&pageId=16 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/weekend-collection-report-of-ajay-devgns-tanhaji-and-deepika-padukone-chhapaak-movie/articleshow/73222694.cms |title=Ajay Devgn's Tanhaji moves the masses while Chhapaak fails to make a splash |last=Soni |first=Preeti |date=13 January 2020 |website=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=20 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120013253/https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/weekend-collection-report-of-ajay-devgns-tanhaji-and-deepika-padukone-chhapaak-movie/articleshow/73222694.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> She played Tanhaji's wife Savitribai whom she called a strong character which she found similar to herself.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/the-kajol-interview-you-must-read/20200110.htm |title=The Kajol Interview You Must Read! |last=Romeshwar |first=Savera R. |date=10 January 2020 |website=Rediff.com |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-date=22 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022235304/https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/the-kajol-interview-you-must-read/20200110.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Critics were appreciative of her turn despite its limited screen time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/tanhaji---the-unsung-warrior-review-a-well-crafted-film-review-bollywood-ubkjMTbbbdihc.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110073048/https://www.sify.com/movies/tanhaji---the-unsung-warrior-review-a-well-crafted-film-review-bollywood-ubkjMTbbbdihc.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 January 2020 |title=Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior review: A well-crafted film |date=28 January 2020 |website=[[Sify]] |last=Chakravorty |first=Vinayak |author-link=Vinayak Chakravorty |access-date=9 January 2022 }}</ref> Later in the year, she was seen in her first short film, ''[[Devi (2020 film)|Devi]]'', a suspense drama about nine women who stay in one room sheltered from the outer world.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2020/mar/03/devi-film-review-13-minutes-nine-women-and-one-stark-reality-2111623.html |title=Devi short film review: 13 minutes, nine women and one stark reality |last=Bhandarkar |first=Neha |date=3 March 2020 |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111142820/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2020/mar/03/devi-film-review-13-minutes-nine-women-and-one-stark-reality-2111623.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kajol-shruti-haasan-neha-dhupia-neena-kulkarni-among-others-star-short-film-titled-devi/ |title=Kajol, Shruti Haasan, Neha Dhupia, Neena Kulkarni among others star in short film titled Devi |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=16 January 2020 |access-date=2 March 2020 |language=en |archive-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117151319/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kajol-shruti-haasan-neha-dhupia-neena-kulkarni-among-others-star-short-film-titled-devi/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It was reviewed positively by critics,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/devi-movie-review-kajol-s-13-minute-film-is-the-finest-piece-of-cinema-you-ll-watch-today/story-6ax0hjf5tcNV5srOBZysEL.html |title=Devi movie review: Kajol's 13-minute film is the finest piece of cinema you'll watch today |last=Bawa |first=Jyoti Sharma |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 March 2020 |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111124747/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/devi-movie-review-kajol-s-13-minute-film-is-the-finest-piece-of-cinema-you-ll-watch-today/story-6ax0hjf5tcNV5srOBZysEL.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and Kajol was singled out for leading the diverse ensemble.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/devi-review-kajol-leads-a-diverse-ensemble-in-a-short-film-that-skillfully-makes-room-for-endless-empathy-8111901.html |title=Devi review: Kajol leads a diverse ensemble in a short film that skillfully makes room for endless empathy |last=Sharma |first=Devansh |date=4 March 2020 |publisher=[[Firstpost]] |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110193415/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/devi-review-kajol-leads-a-diverse-ensemble-in-a-short-film-that-skillfully-makes-room-for-endless-empathy-8111901.html |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Devi'' won the Best Film (Popular Choice) at the [[Filmfare Short Film Awards]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/filmfare-awards-winners/bollywood/2021/101 |title=Filmfare Awards 2021 Winners |work=The Times of India |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-date=2 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402191843/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/filmfare-awards-winners/bollywood/2021/101 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Kajol's next project was [[Renuka Shahane]]'s social drama ''[[Tribhanga (film)|Tribhanga]]'' (2021), which marked her first collaboration with [[Netflix]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/asia/kajol-tribhanga-india-drama-netflix-1203365682/ |title=Kajol to Star in 'Tribhanga' Indian Drama for Netflix |last=Frater |first=Patrick |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=9 October 2019 |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117173237/https://variety.com/2019/film/asia/kajol-tribhanga-india-drama-netflix-1203365682/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Set in Mumbai, it revolves around the [[Generation gap|intergenerational conflicts]] between three women from one family (Kajol, [[Mithila Palkar]] and [[Tanvi Azmi]]), with Kajol starring as foul-mouthed [[Odissi]] dancer Anuradha Apte.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/tribhanga-trailer-watch-out-for-kajol/20210104.htm |title=Tribhanga trailer: Watch out for Kajol! |last=Bhattacharjee |first=Moumita |date=4 January 2021 |website=Rediff.com |access-date=14 January 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122040630/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/tribhanga-trailer-watch-out-for-kajol/20210104.htm}}</ref> She found resemblance between the relationship of the three leading characters and her own with her mother and daughter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/kajol-on-why-she-wants-a-comedy-film-and-more/cid/1803575 |title=Kajol: Judgment never bothered me |last=Roy |first=Priyanka |date=13 January 2021 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=14 January 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=14 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114033052/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/kajol-on-why-she-wants-a-comedy-film-and-more/cid/1803575}}</ref> The film, along with Kajol's performance in it, received positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tribhanga_tedhi_medhi_crazy |title=Tribhanga: Tedhi Medhi Crazy |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=9 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://scroll.in/reel/984036/tribhanga-review-a-dance-between-imperfect-mothers-and-difficult-daughters |title='Tribhanga' review: A dance between imperfect mothers and difficult daughters |date=15 January 2021 |website=Scroll.in |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |access-date=9 February 2022 }}</ref> [[Saibal Chatterjee]] from [[NDTV]] praised her for providing the thrilling atmosphere the film needs "to keep trundling along at an even pace";<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/tribhanga-review-genteel-ode-to-women-starring-kajol-merits-three-cheers-3-5-stars-out-of-5-2352929 |title=Tribhanga Review: Genteel Ode To Women Starring Kajol Merits Three Cheers |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |date=15 January 2021 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=15 January 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115081409/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/tribhanga-review-genteel-ode-to-women-starring-kajol-merits-three-cheers-3-5-stars-out-of-5-2352929}}</ref> Stutee Ghosh of ''[[The Quint]]'' found Azmi and Kajol's strong performances to have "a stunning hold and it's difficult to focus on anyone else when they are in the frame".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/tribhanga-film-review-kajol-tanvi-azmi-renuka-shahane-mithila-palkar |title=Tribhanga is a Film of the Women, by the Women, for the Women |last=Ghosh |first=Stutee |date=15 January 2021 |work=[[The Quint]] |access-date=15 January 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115083037/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/tribhanga-film-review-kajol-tanvi-azmi-renuka-shahane-mithila-palkar}}</ref> At the [[2021 Filmfare OTT Awards|2nd Filmfare OTT Awards]], her performance was nominated in the Best Actress category.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 December 2021 |title=My Glamm Filmfare OTT Awards 2021: Final Nominations List |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/web-stories/my-glamm-filmfare-ott-awards-2021-final-nominations-list/articleshow/88049328.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204082808/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/web-stories/my-glamm-filmfare-ott-awards-2021-final-nominations-list/articleshow/88049328.cms |archive-date=4 December 2021}}</ref> | |||
In 2022, Kajol starred in [[Revathi]]'s family drama ''[[Salaam Venky]]''<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bollywood actress Kajol starts work on her new film 'Salaam Venky' with Revathy|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/bollywood-actress-kajol-starts-work-on-her-new-film-salaam-venky-with-revathy-1.1644574811972|access-date=11 February 2022 |agency=[[Asian News International]]|work=Gulf News |date=11 February 2022|language=en}}</ref> which received mixed reviews from critics and audience, with praises mostly directed towards the leads' performances. Kajol will next be seen in her first web-series, [[Disney+ Hotstar]]'s legal drama, [[The Good Wife (Indian TV series)|The Good Wife]]. An adaptation of the American show of the same name.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Patrick Frater,Naman |last2=Frater |first2=Patrick |last3=Ramachandran |first3=Naman |date=2022-09-08 |title=Kajol Stars in 'The Good Wife' Adapted Series for Disney+ Hotstar – First Look Image (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2022/global/news/kajol-the-good-wife-series-1235364181/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Her other projects include, Netflix's Lust Stories 2 and [[Dharma Productions]]' next alongside [[Prithviraj Sukumaran|Prithviraj]] and Ibrahim Ali Khan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-23 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Kajol, Angad Bedi, Tamannaah, Tillotama Shome led Lust Stories 2 to release around THIS special day |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-kajol-angad-bedi-tamannaah-tillotama-shome-led-lust-stories-2-to-release-around-this-special-day-1200222 |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Exclusive! Kajol confirms her movie with Ibraham Ali Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran |url=http://www.tellychakkar.com/movie/movie-news/exclusive-kajol-confirms-her-movie-ibraham-ali-khan-and-prithviraj-sukumaran-221130 |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Tellychakkar.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
== Off-screen work == | |||
[[File:Kajol at Women's Wellness launch.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Kajol and Mandira Bedi smile at the camera.|Kajol with [[Mandira Bedi]] at the launch of the Women's Wellness event in 2016]] | |||
In 1998, Kajol participated in concert tour "Awesome Foursome" alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Akshay Kumar.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bhattacharya |first=Roshmila |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/King-Khan-goes-down-the-memory-lane/Article1-651398.aspx |title=King Khan goes down the memory lane |work=Hindustan Times |date=17 January 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121071847/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/King-Khan-goes-down-the-memory-lane/Article1-651398.aspx |archive-date=21 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Joshi |first1=Namrata |last2=Abreu |first2=Robin |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/zee-sponsors-awesome-foursome-starring-shah-rukh-khan-akshay-kumar-kajol-juhi-chawla/1/264941.html |title=The big gig |work=India Today |date=14 October 1998 |access-date=17 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725220926/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/zee-sponsors-awesome-foursome-starring-shah-rukh-khan-akshay-kumar-kajol-juhi-chawla/1/264941.html |archive-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> After travelling across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, Kajol refused to participate in any more world tours, unable to handle the stress.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Khanna, Kavita |author2=Parekh, Sejal |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/oct/02kaj.htm |title=An interview with Kajol |work=Rediff.com |date=2 October 1998 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831201301/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/oct/02kaj.htm |archive-date=31 August 2015}}</ref> In 1999, following the launch of Ajay Devgn's production company, Devgan Films (renamed as Devgn Entertainment and Software Ltd.), Kajol worked towards building a website: "I'm computer savvy. Or at least I know more about computers than those around me. So I should be of some help there."<ref name=" DKK" /><ref name="Neelam Gupta interview" /> | |||
In 2000, she launched the filmmaking-related online portal Cineexplore for the company, working as the supervisor.<ref name="Filmfare">{{cite news |last=Choudhary |first=Anuradha |title=Lights! Action! Kajol! |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/dec2000/cs1.html |work=Filmfare |date=December 2000 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109165736/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/dec2000/cs1.html |archive-date=9 November 2013}}</ref> Devgn established another company, [[Ajay Devgn FFilms]], in 2009. Kajol clarified she was not involved in its production aspect, but participated in the supervising and overseeing.<ref>{{cite news |last=Iyer |first=Meena |title=I am selfish and lazy: Kajol |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-29/news-interviews/31886869_1_kajol-fitness-karan-johar |date=29 March 2012 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=14 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114010948/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-29/news-interviews/31886869_1_kajol-fitness-karan-johar |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> She featured as a talent judge with husband Ajay Devgn and mother Tanuja in [[Zee TV]]'s 2008 reality show ''[[Rock-N-Roll Family]]'',<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_ajay-devgan-kajol-join-reality-show-bandwagon_1156225 |title=Ajay Devgan, Kajol join reality show bandwagon |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=16 March 2008 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012032835/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ajay-devgan-kajol-join-reality-show-bandwagon-1156225 |url-status=live}}</ref> which she found to be a much tougher experience than that of in films.<ref name="direct">{{cite news |last=Sinha Walunjkar |first=Somashukla |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-03-29/news-interviews/27780984_1_kajol-ajay-devgan-toonpur-ka-super-hero |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103115054/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-03-29/news-interviews/27780984_1_kajol-ajay-devgan-toonpur-ka-super-hero |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |title=I won't ever direct a film: Kajol |date=29 March 2008 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=4 June 2012}}</ref> She was named a part-time member of the public broadcaster [[Prasar Bharati]] in 2016.<ref name="kajolparttime2021">{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/02/20/kajol-prasar-bharti-board_n_9280420.html |title=Kajol named part-time member of Prasar Bharati board |work=[[HuffPost]] |access-date=23 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222211148/http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/02/20/kajol-prasar-bharti-board_n_9280420.html |archive-date=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-hindu/20170522/page/7 |title=Kajol may lose Prasar Bharati membership |date=22 May 2017 |work=The Hindu |page=7 |access-date=12 November 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082155/https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-hindu/20170522/page/7 |url-status=live}}{{subscription required|via=[[PressReader]]}}</ref> In 2019, she wrote the foreword of a biography on the actress [[Sridevi]], entitled ''[[Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-writes-foreword-sridevi-biography-book-the-eternal-screen-goddess-6028837/ |title=Kajol writes foreword of book on Sridevi's life |agency=Press Trust of India |work=The Indian Express |date=25 September 2019 |location=New Delhi, India |access-date=28 December 2020 |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105151619/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-writes-foreword-sridevi-biography-book-the-eternal-screen-goddess-6028837/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Kajol has been actively involved in several philanthropic endeavours related to women and children.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/every-child-deserves-education-says-kajol-172153707.html |title=Every child deserves education, says Kajol |publisher=Yahoo! Today |date=10 December 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018215728/https://in.news.yahoo.com/every-child-deserves-education-says-kajol-172153707.html |archive-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> She is involved with Shiksha, a [[non-governmental organisation]] for children's education, and in 2009 she launched a campaign to support the cause.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/education-is-important-says-kajol-news-bollywood-kkfv5Tdadea.html |title=Kajol says education is important |website=[[Sify]] |date=11 April 2005 |access-date=24 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209002945/http://www.sify.com/movies/education-is-important-says-kajol-news-bollywood-kkfv5Tdadea.html |archive-date=9 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3034379 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103222657/http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3034379 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |title=Kajol, Shiney Ahuja launch Shiksha 2009 |publisher=[[MSN]] |date=1 June 2009 |access-date=4 June 2012}}</ref> In 2011, Kajol participated in a fashion show organised by the Cancer Patients Aid Association, to generate funds for the organisation,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/specials/lifestyle_photos.aspx?cp-documentid=5224273 |title=Celebs at the Pidilite-CPAA charity fashion show |publisher=MSN |date=21 June 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812045456/http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/specials/lifestyle_photos.aspx?cp-documentid=5224273 |archive-date=12 August 2011}}</ref> and as the international goodwill ambassador and patron of [[The Loomba Trust]] (a charity organisation devoted to supporting widows and their children around the world, particularly in India).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ajay-devgn-kajol-charity-event-in-london-attended-by-kajol-british-deputy-prime-minister/1/161324.html |title=Ajay and Kajol attend charity event with Cherie Blair in UK |work=India Today |date=24 November 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125223932/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ajay-devgn-kajol-charity-event-in-london-attended-by-kajol-british-deputy-prime-minister/1/161324.html |archive-date=25 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5668845 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712100325/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5668845 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 July 2012 |title=Widows are still considered a blight in society: Kajol |publisher=MSN |date=11 December 2011 |access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> In 2012, Kajol was appointed as the brand ambassador of Pratham, a charity organization for children, and she featured in a short film on education and literacy, with the Hanuman Basti Primary School's students in Mumbai, to support it.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/7-days/eye-on-england-21-10-2012/cid/368716 |title=Eye on England |date=21 October 2012 |last=Roy |first=Amit |work=The Telegraph |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111084619/https://www.telegraphindia.com/7-days/eye-on-england-21-10-2012/cid/368716 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3292 |title=Kajol shoots for a short film with school kids |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=19 April 2012 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018215728/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3292 |archive-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> Also that year, she made a documentary about protection of the girl child as a part of the [[Government of Maharashtra]]'s campaign "Save the Girl Child".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kajol-ajay-devgn-in-film-on-protection-of-girl-child-102749-2012-05-20 |title=Kajol-Ajay Devgn in film on protection of girl child |last=Joshi |first=Sonali |date=20 May 2012 |work=India Today |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114150501/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kajol-ajay-devgn-in-film-on-protection-of-girl-child-102749-2012-05-20 |url-status=live}}</ref> For her contribution in social service, Kajol was awarded the Karmaveer Puraskar.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200811251380.htm |title=Kajol to be awarded for social work |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=25 November 2008 |work=The Hindu |location=New Delhi, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103131609/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200811251380.htm |archive-date=3 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
== Personal life == | |||
[[File:Kajol and Ajay Devgn promoting Tanhaji (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|alt=Photograph of Kajol and Ajay Devgn.|Kajol with her husband Ajay Devgn in 2020]] | |||
Kajol began dating actor Ajay Devgn in 1994, while filming ''Gundaraj''.<ref name="India Today" /> Members of the media, however, labelled them as an "unlikely pair" due to their contrasting personalities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-happiest-marriages-in-bollywood/20110523.htm |title=The Happiest Marriages in Bollywood |work=Rediff.com |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702014419/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-happiest-marriages-in-bollywood/20110523.htm |archive-date=2 July 2012}}</ref> Devgn explained their relationship by saying, "We never resorted to the usual 'I love you' routine. A proposal never happened. We grew with each other. Marriage was never discussed, but it was always imminent".<ref>{{cite news |work=The Tribune |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm |title=Bonding of the bubbly belle & the brooder |date=27 April 2003 |access-date=3 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614055723/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm |archive-date=14 June 2012}}</ref> The couple married on 24 February 1999 in a traditional Maharashtrian ceremony at Devgn's house.<ref>{{cite web |last=Srnivasan |first=V.S. |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/25kaj.htm |title=Quietly were they wed |work=Rediff.com |date=25 February 1999 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308010447/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/25kaj.htm |archive-date=8 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiafm.com/news12.htm |title=Ajay Devgan & Kajol tie the knot |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=February 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990419185830/http://www.indiafm.com/news12.htm |archive-date=19 April 1999 |access-date=13 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The wedding was subject to wide media scrutiny, as certain members of the media criticised Kajol's decision to settle down at the pinnacle of her career.<ref name="Roshmilla">{{cite news |last=Bhattacharya |first=Roshmilla |work=Hindustan Times |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chunk-ht-ui-homepage-tab3-02/Kajol-Ajay-the-perfect-couple/515850/H1-Article1-513911.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125065853/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chunk-ht-ui-homepage-tab3-02/Kajol-Ajay-the-perfect-couple/515850/H1-Article1-513911.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2013 |title=Kajol, Ajay the perfect couple |date=28 February 2010 |access-date=4 June 2012}}</ref> Kajol, however, maintained that she would not quit films, but would cut down on the amount of work that she did.<ref name="marriage" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Gupta |first=Rakhee |work=The Tribune |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010222/main8.htm#1 |title=Kajol decides to 'phase out' |date=22 February 2001 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109170636/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010222/main8.htm#1 |archive-date=9 November 2013}}</ref> | |||
Following her marriage, Kajol moved in with Devgn and his parents at the latter's ancestral house in [[Juhu]].<ref name=" India Today" /> Tabloids have often romantically linked Devgn with other Bollywood actresses, and reported an imminent divorce. Dismissing the rumors as gossip, Kajol attested to not giving attention to such talk.<ref name="Filmfare" /> | |||
Kajol prefers not to talk much about her personal life and dislikes being interviewed, considering it "a waste of time".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.filmfare.com/site/may97/kajol.htm |title=Frank talk with Ms K |date=May 1997 |last=Choudhary |first=Anuradha |work=Filmfare |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990503043402/http://www.filmfare.com/site/may97/kajol.htm |archive-date=3 May 1999 |access-date=26 February 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Dream girl" /> She gave birth to a daughter, Nysa, on 20 April 2003.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-04-20/news-interviews/27274297_1_baby-girl-kajol-first-child |title=Kajol delivers baby girl |date=20 April 2003 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=9 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109171342/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-04-20/news-interviews/27274297_1_baby-girl-kajol-first-child |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> Seven years later, on 13 September 2010, she gave birth to a son, Yug.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-13/news-interviews/28265481_1_baby-boy-ajay-devgn-congrats-ajay |title=Kajol, Ajay welcome baby boy |date=13 September 2010 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=9 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109180258/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-13/news-interviews/28265481_1_baby-boy-ajay-devgn-congrats-ajay |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/kajol-ajay-devgn-name-their-son/story-4fldUxWqsIuhCCOh3MHR6K.html |title=Kajol, Ajay Devgn name their son |last=Kotwani |first=Hiren |date=15 September 2010 |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=22 November 2020 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814074806/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/kajol-ajay-devgn-name-their-son/story-4fldUxWqsIuhCCOh3MHR6K.html |url-status=live}}</ref> She described motherhood as "fab" and added that her kids brought out "the best in her".<ref name="Mum">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-09/news-interviews/28298139_1_kajol-mother-s-day-top-priority |title=Mums, listen to your kids! |date=9 May 2010 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=10 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110111245/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-09/news-interviews/28298139_1_kajol-mother-s-day-top-priority |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/kajol-dramatic-in-real-life-too/725917/0 |title=Kajol 'dramatic' in real life too |author=Periera, Priyanka |date=17 December 2010 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=6 June 2012 |archive-date=21 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221095219/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/kajol-dramatic-in-real-life-too/725917/0 |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol has used Devgn as her surname since 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.asianage.com/bollywood/kajol-takes-husband-s-name-first-time-321 |title=Kajol takes husband's name for the first time |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |date=22 November 2015 |work=[[The Asian Age]] |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112192450/https://www.asianage.com/bollywood/kajol-takes-husband-s-name-first-time-321 |url-status=live}}</ref> She speaks [[English language|English]], [[Hindi]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]], and "can understand [[Bengali language|Bengali]]".<ref name="hitlist" /> | |||
== Screen persona and reception == | |||
Kajol is acknowledged for her natural acting prowess. ''The Hindu'' stated she "does not act out her scenes and deliver her lines; she inhabits her characters."<ref name="UMH" /> After portraying leading roles in a series of [[family drama]]s, Kajol showed her acting versatility with ''Gupt: The Hidden Truth'' (1997),<ref>{{cite news |last=Kothari |first=J |work=The Telegraph |title=She's got the look |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080329/jsp/entertainment/story_9072180.jsp |date=29 March 2008 |access-date=5 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601001538/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080329/jsp/entertainment/story_9072180.jsp |archive-date=1 June 2014}}</ref><ref name="IT98">{{cite news |last1=Chowdhary |first1=Nandita |title=Free Spirit |url=http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/06071998/arts.html |work=India Today |date=6 July 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018215728/http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/06071998/arts.html |archive-date=18 October 2015 |access-date=19 December 2021}}</ref> for which she was noted as being one of the first actresses of her era to play female anti-hero characters and becoming more popular than the male actors.<ref name="Open" /> She was also praised for her lively and spirited nature on-screen.<ref name="top" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/ddlj-should-never-be-remade-kajol/story-i0T4AQr2foIpmD2qlrlooM.html |title=DDLJ should never be remade: Kajol |date=12 December 2014 |last=Ghosh |first=Debasmita |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129012202/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/ddlj-should-never-be-remade-kajol/story-i0T4AQr2foIpmD2qlrlooM.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Rajiv Menon credited Kajol as representing the ''[[joie de vivre]]'' of the 1990s,<ref name="Mint" /> and Khalid Mohammed described her as "a great packet of talent".<ref name="IT98" /> According to ''[[Open (Indian magazine)|Open]]'', her spontaneity brought "a unique energy" to her films, and Karan Johar said, "I would call 'action' on a shoot and expect a little atom bomb explosion on set every time Kajol was around because that is who she was. She kept us all on our toes."<ref name="Open">{{cite news |url=https://openthemagazine.com/cinema/just-kajol/ |title=Just Kajol |last=Unny |first=Divya |date=21 November 2018 |work=[[Open (Indian magazine)|Open]] |access-date=2 January 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082156/https://openthemagazine.com/cinema/just-kajol/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The scholar [[Ashish Rajadhyaksha]] observed that she was the actress "around whom a script can be written and a film made".<ref name="IT98" /> | |||
Kajol has been paired with the actor Shah Rukh Khan in many successful films,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/srk-kajol-the-saga-of-falling-in-love-again-and-again/ |title=Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol: The saga of falling in love, again and again |date=29 December 2015 |work=The Indian Express |location=Mumbai, India |last=Sahani |first=Alaka |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=24 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324072533/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/srk-kajol-the-saga-of-falling-in-love-again-and-again/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and commentators have described them as one of the greatest, on-screen pairs of the Hindi cinema.{{Sfn|Anjaria|2021|p=22}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/ddlj-baazigar-karan-arjun-vote-for-your-favourite-srk-kajol-movie/20151215.htm |title=DDLJ, Baazigar, Karan Arjun: Vote for your favourite SRK-Kajol movie! |date=15 December 2015 |work=Rediff.com |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129012155/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/ddlj-baazigar-karan-arjun-vote-for-your-favourite-srk-kajol-movie/20151215.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Summing up the total collection of their films ranging from ''Baazigar'' (1993) to ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...'' (2001), ''India Today'' estimated that they had grossed over {{INRConvert|2|b}} worldwide, calling this "a magic that subsequent jodis have found hard to replicate".<ref name="India Today" /> After the success of ''Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'' (1995), many directors have attempted to pair the two in their films;<ref name="ten" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/shah-rukh-khan-ddlj-was-and-will-always-be-about-simran/20141213.htm |title=Shah Rukh Khan: DDLJ was and will always be about Simran |last=Dedhia |first=Sonia |date=13 December 2014 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129012156/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/shah-rukh-khan-ddlj-was-and-will-always-be-about-simran/20141213.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> one of whom is Karan Johar, who directed them in three films and said that he did so in tribute to ''Baazigar'', the first film to feature the couple.<ref name="India Today" /> In a 2013 poll conducted by ''Filmfare'', Kajol and Khan were voted as the "most stylish on-screen couple".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/poll-most-stylish-onscreen-couple-srk-kajol-2329-1.html |title=Poll: Most Stylish On-screen Couple |date=11 February 2013 |last=Gangwani |first=Rahul |access-date=20 December 2021 |work=Filmfare |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220030539/https://www.filmfare.com/features/poll-most-stylish-onscreen-couple-srk-kajol-2329-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In an article comparing her pairing with Khan to that with her husband Ajay Devgn published the same year, ''Filmfare''{{'s}} Parampara Patil Hashmi concluded that both pairings performed well financially but noted that the former one is much superior since all films starring them succeeded at the box office.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/real-life-vs-reel-life-couples-3372-1.html |title=Real life v/s reel life couples |date=7 June 2013 |work=Filmfare |last=Hashmi |first=Parampara Patil |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220062912/https://www.filmfare.com/features/real-life-vs-reel-life-couples-3372-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-25/news-interviews/28293363_1_motherhood-indian-cinema-hindi-movies |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103091120/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-25/news-interviews/28293363_1_motherhood-indian-cinema-hindi-movies |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |title=Age no longer matters!: Kajol |author=Chaturvedi, Anshul |date=25 August 2010 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=6 June 2012}}</ref> | |||
Unlike most of her contemporaries, Kajol has had a successful career post-marriage and motherhood,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/in-india-female-actor-is-less-appealing-after-marriage-because-she-is-taken-kajol-22679.html |title="In India, female actor is less appealing after marriage because she is taken." – Kajol |date=30 July 2017 |work=Filmfare |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220030447/https://www.filmfare.com/news/in-india-female-actor-is-less-appealing-after-marriage-because-she-is-taken-kajol-22679.html |url-status=live}}</ref> for which she was characterised as "the archetypal [[New Age]] woman".<ref name="India Today" /> On breaking the stereotype, she opined: "Perceptions have changed a lot in the last few years. Married actresses don't necessarily have to play character roles in films. Filmmakers are experimenting and this is truly the best time for actresses like us."<ref name="desired">{{cite news |last=Iyer |first=Meena |title=Kajol most desired mom |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-27/news-interviews/30207928_1_kajol-sonali-bendre-commercials |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103105840/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-27/news-interviews/30207928_1_kajol-sonali-bendre-commercials |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |date=27 September 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=5 June 2012}}</ref> Following her marriage, journalists speculated it would be the ending point of her career.<ref name="Roshmilla" /> She continued to work in films but has been more selective, attributing it to the lack of worthy offers and her unwillingness to see herself in "films that are absolutely meaningless".<ref name="UMH" /><ref name="asked" /> Critics however noted that her success is attached to her collaborations with the filmmakers Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra.<ref name="desired" />{{Sfn|Banaji|2006|p=126}} She defended this by saying of her preference to working with people she is comfortable with.<ref name="Mint" /> Similar thoughts were expressed by the film distributor [[Ramesh Sippy]], who stated that she added prospects to films she starred in.<ref name="An enigma" /> | |||
== In the media == | |||
[[File:Kajol Vogue cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Kajol smiles away from the camera.|Kajol at the Vogue Beauty Awards in 2012. As one of her most distinctive physical features, Kajol's hazel eyes have been identified by the media as her trademark.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.vogue.in/content/kajols-minimal-makeup-will-take-you-under-10-minutes-to-recreate |title=Kajol's minimal makeup will take you under 10 minutes to recreate |last=Sachar |first=Anjana |date=4 October 2018 |work=Vogue India |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112204351/https://www.vogue.in/content/kajols-minimal-makeup-will-take-you-under-10-minutes-to-recreate |url-status=live}}</ref>]] | |||
Known for her impulsive and stubborn nature, Kajol has been described by commentators to have a striking personality.<ref name="Mint" /><ref name="Roshmilla" /> [[Sukanya Verma]] wrote, "Think Kajol, think emotions. Either she is the firebrand or the emotional sensitive type. And sometimes she is pure, wicked fun."<ref>{{cite web |work=Rediff.com |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |title=What do Sridevi, Kajol and Preity have in common? |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/02corner.htm |date=2 December 2004 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517173328/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/02corner.htm |archive-date=17 May 2013}}</ref> While interviewing her for the ''Hindustan Times'' in 2008, the journalist Hiren Kotwani took note of her straightforwardness when she was answering the given questions.<ref name="good" /> ''India Today'' presumed that her outspoken behaviour have contributed in helping her winning film awards,<ref name="Chowdhury, Nandita, Jain, Madhu & Abreu, Robin" /> and further commented, "There is a sparkling spontaneity to Kajol ... Film brats are rapidly tutored on the conventional wisdom of the industry, the line to success that needs to be toed. Maybe Tanuja never taught it, maybe Kajol never listened, for she has abandoned the predictable."<ref name="IT98" /> | |||
Kajol has been criticised for her lack of interest in maintaining her appearance.<ref name="fashion">{{cite news |work=The Hindu |title=Kajol's 15-minute role |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article2840880.ece?css=print |date=29 January 2012 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525202711/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article2840880.ece?css=print |archive-date=25 May 2014}}</ref>{{Sfn|Chaudhuri|2005|p=159}} Gautam Rajadhyaksha stated she was apathetic of hairstyles and clothes, and would be really happy if she was allowed to wear jeans, a white shirt, and a scarf every day.<ref name="An enigma" /> The journalist [[Kaveree Bamzai]] elaborated, "She hardly looks into the mirror, barely even glances at the set monitor, usually the crutch of every insecure actor, puts on make-up only under extreme duress, and ... never watches her old movies."<ref name="India Today" /> Comparing her to [[Shabana Azmi]] and [[Smita Patil]], the producer [[Mahesh Bhatt]] observed that Kajol "may not have [their] earthy sensuality but she has that extra sparkle in her eyes and a kind of energy she generates on screen which make her incredible".<ref name="An enigma" /> ''Filmfare'' however labelled her an "unconventional beauty", adding that she "set her own rules in the '90s".<ref name="Chowdhury, Nandita, Jain, Madhu & Abreu, Robin">{{cite news |url=http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/01031999/arts.html |title=Babes in Bollywood |date=1 March 1999 |work=India Today |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Nandita |last2=Jain |first2=Madhu |last3=Abreu |first3=Robin |access-date=8 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034414/http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/01031999/arts.html |archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |work=Filmfare |title=50 Most Beautiful Indian Faces |url=http://idiva.com/photogallery-entertainment/50-most-beautiful-indian-faces/11401/16 |date=9 March 2012 |access-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419121912/http://idiva.com/photogallery-entertainment/50-most-beautiful-indian-faces/11401/16 |archive-date=19 April 2012}}</ref> | |||
Kajol was listed in Box Office India's "Top Actresses" for five consecutive years (1995–1999), topping the list in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Box Office India |title=Top Actresses |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |access-date=6 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104144753/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |archive-date=4 January 2012}}</ref> In 2001 and 2006, Kajol featured in Rediff.com's annual "Top Bollywood Actresses" listing.<ref>{{cite web |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |work=Rediff.com |title=Top Bollywood actresses of 2001 |date=29 December 2001 |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/dec/29heroin.htm |access-date=5 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022013015/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/dec/29heroin.htm |archive-date=22 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=Rediff.com |title=Top Bollywood actresses of 2006 |date=18 December 2006 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2006/dec/18yrsld5.htm |access-date=5 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221936/http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2006/dec/18yrsld5.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Rediff.com also featured her in other lists: "Best Bollywood Actresses Ever",<ref>{{cite web |author=Sen, Raja |work=Rediff.com |title=Bollywood's best actresses. Ever. |date=6 March 2007 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/women07/2007/mar/06wslid8.htm |access-date=5 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309121441/http://specials.rediff.com/women07/2007/mar/06wslid8.htm |archive-date=9 March 2007}}</ref> "Best Dressed Woman"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/02sld6.htm |title=Bollywood's best dressed women |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |date=2 May 2007 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117013436/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/02sld6.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> and "Top 10 Actresses of 2000–2010".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-top-10-bollywood-actresses-of-the-decade/20110105.htm#1 |title=How The Decade Has Treated These Actresses |date=5 January 2011 |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |work=Rediff.com |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=20 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620082159/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-top-10-bollywood-actresses-of-the-decade/20110105.htm#1 |url-status=live}}</ref> She peaked the fifth position as "the all-time favorite female star" in a 2008 poll conducted by ''Outlook''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Starship Enterprise |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |date=13–19 May 2008 |magazine=Outlook |page=31 |volume=48 |issue=20}}</ref> In 2012, Kajol was placed at the fourth position by NDTV in the listing of "The Most Popular Actress of All Time", behind [[Madhuri Dixit]], Sridevi and [[Meena Kumari]], and [[Yahoo!]] featured her as "one of the ten most iconic beauties of Hindi cinema".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/10-iconic-and-eternal-beauties-of-bollywood-slideshow/actress-photo-1339137399.html |title=10 iconic and eternal beauties of Bollywood |date=8 June 2012 |publisher=Yahoo! India Lifestyle |access-date=12 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611035908/http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/10-iconic-and-eternal-beauties-of-bollywood-slideshow/actress-photo-1339137399.html |archive-date=11 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/photos/most-popular-actresses-of-all-time-slideshow/most-popular-actresses-of-all-time-photo-1339488684.html |title=Most popular actresses of all time |date=12 June 2012 |publisher=Yahoo! India Movies |access-date=12 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615214012/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/photos/most-popular-actresses-of-all-time-slideshow/most-popular-actresses-of-all-time-photo-1339488684.html |archive-date=15 June 2012}}</ref> Kajol was included on ''[[Forbes India]]''{{'}}s "Celebrity 100", a list based on the income and popularity of India's celebrities, in 2012, 2013 and 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile/kajol/1439/114 |title=Kajol |work=Forbes India |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117193924/https://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile/kajol/1439/114 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2017-celebrity-100/1665/all |title=2017 Celebrity 100 |work=Forbes India |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222162711/http://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2017-celebrity-100/1665/all |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 2002, Kajol was presented with the Rajiv Gandhi Awards by the Mumbai Pradesh Youth Congress.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/shahrukh-aishwarya-and-kajol-get-rajiv-gandhi-awards_54596.html |title=Shahrukh, Aishwarya and Kajol get Rajiv Gandhi Awards |date=19 August 2002 |publisher=Zee News |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113133009/https://zeenews.india.com/home/shahrukh-aishwarya-and-kajol-get-rajiv-gandhi-awards_54596.html |url-status=live}}</ref> She was one of the four Bollywood actors, alongside [[Priyanka Chopra]], [[Hrithik Roshan]] and Shah Rukh Khan, whose miniature dolls were launched in the United Kingdom, under the name of "Bollywood Legends" in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |last=Banerjee |first=Akanksha |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kajol-hrithik-on-london-streets/21700-8.html |title=Kajol, Hrithik on London streets |publisher=IBNLive |date=16 September 2006 |access-date=25 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104001800/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kajol-hrithik-on-london-streets/21700-8.html |archive-date=4 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/872242.its-a-doll-but-not-as-we-know-it/ |title=Bollywood legends to go 'on sale' in UK |agency=Press Trust of India |work=Hindustan Times |date=25 July 2006 |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120050131/https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/872242.its-a-doll-but-not-as-we-know-it/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol and Khan also became the first Indian actors to be invited by [[NASDAQ]] to open the [[NYSE American]] for promoting their film, ''My Name Is Khan'' (2010).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/SRK-Kajol-ring-the-NASDAQ-bell/article16811739.ece |title=SRK, Kajol ring the NASDAQ bell |agency=Press Trust of India |date=1 February 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118123622/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/SRK-Kajol-ring-the-NASDAQ-bell/article16811739.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/SRK-and-Kajol-to-ring-the-NASDAQ-bell/article16840560.ece |title=SRK and Kajol to ring the NASDAQ bell |agency=Press Trust of India |date=30 January 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=12 November 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121021301/http://www.thehindu.com/news/srk-and-kajol-to-ring-the-nasdaq-bell/article97383.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> In the next year, the [[Government of India]] honoured her with the [[Padma Shri]], the fourth highest civilian honour of the country, for her contribution to India's cinema.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Padma-awards-go-filmy/Article1-680510.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125110518/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Padma-awards-go-filmy/Article1-680510.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2013 |title=Padma awards go filmy |work=Hindustan Times |date=2 April 2011 |access-date=12 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Padma-Awards-presented-to-64/article14666936.ece |title=Padma Awards presented to 64 |date=2 April 2011 |work=The Hindu |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=9 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909092730/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Padma-Awards-presented-to-64/article14666936.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[List of chief ministers of Maharashtra|Chief Minister of Maharashtra]] [[Devendra Fadnavis]] honoured her with the Swabhimani Mumbaikar Awards.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/ajay-devgn-kajol-preity-zinta-honoured-at-swabhimani-mumbaikar-awards-2834157/ |title=Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Preity Zinta honoured at Swabhimani Mumbaikar Awards |date=4 June 2016 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113130906/https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/ajay-devgn-kajol-preity-zinta-honoured-at-swabhimani-mumbaikar-awards-2834157/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol unveiled her wax statue at Singapore's [[Madame Tussauds]] museum in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/05/25/bollywood-actress-kajol-unveils-wax-figure-at-madame-tussauds-singapore.html |title=Bollywood actress Kajol unveils wax figure at Madame Tussauds Singapore |date=25 May 2018 |work=[[The Jakarta Post]] |access-date=13 November 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116034932/https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/05/25/bollywood-actress-kajol-unveils-wax-figure-at-madame-tussauds-singapore.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== See also == | |||
{{Portal|Bollywood}} | |||
* [[List of Indian film actresses]] | |||
* [[List of Bengali actresses]] | |||
== References == | |||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
{{ | |||
== Bibliography == | |||
{{refbegin|2}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Anjaria |first=Ulka |date=4 March 2021 |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |title=Understanding Bollywood: The Grammar of Hindi Cinema |isbn=978-1-00-034729-6 |url=https://www.google.co.id/books/edition/Understanding_Bollywood/XHwSEAAAQBAJ}} | |||
* {{cite book |url=https://www.google.co.id/books/edition/Reading_Bollywood/saXtCwAAQBAJ |title=Reading 'Bollywood': The Young Audience and Hindi Films |date=2006 |last=Banaji |first=S. |isbn=978-0-230-50120-1 |publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]]}} | |||
* {{cite book |last1=Chaudhuri |first1=Shantanu Ray |last2=Nayak |first2=Prashanto Kumar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ztpkAAAAMAAJ |title=Icons from Bollywood |year=2005 |publisher=[[Puffin Books]] |isbn=978-0-14-333491-0}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Chaudhuri |first=Shohini |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qOXoeyesZOIC |title=Contemporary World Cinema: Europe, the Middle East, East Asia And South Asia |year=2005 |publisher=[[Edinburgh University Press]] |isbn=978-0-7486-1799-9}} | |||
* {{cite book |last1=Cunningham |first1=Stuart |last2=Sinclair |first2=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XVLmHk-_VbYC&q=Kuch+Kuch+Hota+Hai+tomboy |title=Floating Lives: The Media and Asian Diasporas |publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-7425-1136-1}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Dawar |first=Ramesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TO6Fmi8FraUC |title=Bollywood Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow |date=2006 |publisher=Star Publications |isbn=978-1-905863-01-3}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Dwyer |first=Rachel |author-link=Rachel Dwyer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M6VlAAAAMAAJ |title=All You Want is Money, All You Need is Love: Sexuality and Romance in Modern India |year=2000 |publisher=[[Cassell (publisher)|Cassell]] |isbn=978-0-304-70321-0}} | |||
* {{cite book |last1=Edwards |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Bhaumik |first2=Kaushik |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HEjJwIr0qUMC |title=Visual Sense: A Cultural Reader |date=15 December 2008 |publisher=[[Berg Publishers]] |isbn=978-1-84520-740-3}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Haiderali |first=Karim |date=1 June 2003 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WWlMnPIeGIQC&q=Kuch+Kuch+Hota+Hai+tomboy |title=The Media of Diaspora |publisher=Psychology Press |isbn=978-0-415-27930-7}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Ganti |first=Tejaswini |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hb83FwNGuR4C&pg=PA210 |title=Producing Bollywood: Inside the Contemporary Hindi Film Industry |date=16 February 2012 |publisher=[[Duke University Press]] |isbn=978-0-8223-5213-6}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Patrick Colm |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O1yubyUWGuMC |title=Understanding Indian Movies: Culture, Cognition, and Cinematic Imagination |date=3 June 2009 |publisher=[[University of Texas Press]] |isbn=978-0-292-77955-6}} | |||
* {{cite book |last1=Viswamohan |first1=Aysha Iqbal |last2=Tom |first2=Liza |editor1-last=Viswamohan |editor1-first=Aysha Iqbal |editor2-last=Wilkinson |editor2-first=Clare M. |title=Stardom in Contemporary Hindi Cinema: Celebrity and Fame in Globalized Times |date=3 January 2020 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-981-15-0191-3 |pages=15–30 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MfbHDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA17 |language=en}} | |||
* {{cite book |last1=Iyengar |first1=Niranjan |author-link1=Niranjan Iyengar |editor1-last=Patel |editor1-first=Bhaichand |title=Bollywood's Top 20 Superstars of Indian Cinema |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-670-08572-9 |date=2012 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RQL4dkVAnPIC |language=en}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Liz |first=Gogerly |editor-last=Adams |editor-first=Julia |url=https://archive.org/details/bollywoodstars0000goge/page/22/mode/2up?q=Kajol |title=21st Century Lives: Bollywood Stars |year=2010 |publisher=Wayland |location=Sydney Australia |isbn=978-0-7502-6206-4}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=McNally |first=Karen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LAOzV2hJri8C |title=Billy Wilder, Movie-Maker: Critical Essays on the Films |date=16 December 2010 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-4211-9}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Pomerance |first=Murray |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1p8UXcwm2lkC&q=Karan+Arjun+1995+reincarnation |title=Where the Boys Are: Cinemas of Masculinity and Youth |date=18 January 2005 |publisher=[[Wayne State University Press]] |isbn=978-0-8143-3666-3}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Vasudevan |first=Ravi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f_JkAAAAMAAJ |title=Making Meaning in Indian Cinema |year=2000 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-564545-3}} | |||
{{refend}} | |||
== External links == | |||
* {{IMDb name|0004418}} | |||
* {{Bollywood Hungama person|kajol}} | |||
{{Navboxes | |||
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[[Category: | |||
[[Category:1974 births]] | |||
[[Category:Living people]] | [[Category:Living people]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Actresses from Kolkata]] | ||
[[Category:Actresses from Mumbai]] | |||
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]] | |||
[[Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema]] | |||
[[Category:Bengali actresses]] | |||
[[Category:Bengali Hindus]] | |||
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]] | |||
[[Category:Indian Hindus]] | |||
[[Category:Marathi people]] | |||
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]] | |||
[[Category:Screen Awards winners]] | |||
[[Category:Zee Cine Awards winners]] | |||
[[Category:20th-century Indian actresses]] | |||
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]] | |||