Bollywood star Kajol, one of the industry’s most celebrated actors, recently revealed that she never initially wanted to become part of the film industry—largely due to the challenges her mother, veteran actor Tanuja Mukherjee, faced while working in cinema. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kajol reflected on her mother’s experiences and how they shaped her own perspective on acting and work-life balance.

Growing Up in a Film Family

Kajol was born into a family deeply rooted in Bollywood. Her mother Tanuja, remembered for iconic performances in films like Jewel Thief (1967) and Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), had a remarkable screen presence and starred alongside legends such as Rajesh Khanna and Uttam Kumar. Despite the glamour of the silver screen, Tanuja’s career involved immense hard work and financial instability, which Kajol witnessed firsthand.

“When I was growing up, I realised that she struggled a lot,” Kajol shared. “She worked 24/7 and didn’t get paid even half as much as she should have. It wasn’t a stable or continuous source of income. I remember thinking, ‘I never want to work that hard.’ She would work from seven in the morning till late at night, sometimes coming home only to bathe and head back to set. She did that for years when we were kids. Nobody could pay me enough to do that.”

Kajol explained that her reluctance to pursue acting was not due to lack of admiration for cinema. “Otherwise, with my mom, my dad, my grandfather…it was such a normal part of my life, so I was never starstruck by it,” she said.

Setting Personal Boundaries

Kajol’s reflections also highlight her awareness of fair work practices and respect for personal boundaries—issues increasingly discussed in Bollywood. She emphasized that while she is open to scripts that excite her creatively, she maintains clear lines. “I have a few clear boundaries. I will not subject myself to scenes of molestation or rape. I don’t enjoy them as subjects, and I don’t feel they’re necessary to prove my worth as an actor,” Kajol said, underscoring the importance of dignity and choice in her career.

Her remarks echo ongoing conversations in the industry about fair pay and humane work hours for women, concerns also voiced by actors like Deepika Padukone. Kajol credited her mother’s resilience for shaping her own approach to work: valuing balance, setting boundaries, and respecting her creative comfort.

Legacy of Inspiration

Kajol’s candid insights reveal the less glamorous side of cinema life and the sacrifices made by earlier generations. Tanuja’s dedication and perseverance not only inspired Kajol’s own career but also taught her the importance of asserting boundaries while pursuing her craft. Today, Kajol is celebrated not just for her performances but also for her thoughtful approach to her career and choices in the film industry.