Kajol Reflects on Her Diverse Film Journey and Continued Relevance

New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Kajol’s cinematic journey is not just defined by blockbusters alone. She says she owns each of her films “completely and totally,” whether it’s mega hits like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” or the less remembered “Gundaraj” and “Hulchul.” “I wouldn’t change an iota of it,” the actress, who debuted with “Bekhudi” in 1992, shared in an interview with PTI. She feels proud even of the movies that didn’t fare well commercially. “I think all the films I’ve done so far have played a huge part in my career. For me personally, I would say I own them. I own them completely and totally, and I take full responsibility for each and every one of them. Credit or discredit belongs to me,” she explained.

With highs come lows. For instance, in 1995, she had two of the year's biggest hits with “Karan Arjun” and “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” but also appeared in “Taaqat,” “Hulchul,” and “Gundaraj.” “Even if they didn’t do well at the box office, I learned something from them. I've done my best in every way, and I don’t think I’ve ever been dishonest in front of the camera. I can say that with actual pride,” she noted.

Grateful for her three-decade career, Kajol says she’s privileged to remain relevant in today's age. “I’m grateful that I can call myself relevant. I’ve been lucky — yes, I am talented, but there are a lot of talented people who haven’t been as lucky as me.” She further added, “One thing that comes back to me every time is that I have literally lived my life in front of the cameras. I’ve fallen down, I’ve gotten up, I’ve gotten pregnant, I’ve had babies, I’ve gotten married, I’ve been a teenager, a 25-year-old... I’ve done everything in front of the camera. And yet, people look at me with so much love and forgive me all my little idiosyncrasies.” Kajol cemented her status as one of the most beloved stars of the 1990s with films like “Baazigar,” “Udhaar Ki Zindagi,” “Gupt,” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.”

The next decade featured hits such as “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” “Fanaa,” and “My Name Is Khan.” Recently, she has ventured into OTT platforms, debuting with the series “The Trial.”

Asked if there was a particular decade she found most creatively fulfilling, Kajol said she doesn’t view her career in terms of eras but by individual performances. “Fortunately for me, I’ve had performances I’ve loved. Initially, I had ‘Udhaar Ki Zindagi’ and ‘Dushman.’ Then came ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,’ and after five years, I had another significant project. I've been blessed with really good work throughout my career. I wouldn’t say a particular decade stands out.”

“The Trial” is an adaptation of the popular American show “The Good Wife” and features Kajol as a housewife who starts working at a law firm after her husband is embroiled in a scandal.

Reprising the role of Noyonika in the show’s second season was refreshing for Kajol, as she had never revisited a character before. “It’s quite interesting to play the same character again, because in a film, the character arc ends when the movie does. You never go back. But in a series with multiple seasons, you grow the character. So it's a fascinating experience.” In the new season, which premieres on JioHotstar on September 19, Noyonika has found her footing in the ruthless world of law, battling new challenges and betrayals.

For Kajol, returning to the show felt like “reading the second chapter of a book” she had previously picked up. “In terms of approach, not many changes occur, but I am a different person now compared to two years ago. It’s natural that the character on screen in season two will also reflect these changes. Noyonika was a bit unsure in season one, but now she is more confident of where her career and life are headed. She knows her kids are okay and has taken a strong step forward.”

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