As Kajol rings in the big 5-O, here’s taking stock of the newest experimental phase in her career, which has seen her lean toward socially oriented writing.
Kajol turns 50 today, August 5. The actor has a significant reputation in Bollywood, having acted in numerous era-defining films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… (2001), to mention a few.
In recent years, however, she has made a significant change from usual commercial ventures to more sophisticated screenplays that often contain important social messages. In honor of her birthday, let us round up the greatest moments from her second innings.
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Devi
Kajol’s first and only short film, Devi, debuted in March 2020 and created quite the impression with its creative narrative and plot twist. The film, directed by debutante Priyanka Bannerjee, focused on how women from various walks of life are bonded by one common experience: abuse. The short film, which stars Shruti Haasan and Neha Dhupia, is intended to represent a purgatory for women who have been victims of rape. The final piece of the short film will undoubtedly catch you off guard.
Tribhanga
Kajol’s foray into women-centric cinema continued the following year with the digital release Tribhanga: Tedhi Medhi Crazy (2021). Renukan Shahane wrote and directed the film, which flew mostly beneath the radar. Having saying that, it remains one of Kajol’s most subtle films, telling the narrative of three generations of women haunted by their past and struggling with their present. Tribhanga provides an honest perspective on mother-daughter relationships, which are inherently faulty not because they are female, but because they are human.
Hello, Venky.
Revathi’s Salaam Venky (2022) may not have featured Kajol prominently, but her character as Kolavennu Sujata Krishnan was the driving force behind Kolavennu Venkatesh Prasad Krishnan’s big strides, performed by Vishal Jethwa. The film explores Venky’s brief yet important life after being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The film offers a heartwarming look at celebrating one’s zest for life, regardless of the circumstances.
Lust Stories 2.
Lust Stories 2, which is arguably Kajol’s most popular title in this lineup, will be released digitally in 2023. Kajol was the lead in Amit Sharma’s chapter of the anthology film, Tilchatta. Kajol played the character of Devyani, a former prostitute living an unpleasant life with her husband.
A past monarch known for his constant abuse of women. The film is a superb but devastating depiction of Devyani’s attempt to weaponize her husband’s lust against him, which fails miserably. If you have not seen Tilchatta, the less stated the better.
Next up: Sarzameen and Do Patti.
Kajol is now working on a number of projects, the majority of which she has already filmed. The first film in the lineup is Ibrahim Ali Khan’s acting debut, Sarzameen, directed by Kayoze Irani. Interestingly, Ibrahim will make his debut without a leading lady, while Kajol will play a vital role in this patriotic thriller set in Kashmir.
Kajol has recently completed filming for Kriti Sanon’s debut as a producer, Do Patti. The actor has opted to participate in Do Patti, another female-centric project. The mystery thriller, directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi, is set entirely in North India and is being marketed as a film that would include Kajol and Kriti in previously unseen parts.
Kajol is currently filming Maharagni – Queen of Queens, which is directed by Charan Tej Uppalapati. Kajol takes the primary role of Maya.
We want to wish Kajol a very happy birthday!
