She has played it all, from vengeance to vulnerability, and at 51, Kajol’s legacy only grows bolder.
Who doesn’t know the powerhouse performer that Kajol is? One of the most celebrated and successful actresses in the history of Hindi cinema, Kajol turns 51 today! She made her acting debut while still in school with ‘Bekhudi’, and soon after, left her studies to pursue films full-time. Early hits like ‘Baazigar’ and ‘Yeh Dillagi’ cemented her place in the industry, and from there, she never looked back. Over the decades, Kajol has carved a niche for herself with her screen presence, charisma, and emotionally layered performances. As her legacy continues to flourish, let’s take a look at some of her boldest roles that truly redefined how we saw her on screen.
‘Dushman’ is a psychological thriller directed by Tanuja Chandra, featuring Kajol, Sanjay Dutt, and Ashutosh Rana. In this 1998 film, Kajol impressed audiences with her dual portrayal of twin sisters, Naina and Sonia, one of whom is brutally murdered. Driven by grief and determination, Naina sets out to avenge her sister’s death. In the climax, she is captured by the killer, Gokul, but manages to break free and shoot him. Kajol received critical acclaim for her performance and earned a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress.
The romantic-thriller ‘Fanaa’, directed by Kunal Kohli, stars Aamir Khan and Kajol in lead roles, with Rishi Kapoor, Kirron Kher, Tabu, and Sharat Saxena in supporting parts. Kajol portrays Zooni Ali Beg, a blind Kashmiri woman who falls in love with a charming tourist guide, Rehan Qadri, played by Aamir Khan. Her portrayal was marked by emotional depth and quiet resilience. Kajol’s outstanding performance earned her several accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
‘Gupt’ is an action-thriller directed by Rajiv Rai, starring Bobby Deol, Manisha Koirala, and Kajol in lead roles. Loosely inspired by the crime/mystery novel ‘Good Children Don't Kill’ by French writer Louis Thomas, the film is regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s finest thrillers. Kajol plays the grey-shaded character Isha, delivering a chilling and unexpected performance. Her role earned her the distinction of becoming the first actress to win the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role.
Another action-thriller featuring Kajol, ‘Baazigar’, directed by Abbas–Mustan, revolves around a young man on a vengeful killing spree to avenge his family’s downfall. Kajol portrayed Priya Chopra, a bold yet emotionally nuanced character, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film marked a turning point for both leads—Khan’s breakout as a solo antihero and Kajol’s first major commercial success.
‘Helicopter Eela’ is a comedy-drama directed by Pradeep Sarkar, featuring Kajol in the lead as an aspiring singer and an overprotective single mother. The film follows Eela, who becomes overly protective of her son after her husband, Arun, leaves to chase his dreams and later dies, haunted by a family history of early deaths. Fearing for her son’s future, Eela joins his college to stay close. But when her son leaves home to give her space, she eventually rediscovers herself and reignites her singing career, finding happiness and fulfillment.
