She has just returned on celluloid after a five year long hiatus, but she is an actress that is certainly not easily forgotten neither by the big shots of the industry nor by her ever faithful fans.
Kajol Devgan is as much in demand today as ever. These were the words of one of India’s leading entertainment magazines, Filmfare in which she has been ranked number five amongst the top ten actresses in the industry.
Talent runs in her blood. She is the daughter of one of the most free spirited and versatile actresses in the industry, Tanuja who has been renowned for her work in the films of her time.
Her debut was at the young age of seventeen but this didn’t stop her from delivering a mind blowing performance in her second movie Baazigar. The movie not only proved to be a blockbuster but it was also the beginning of Bollywood’s most loved pairing, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol.
This was only the beginning of a bright and successful career. Many more big titles and banners were shining in Kajol’s path. There was no turning back after this. She went on to deliver many more phenomenal performances and the admiration of these performances are reflected in her winning five Filmfare awards not only for best actress but also for performance in a negative role.
It wasn’t until 1998 that she had delivered an amazing performance in Dharma Production’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, that Kajol started taking things slower. In 1999, her long romance with co-star Ajay Devgan transformed into a lovely blissful marriage from which they have a beautiful daughter.
After marriage, Kajol decided to take a break, after all she had been working very hard for the past nine years, sometimes even releasing five movies a year.
After Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kajol’s fans had no doubt they would continue to see more of her in films; even if it was a few seconds in Nikhil Advani’s Kal Ho Naa Ho.
Kajol is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and at that point in time there was nothing more important to her than her young daughter Nysa. Many directors tried and failed to convince her to sign their movies but she didn’t, until Kunal Kohli’s script for Fanaa stood out of the crowd for her. Kohli, who had directed twice earlier for Yash Raj Films, was all joys to have gotten Kajol to agree to do his movie. And so after five years her fans witnessed a bright light of seeing their favourite leading lady back on the big screen once again.
Fanaa’s release was one of the most anticipated in the history of Bollywood cinema. The release was extraordinary! The box office was stunned. The movie broke records throughout India. The worldwide collection just for the first four weeks was a phenomenal 90 crores! Not only because it was the comeback of Kajol but also because she was being paired against one of the industry’s most talented actors, Aamir Khan for the first time.
Both the audience were of full praises for this exceptional movie. And a new hit pair had been created. Aamir and Kajol.
This was the first time Aamir and Kajol faced the camera together. Aamir explained in an interview that he was very apprehensive about working with Kajol during Fanaa. He was very fond of her so he knew that there was no one that could have done Zooni’s role better than Kajol.
Kajol’s comeback was more than special. Her role was of a blind Kashmiri girl, which she had not played before in her acting career. However, our talented actress carried out this role with ease and perfection.
The reviews of Fanaa came out to be all praises and good news for Kajol. The Film Journal International wrote that Kajol turns in a quietly touching performance, which is all the more remarkable considering some of the surreal moments she’s asked to play. Taran Adarsh from IndiaFM claimed that after a five year hiatus Kajol’s performance goes to show that she is clearly the best at the business along with mind-blowing performances by her, she is always looking gorgeous throughout the movie.
A compelling film, with a great script, music and stars were a perfect combination for a success. And that is exactly what Fanaa got, a success worldwide!
Today Kajol’s fan are still anticipated to see her back on screen, but after seeing Fanaa they are even more reassured that when their lady goes on celluloid again, it will be magic as always!
