Kajal Aggarwal: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}

| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1985|06|19|df=y}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Kajal Agarwal takes a break on her birthday |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kajal-Aggarwal-takes-a-break-on-her-birthday/articleshow/14267750.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325013449/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kajal-Aggarwal-takes-a-break-on-her-birthday/articleshow/14267750.cms |archive-date=25 March 2016 |access-date=29 June 2019 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=19 June 2012}}</ref>

| birth_place        = [[Bombay]], [[Maharashtra]], India<ref name="kajalbirth" />

| occupation        = {{hlist|Model|actress}}

'''Kajal Aggarwal''' (born 19 June 1985) is an Indian actress and model who mainly appears in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] language films, in addition to a few [[Hindi]] films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/printarticle.aspx?277580 |title=If You're Willing, She's Reddy |author=T.S. SUDHIR |publisher=OutlookIndia.com |access-date=18 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711223009/http://outlookindia.com/printarticle.aspx?277580 |archive-date=11 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-16/news-interviews/31345560_1_kannada-film-industry-indian-film-local-girl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712065731/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-16/news-interviews/31345560_1_kannada-film-industry-indian-film-local-girl |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 July 2013 |title=South's top earning heroines |author=Sunayana Suresh |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=16 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/Kajal-Most-wanted-imagegallery-tollywood-kcxsq9fghaf.html |title=Kajal: Most wanted |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=12 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116132555/http://www.sify.com/movies/Kajal-Most-wanted-imagegallery-tollywood-kcxsq9fghaf.html |archive-date=16 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Aggarwal has worked in [[Kajal Aggarwal filmography|more than 50 films]] and also received two [[South Indian International Movie Awards]].

Aggarwal made her acting debut with the 2004 Hindi film ''[[Kyun! Ho Gaya Na...]]'' and had her first Telugu film release in 2007, ''[[Lakshmi Kalyanam (2007 film)|Lakshmi Kalyanam]]''. In the same year, she starred in the box office hit ''[[Chandamama (2007 film)|Chandamama]]'', which earned her recognition. The 2009 Telugu [[Fantasy film|fantasy]] [[Action film|action]] film ''[[Magadheera]]'' marked a turning point in her career, earning her critical acclaim. It ranks among the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Telugu films of all time]] and fetched her Best Actress nominations at several award ceremonies including [[Filmfare|South Filmfare Awards]].<ref name="awards.filmfare.com">{{Cite web |title=57th Filmfare Awards South Nominations&nbsp;— Telugu |url=http://awards.filmfare.com/telegu.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314174545/http://awards.filmfare.com/telegu.php |archive-date=14 March 2011 |access-date=16 August 2015 |website=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/magadhera-wins-6-filmfare-awards-news-telugu-kkguRAfifbbsi.html |title=Magadhera wins 6 Filmfare awards |date=9 August 2010 |access-date=12 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112052048/http://www.sify.com/movies/magadhera-wins-6-filmfare-awards-news-telugu-kkguRAfifbbsi.html |archive-date=12 November 2014 |url-status=dead |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>

 

She subsequently starred in Telugu films such as ''[[Darling (2010 film)|Darling]]'' (2010), ''[[Brindavanam (2010 film)|Brindavanam]]'' (2010), ''[[Mr. Perfect (film)|Mr. Perfect]]'' (2011), ''[[Businessman (film)|Businessman]]'' (2012), ''[[Naayak]]'' (2013), ''[[Baadshah (2013 film)|Baadshah]]'' (2013), ''[[Govindudu Andarivadele]]'' (2014), ''[[Temper (film)|Temper]]'' (2015) and ''[[Khaidi No. 150]]'' (2017).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/dec/29/slide-show-1-south-2009s-top-telugu-actresses.htm |title=Top Telugu actresses |publisher=Rediff |access-date=29 December 2009 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511151510/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/dec/29/slide-show-1-south-2009s-top-telugu-actresses.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref> Kajal also played the female lead in the high-profile Tamil projects ''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (2010 film)|Naan Mahaan Alla]]'' (2010), ''[[Maattrraan]]'' (2012), ''[[Thuppakki]]'' (2012), ''[[Jilla]]'' (2014), ''[[Vivegam]]'' (2017) and ''[[Mersal (film)|Mersal]]'' (2017).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamilkey.com/kajal-breaks-the-jinx.html |title=Kajal breaks the jinx! |publisher=Tamilkey.com |date=19 November 2012 |access-date=8 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120044059/http://www.tamilkey.com/kajal-breaks-the-jinx.html |archive-date=20 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> She made a comeback to [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]] with ''[[Singham]]'' (2011), which was a hit, while another film ''[[Special 26]]'' (2013) was also a box office success.<ref name="Rediff.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2011/aug/01singham-declared-big-hit-at-box-office.htm |title=Singham declared big hit at box office |work=Rediff.com |date=1 August 2011 |access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref><ref>[http://bollyspice.com/55067/special-chabbis-and-abcd-perform-decently-at-the-box-office Special Chabbis and ABCD A Hit!]. BollySpice (13 February 2013). Retrieved 13 July 2013.</ref>

Aggarwal was born and raised in a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] [[Hindus|Hindu]] family settled in [[Bombay]] (present-day Mumbai).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/I-dont-cross-the-border-with-my-co-stars-Kajal-Aggarwal/articleshow/18349237.cms |title=I don't cross the border with my co-stars: Kajal Aggarwal |website=The Times of India |access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> Her father Suman Aggarwal, is an entrepreneur in the textile business and her mother Vinay Aggarwal is a confectioner,<ref name="kajalbirth">{{cite news |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2011/jun/020611-Tollywood-star-Kajal-Agarwal-opposite-Ajay-Devgn-Singham.htm |title=Kajal Agarwal: I am here to stay... |newspaper=Mid-Day |author=Mauli Singh |access-date=2 June 2011}}</ref> and also Kajal's business manager. Kajal has a younger sister [[Nisha Aggarwal]], an actress in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam cinema.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-nisha-agarwal-on-emaindi-ee-vela/20101111.htm |title=Kajal Agarwal's sister takes the plunge |publisher=Rediff |access-date=11 November 2010}}</ref>

Aggarwal studied at [[St. Anne's High School, Fort, Mumbai]], and completed her pre-university education at [[Jai Hind College]].<ref name="kajaledu">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-kajal-agarwal-interview-on-singham/20110713.htm |title=Meet Ajay Devgn's love in Singh |work=Rediff.com |date=13 July 2011 |access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref> She pursued her graduation in mass media, with specialisation in marketing and advertising, from [[Kishinchand Chellaram College]].<ref name="kajaledu" /><ref>{{cite news |author=Gaurav Malani |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-11/news-interviews/29760519_1_hindi-films-rohit-shetty-south-actress |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113111630/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-11/news-interviews/29760519_1_hindi-films-rohit-shetty-south-actress |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 November 2013 |title=Salman should do Magadheera remake: Kajal |date=11 July 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=4 August 2012}}</ref> Having harboured MBA dreams all through her growing years, she intends to achieve a post-graduation degree soon.<ref name="kajalmodel">{{cite web |author=Friday,10 August 2012 |url=http://morningcable.com/happy-new-year-2012/hot-buzz/15470-kajal-says-%E2%80%98life-has-planned-films-for-her%E2%80%99.html |title=Kajal says, 'Life has planned films for her. ' |publisher=Morningcable.com |date=16 July 2011 |access-date=10 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113121521/http://www.morningcable.com/happy-new-year-2012/hot-buzz/15470-kajal-says-%e2%80%98life-has-planned-films-for-her%e2%80%99.html |archive-date=13 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Aggarwal made a comeback to Tamil cinema later that year with two high-profile action flicks. The first was ''[[Maattrraan]]'', directed by [[K. V. Anand]] and starring [[Suriya]]. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Her performance was well received; a review carried by ''The Indian Express'' summarised: "Kajal does with utmost sincerity as the foreign language translator Anjali. It's this trait and her graceful demeanour which makes Kajal a pleasant watch".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/article1298601.ece |title='Maattrraan' (Tamil) |author=Malini Mannath |newspaper=The Indian Express |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> {{Quote box|width=30%|align=Left|quote=I prefer Telugu film industry as women are respected more than they are in the Tamil film industry. In Tamil cinema, they care only about their hero. Of course, I don't give a shit and go and sit in my van|source= Aggarwal about the ''difference'' she felt between Telugu and Tamil industry.<ref name=TOI>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/I-dont-cross-the-border-with-my-co-stars-Kajal-Aggarwal/articleshow/18349237.cms |title=I don't cross the border with my co-stars: Kajal Aggarwal |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref>}} The second was [[A. R. Murugadoss]]'s ''[[Thuppakki]]'', starring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], in which she played a [[women's boxing|boxer]]. It received mostly positive reviews from the critics and was a major commercial success, becoming the second Tamil film ever to collect over {{INRconvert|1|b}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-film-thuppakki-enters-rs-100-crore-club/307482-71-174.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128045433/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-film-thuppakki-enters-rs-100-crore-club/307482-71-174.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 November 2012 |title=Tamil film 'Thuppakki' enters Rs 100 crore club |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=26 November 2012}}</ref> Her final release in 2012 was the Telugu romance film ''[[Sarocharu]]'', opposite Ravi Teja for the second time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-23/news-interviews/31813724_1_ravi-teja-kajal-aggarwal-producer-ashwini-dutt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928034512/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-23/news-interviews/31813724_1_ravi-teja-kajal-aggarwal-producer-ashwini-dutt |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2013 |title=Kajal to pair opposite Ravi Teja |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=23 May 2012 |access-date=5 June 2012}}</ref> Although her performance was praised by critics, the film received poor reviews and did below-average business at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://123telugu.com/slideshow/movies/B/Box_Office_Report_30_12_2012/Box_Office_Report_Sarocharu4.html |title=Box office report |publisher=123telugu.com |date=1 January 1998 |access-date=8 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102231523/http://123telugu.com/slideshow/movies/B/Box_Office_Report_30_12_2012/Box_Office_Report_Sarocharu4.html |archive-date=2 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In early 2013, Aggarwal starred in [[V. V. Vinayak]]'s action film ''[[Naayak]]'', opposite [[Ram Charan Teja]] and [[Amala Paul]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/charanvinayak-film-for-mass-and-class-audiences/260269-71-216.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526013029/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/charanvinayak-film-for-mass-and-class-audiences/260269-71-216.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 May 2012 |title=Ram Charan-VV Vinayak film is for both the mass and class audiences |publisher=CNN-IBN |date=1 June 2012 |access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref> Upon release, it received positive reviews and was a major commercial success.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cinejosh.com/telugu-movie-news/25655/naayak-n-svsc-reminding-1997-n-2000.html |title=Naayak n SVSC Reminding 1997 n 2000 |publisher=cinejosh.com |access-date=17 January 2013 |archive-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119142017/http://www.cinejosh.com/telugu-movie-news/25655/naayak-n-svsc-reminding-1997-n-2000.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> Also that year, she starred in the [[Hindi]] film ''[[Special 26]]'', a heist drama directed by [[Neeraj Pandey]]. It went on to be a major critical and commercial success.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/443276/20130307/special-26-box-office-collection-akshay-starrer.htm |title='Special 26' Box Office Collection: Akshay Starrer Beats 'Khiladi 786', 'Rowdy Rathore' at Domestic BO |work=International Business Times |access-date=7 March 2013 |date=7 March 2013 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102184456/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/443276/20130307/special-26-box-office-collection-akshay-starrer.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>

She later appeared in [[Srinu Vaitla]]'s ''[[Baadshah (2013 film)|Baadshah]]'', opposite Jr. NTR for the second time in her career. Upon its release, critics appreciated her performance. ''The Times of India'' commented: "Kajal is as usual an eye-candy. She's got a good role and has done justice to her performance. Also she looks stunning in the songs."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-05/news-interviews/38306228_1_film-baadshah-ntr-fans-director-sreenu-vaitla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408053040/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-05/news-interviews/38306228_1_film-baadshah-ntr-fans-director-sreenu-vaitla |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |title=Baadshah Telugu movie review highlights |access-date=5 April 2013}}</ref> The film was a financial success.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://123telugu.com/slideshow/movies/B/Box_Office_Report_29_4_2013/Box_Office_Report_Baadshah3.html |title=Box office report |publisher=123telugu.com |access-date=29 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501235940/http://123telugu.com/slideshow/movies/B/Box_Office_Report_29_4_2013/Box_Office_Report_Baadshah3.html |archive-date=1 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Her final release in 2013 was ''[[All in All Azhagu Raja]]'', opposite [[Karthi]], which released on [[Diwali]] to negative reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/039all-in-all-azhaguraja039-review-roundup-joke-is-on-audiences-519090 |title='All in All Azhaguraja' Review Roundup: Joke is on Audiences |author=IBTimes Staff |website=ibtimes.co.in |access-date=2 April 2018 |date=3 November 2013}}</ref>

In early 2014, Aggarwal starred in [[R. T. Neason]]'s masala film ''[[Jilla]]'', in which she played a police officer. She then featured in a cameo appearance in the Telugu action thriller film ''[[Yevadu]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Kajal-in-Ram-Charans-Yevadu/articleshow/15490191.cms? |title=Kajal in Ram Charan's Yevadu |website=The Times of India |access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> Her next release was [[Krishna Vamsi]]'s family drama ''[[Govindudu Andarivadele]]'', which released in October to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Govindudu-Andarivadele-opens-to-positive-reviews/articleshow/43983722.cms |title=Govindudu Andarivadele opens to positive reviews |website=The Times of India |access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> It grossed {{INRConvert|417|m}} at the box office and became one of the highest grossing Telugu films of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-ram-charans-govindudu-andarivadele-gav-mints-over-41-crore-612912 |title=Box Office Collection: Ram Charan's 'Govindudu Andarivadele' (GAV) Mints over ₹41 Crore |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=3 November 2014 |access-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103100900/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-ram-charans-govindudu-andarivadele-gav-mints-over-41-crore-612912 |archive-date=3 November 2014}}</ref>

Aggarwal's first release of 2015 was in the Telugu action film ''[[Temper (film)|Temper]]'', directed by [[Puri Jagannadh]], alongside [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.|NTR Jr]]. The film received positive responses from critics and was a commercial success at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/temper-review-round-jr-ntr-gets-thumbs-critics-623400 |title='Temper' Review Round Up: Jr. NTR Gets Thumbs Up from Critics |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=13 February 2015 |access-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213120804/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/temper-review-round-jr-ntr-gets-thumbs-critics-623400 |archive-date=13 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/temper-box-office-collection-junior-ntr-starrer-gross-66-75-crore-worldwide-625021 |title='Temper' Box Office Collection: Junior NTR Starrer Gross ₹66.75 Crore Worldwide |website=International Business Times |access-date=2 March 2015 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303045340/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/temper-box-office-collection-junior-ntr-starrer-gross-66-75-crore-worldwide-625021 |archive-date=3 March 2015}}</ref> Aggarwal played an animal lover and on her performance, a critic from ''[[The Times of India]]'' said: "Despite her limited role, the actress does well".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Temper/movie-review/46235000.cms |title=Temper Movie Review |author=Hemanth Kumar |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=13 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213160021/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Temper/movie-review/46235000.cms |archive-date=13 February 2015}}</ref>

Next, she featured in two Tamil films, working with industry-leading actors and directors. In July 2015 she was seen as an entrepreneur in [[Balaji Mohan]]'s gangster comedy film ''[[Maari (film)|Maari]]'', opposite [[Dhanush]]. Critics rated it as a "regular masala movie" and ''[[Rediff]]'' noted: "Kajal Aggarwal does have a significant role to play, but their onscreen chemistry just does not work".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-maari-is-uninspiring/20150720.htm |title=Review: Maari is uninspiring |publisher=Rediff |access-date=20 July 2015}}</ref> The film became a commercial success.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/07/28/danushs-maari-mints-him-an-8-million-50-crore-box-office-birthday-gift/ |title=Dhanush's 'Maari' Mints Him An $8 Million / 50 Crore Box Office Birthday Gift |author=Rob Cain |magazine=Forbes |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> Her other release, [[Suseenthiran]]'s action film ''[[Paayum Puli (2015 film)|Paayum Puli]]'', alongside [[Vishal (actor)|Vishal]], received mixed reviews and failed at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/paayum-puli-box-office-collection-jayam-ravis-thani-oruvan-takes-toll-vishals-film-business-645780 |title='Paayum Puli' Box Office Collection: Jayam Ravi's 'Thani Oruvan' Takes Toll on Vishal's Film Business |website=International Business Times |access-date=8 September 2015 |date=8 September 2015}}</ref> Reviewers criticised her character stating: "badly written and has nothing more to do with the script"<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/paayum-puli-review-suseenthiran-takes-a-tried-and-tested-script-to-make-it-look-fresh/1/465817.html |title=Paayum Puli review: Suseenthiran takes a tried-and-tested script to make it look fresh |magazine=India Today |access-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905012315/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/paayum-puli-review-suseenthiran-takes-a-tried-and-tested-script-to-make-it-look-fresh/1/465817.html |archive-date=5 September 2015}}</ref> She also did a cameo appearance in the bilingual romantic comedy film ''[[Size Zero (film)|Size Zero]]''.

The year 2016 saw Aggarwal appear in two high-profile Telugu films. She played the lead female role, marking her first collaboration with [[Pawan Kalyan]], in the masala film ''[[Sardaar Gabbar Singh]]'', directed by [[K. S. Ravindra]]. Critical reaction of the film was mixed to negative, though Aggarwal's performance was positive. A reviewer from the ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' wrote: "Kajal Aggarwal plays the perfect princess and looks beautiful and elegant. In fact, she is a breath of air in the film".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/090416/sardar-gabbar-singh-movie-review-strictly-for-pk-fans.html |title=Sardar Gabbar Singh movie review: Strictly for PK fans |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|900|m}} worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sardar-gabbar-singh-box-office-collection-pawan-kalyan-starrer-may-not-cross-rs-100-crore-mark-675452 |title='Sardar Gabbar Singh' box office collection: Pawan Kalyan starrer may not cross Rs. 100 crore mark |website=International Business Times |access-date=20 April 2016 |date=20 April 2016}}</ref> Her second Telugu release was [[Srikanth Addala]]'s family drama ''[[Brahmotsavam (film)|Brahmotsavam]]'', opposite [[Mahesh Babu]], which was a major critical and commercial failure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=IANS |title=Mahesh Babu takes full responsibility for Brahmotsavam flop |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Mahesh-Babu-takes-full-responsibility-for-Brahmotsavam-flop/article60509392.ece |access-date=2 May 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=28 May 2016 |language=en-IN}}</ref> Among the female leads, her performance as a "new age girl" was well received, despite the role having a limited screen time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chowdhary |first1=Y. Sunita |title=Brahmotsavam: Stale story, weak treatment |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/despite-a-huge-star-cast-and-good-performances-the-movie-meanders-in-a-meaningless-way/article8625503.ece |access-date=21 May 2016 |work=The Hindu |date=20 May 2016 |language=en-IN}}</ref> She next starred opposite [[Randeep Hooda]] in the romantic drama Hindi film ''[[Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (film)|Do Lafzon Ki Kahani]]''. The film received moderate reviews.

In late July 2016, she signed to perform her first [[item number]] in [[Koratala Siva]]'s ''[[Janatha Garage]]'', starring [[Mohanlal]], Jr NTR, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and [[Nithya Menen]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kavirayani |first1=Suresh |title=Kajal Aggarwal to Shake a leg with Jr NTR! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/300716/kajal-aggarwal-to-shake-a-leg-with-jr-ntr.html |access-date=11 March 2020 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=30 July 2016 |language=en}}</ref> The shooting of the song took place in mid-August 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kajal Aggarwal's special song shoot at night |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/190816/kajal-aggarwals-item-song-shoot-at-night.html |access-date=11 March 2020 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=19 August 2016 |language=en}}</ref> That song, titled "Pakka Local", was well received by the audience.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/check-out-kajals-avatar-in-Pakka-Local/articleshow/53898362.cms |title=Check out kajal's avatar in Pakka Local |date=16 January 2017 |work=The Times of India |access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> In October 2016, the much delayed Hindi film ''[[Final Cut of Director]]'' released, which was supposed to mark her lead debut.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/nana-patekar-plays-a-director-in-final-cut-imagegallery-0-bollywood-omutGPeaabidi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429100638/https://www.sify.com/movies/nana-patekar-plays-a-director-in-final-cut-imagegallery-0-bollywood-omutGPeaabidi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 April 2022 |title=Nana Patekar plays a director in 'Final Cut' |work=Sify |access-date=29 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Aravind |first=C. V. |date=11 February 2012 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/226371/taking-glamourous-route-success.html |title=Taking the glamourous &#91;sic&#93; route to success |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=29 April 2022}}</ref> The film was dubbed in Tamil and released eight years earlier as ''Bommalattam''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 December 2008 |title=Bommalattam |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/bommalattam-review-tamil-pclwPSebieidi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731014444/http://www.sify.com/movies/bommalattam-review-tamil-pclwPSebieidi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 July 2015 |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=29 April 2022}}</ref> Her next release, ''[[Kavalai Vendam]]'', received mixed to positive reviews, but her performance was praised by critics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saraswathi |first1=S. |title=Review: Kavalai Vendam is a fun film |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-kavalai-vendam-is-a-fun-film/20161124.htm |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=Rediff |date=24 November 2016 |language=en}}</ref> In December 2016, she signed for [[Vijay61|Vijay 61]], starring opposite [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/kajal-aggarwal-to-pair-up-with-vijay-for-his-61st-film-4481412/ |title=Kajal Aggarwal to pair up with Vijay for his 61st film |date=19 January 2017 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref>

Aggarwal's first 2017 release was the [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action drama]] film ''[[Khaidi No. 150]]'', starring opposite [[Chiranjeevi]]. It received mostly positive reviews and turned out to be a commercial success,<ref>{{cite news |title=Khaidi No 150 Movie Review, Box Office Collection, Story, Synopsis, Trailer, Cast & Crew |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/previews/khaidi-no-150-movie-review-box-office-story-synopsis-trailer-cast-crew-khaidi-no-150-review/articleshow/56468780.cms |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=The Times of India |date=13 January 2017 |language=en}}</ref> with Aggarwal's performance praised by critics.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} In January 2017, in a poll conducted by the Hyderabad Times, she topped the list of Most Desirable Women 2016.<ref name="indiatimes.com">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/most-desirable-woman-2016-kajal-aggarwal/articleshow/56854697.cms |title=Most Desirable Woman 2016: Kajal Aggarwal |website=The Times of India |access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref>

In 2018, Aggarwal had a leading role in the Telugu film [[MLA (2018 Telugu film)|MLA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/mla/movie-review/63427634.cms|title=MLA Telugu Movie Review {3/5}: Entertaining, 'time-pass' kind of a film to watch along with your family|website=The Times of India|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> In April 2018, she signed to a Telugu film which also features [[Ravi Teja]], marking her third collaboration with the actor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ravi-teja-to-romance-kajal-aggarwal/articleshow/63952056.cms"Ravi |title=Teja to romance Kajal Aggarwal |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aggarwal-Ravi Teja set for hat trick! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/280418/kajal-aggarwal-ravi-teja-set-for-hat-trick.html"Kajal |access-date=11 March 2020 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://regional.pinkvilla.com/telugu/news/kajal-aggarwal-confirms-part-telugu-remake-theri-starring-ravi-teja/ |title=Kajal Aggarwal confirms signing Telugu remake of Vijay's Theri starring Ravi Teja |website=pinkvilla.com}}</ref> She also starred in ''[[Awe (film)|Awe]]'', where she played a troubled woman. Aggarwal later bagged a role in ''[[Kavacham (2018 film)|Kavacham]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=David |title=Kajal Aggarwal's Kavacham set for digital premiere on Viu |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kajal-aggarwals-kavacham-set-digital-premiere-viu-799384 |access-date=14 March 2020 |work=International Business Times, India Edition |date=11 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

Kajal made her pregnancy official with an Instagram post and was also confirmed by her husband shortly. She gave birth to a boy on 19 April 2022, named Neil.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kajal Aggarwal and Her Husband Gautam Kitchlu Welcome a Baby Boy: Reports |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kajal-aggarwal-and-her-husband-gautam-kitchlu-welcome-a-baby-boy-reports-5014171.html |access-date=19 April 2022 |work=News18 |date=19 April 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tyagi |first1=Karuna |title=Kajal Aggarwal, Gautam Kitchlu Name Their Son Neil. See Adorable Post |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kajal-aggarwal-gautam-kitchlu-name-their-son-neil-see-adorable-post-2903164 |access-date=29 April 2022 |publisher=NDTV |date=20 April 2022}}</ref>

Aggarwal endorses a large number of brands. Before starting her film career, she had acted in commercials as a model. She represents [[Celebrity Cricket League]] as a brand ambassador.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1626992/Kajal-Aggarwal-to-be-the-face-of-CCL |title=Bollywood News Kajal Aggarwal to be the face of CCL |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=5 December 2012 |date=5 December 2012}}</ref> In April 2012, Aggarwal was announced as the brand ambassador for [[Panasonic]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/marketing/article1611751.ece |title=Panasonic plans to invest Rs 600 cr on marketing |newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2013, Aggarwal was signed by [[Dabur]] as the brand ambassador of its hair oil brand Dabur Amla Nelli Hair Oil.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-03-11/news/37623985_1_dabur-amla-dabur-india-homegrown-fmcg |title=Dabur signs actor Kajal Agarwal as face of Amla in South India |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=11 March 2013 |date=11 March 2013}}</ref> She also endorses Green Trends, a salon brand in India.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/cavinkare-s-saloon-chain-signs-kajal-agarwal-as-brand-ambassador-113070100550_1.html |title=CavinKare's saloon chain signs Kajal Agarwal as brand ambassador |newspaper=Business Standard |access-date=1 July 2013}}</ref> She's also associated with PETA and 'Giving Back' NGO.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajal-agarwal-now-face-of-giving-back-ngo-india-2014/ |title=Kajal the face of giving back NGO |newspaper=The Indian Express}}</ref> She has featured in television advertisements along with [[Karthi]], endorsing Bru instant coffee.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.supergoodmovies.com/33674/kollywood/karthi-and-kajal-agarwal-for-bru-news-details |title=Karthi and Kajal Agarwal for Bru |access-date=1 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202131331/http://www.supergoodmovies.com/33674/kollywood/karthi-and-kajal-agarwal-for-bru-news-details |archive-date=2 December 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> She has endorsed mobile brands such as [[Samsung Mobile]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://whatslatest.com/blog/?p=19571 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119115150/http://whatslatest.com/blog/?p=19571 |url-status=dead |title=Kajal Aggarwal Ad for Samsung |archive-date=19 November 2011 |website=whatslatest.com |access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref> Poorvika Mobiles<ref>{{cite news |last=PTI |date=10 October 2017 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/mobile-retailer-poorvika-mobiles-ropes-in-actress-kajal-agarwal-as-its-brand-ambassador-4129089.html |title=Poorvika ropes in Kajal |newspaper=The First Post |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> and has featured in advertisements for the Secunderabad-based The Chennai Shopping Mall. She endorses several retail and jewellery stores in south India – RS Brothers in [[Hyderabad]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/photos/entertainment-kajal-aggarwal-birthday-special-10-drop-dead-gorgeous-photos-of-singham-actress-that-will-blow-away-your-mind-528340 |title=Kajal Aggarwal the new face of RS Brothers |publisher=Indian TV}}</ref> Chennai Silks, Sri Lakshmi Jewellery AVR in [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://brandstop.in/sri-lakshmi-jewelery-ropes-in-anoushka-shetty-and-kajal-agarwal/ |title=Sri Lakshmi {{Sic|Jewel|ery |hide=y}} Ropes in Anoushka Shetty and Kajal Agarwal. &#124; Brand Stop |publisher=Brandstop.in |access-date=10 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709205836/http://brandstop.in/sri-lakshmi-jewelery-ropes-in-anoushka-shetty-and-kajal-agarwal/ |archive-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> in [[Pondicherry]], Malabar Jewellery, Khazana Jewellery. She is the brand ambassador for [[Lux (soap)|Lux]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maastars.com/133171/kajal-agarwal-as-lux-brand-ambassador |title=Kajal Agarwal as Lux Brand Ambassador |publisher=Maastars.com |access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref> [[Pond's]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://telanganatoday.com/kajal-now-new-face-ponds |title=Kajal the new face of Ponds |newspaper=Telangana Today}}</ref> Himalaya Herbal Kajal, Parachute advanced Hair oils. She partnered with Aroma Curd and Milk Products and Cherio (juice).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hungryforever.com/cherio-mango-launches-new-tvc-featuring-kajal-aggarwal/ |title=Kajal the new face of Cherio |date=5 April 2016}}</ref> She also partnered with indeed,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/indeed-ropes-in-kajal-aggarwal-to-feature-in-the-platforms-latest-campaign/1872009/ |title=Kajal the new face of Indeed |newspaper=The Financial Express |date=18 February 2020}}</ref> an employment related search engine. She recently became the brand ambassador for edible oils brand, Priya Gold Oils (2020).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://telanganatoday.com/kajal-aggarwal-joins-the-priya-gold-family |title=Kajal Aggarwal joins the Priya Gold Oils family |newspaper=Telangana Today}}</ref> In July 2022 she began endorsing Mobilla.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kajal Aggarwal becomes the new face of Mobilla |url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/marketing/kajal-aggarwal-becomes-the-new-face-of-mobilla/93179483 |access-date=17 August 2022 |work=Economic Times |date=28 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Lifestyle and mobile accessories brand Mobilla ropes in Kajal Aggarwal for brand endorsements |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/lifestyle-and-mobile-accessories-brand-mobilla-ropes-in-kajal-aggarwal-for-brand-endorsements/2609064/ |access-date=17 August 2022 |work=Financial Express |date=28 July 2022}}</ref>

* 2013 – [[South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Actress (Critics) – Tamil]] for ''[[Thuppakki]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://siima.in/siima-awards.php?year=2013&action=winners |title=WINNERS LIST |publisher=SIIMA}}</ref>

* 2014 – [[SIIMA Award for Best Actress (Telugu)]] for ''[[Baadshah (2013 film)|Baadshah]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2014-telugu-nominations-pawan-kalyans-attarintiki-daredi-nominated-12-categories-list-604920 |title=SIIMA 2014 Telugu Nominations: Pawan Kalyan's 'Attarintiki Daredi' Nominated in 12 categories [List] |website=International Business Times |access-date=21 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201152207/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2014-telugu-nominations-pawan-kalyans-attarintiki-daredi-nominated-12-categories-list-604920 |archive-date=1 February 2015}}</ref>

* 2013 – [[South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Tamil]] for ''[[Thuppakki]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2013-vijay039s-039thuppakki039-gets-10-nominations-pawan039s-039gabbar-singh039-leads-telugu-category-501714 |title=SIIMA 2013: Vijay's 'Thuppakki' Gets 10 Nominations |website=International Business Times |access-date=27 August 2013 |date=27 August 2013}}</ref>

*'''Winner''' – Zee Telugu Golden Awards 2017 Best Actress<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/zee-telugu-golden-awards-2017-winners-list-photos-755196 |title=Zee Telugu Golden Awards 2017 winners list and photos |first=Shekhar H. |last=Hooli |date=1 January 2018 |website=International Business Times, India Edition |access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref>

*'''Winner''' Actress of the Decade<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooli |first1=Shekhar H. |title=Zee Telugu Apsara Awards 2018 winners list, photos: Kajal, Tamannaah receive honors |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/zee-telugu-apsara-awards-2018-winners-list-photos-kajal-tamannaah-receive-honors-766174 |access-date=16 March 2020 |work=International Business Times, India Edition |date=9 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

{{CineMAA Best Actress}}{{SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Telugu}}{{Authority control}}{{Portal bar|Bollywood}}