My introduction to Bollywood legend Kajol was in ‘Baazigar’, which was released in 1993. This film marked a significant milestone and solidified her career in Bollywood. Playing the role of Priya Chopra, the younger sister of Seema (Shilpa Shetty), Kajol delivered a performance that was both emotionally charged and nuanced, especially given the thriller’s dark and unpredictable plot.
What made Kajol’s performance in ‘Baazigar’, and all her subsequent roles, noteworthy was her ability to balance vulnerability with resilience. She was not merely a romantic lead but an active participant in unravelling the film’s mystery. Her expressions, ranging from love and betrayal to shock and grief, were delivered with a rawness that resonated deeply with the audience. The film’s success not only catapulted her into stardom but also demonstrated her potential to handle complex, multi-dimensional characters.
Fast forward to 2024, and Kajol’s status as an icon in Indian cinema is well-earned, thanks to her versatility, longevity, and the impact of her filmography. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, she has delivered standout performances in some of Bollywood’s most beloved films, including ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘My Name is Khan’, and ‘Fanaa’. She also has won multiple awards and was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2011. Her continued relevance, even in the digital age, reinforces her position as a timeless talent.
Her OTT debut came with ‘Tribhanga’ (2021), a Netflix original directed by Renuka Shahane. The film presented a multi-generational story of women navigating their complex relationships, and Kajol played the bold, outspoken, and unapologetically flawed Anuradha Apte. It was a far cry from the quintessential Bollywood heroine roles she had been known for, and yet, Kajol thrived in this new, intimate medium. ‘Tribhanga’ allowed her to explore layered emotions—anger, vulnerability, humour, and resilience—on a platform that favours nuanced storytelling over commercial formulas.
“I’ve always had a range of roles to choose from, but OTT has opened up new avenues for all of us. It allows us to be braver and to explore new ideas and subjects that might not fit into traditional cinema. I think it’s a great time to be in the industry because we’re no longer confined by certain expectations—we have the freedom to try new things.” As you grow older, Kajol believes, actors are naturally drawn to more layered and mature stories. “You can’t play the girl next door anymore; instead, you want to portray women with depth and complexity. That’s where ‘Do Patti’ comes in. It reflects the kind of strong, diverse characters I’ve been gravitating towards—similar to what I explored in ‘Tribhanga’. It’s a reflection of my personal growth, and that shift is mirrored in the projects I’m choosing now,” she says.
‘Do Patti’ is a new mystery-thriller on Netflix, bringing together Kajol and Kriti Sanon in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Kriti herself, under her newly launched production banner, alongside Kanika Dhillon, who also penned the script. The story revolves around a gripping mystery set in the picturesque yet eerie hills of North India, offering both suspense and an emotional undercurrent.
Kajol plays a cop in the film, marking her first time portraying a law enforcement officer on screen. Her character is tough yet emotionally nuanced, bringing a mature, commanding presence to the investigation at the heart of the plot. Kriti plays a dual character that is vastly different from what she portrayed in her previous roles. Though the specifics of her role have been kept under wraps, it is known that she will share significant screen time with Kajol, and her character is believed to have an emotional depth that ties into the larger mystery.
Coming together
Kriti’s rise in Bollywood is a story of ambition, versatility, and steady growth. Starting her career as an outsider with no industry connections, she made her debut in ‘Heropanti’ (2014), where her fresh screen presence and relatable charm quickly captured attention. Though she initially played the quintessential Bollywood heroine, her choices soon revealed a deeper ambition to explore more substantial roles.
One of the defining moments in her career came with ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ (2017), where she played Bitti, a small-town girl with big dreams and a rebellious streak. The role allowed her to break away from glamorous stereotypes, and Kriti’s portrayal of the feisty yet vulnerable character earned her critical acclaim.
Kriti’s career took another leap with ‘Mimi’ (2021), where she played a surrogate mother navigating the emotional turmoil and societal challenges of her decision. The film required her to undergo a physical transformation, and her powerful performance was widely lauded.
Kriti does not want to be typecast. “I never want to be put in a box. It’s important to me that people don’t assume a ‘Kriti Sanon film’ will always be a certain type of movie. As an actor, I constantly crave new challenges—different genres and characters with different shades. Honestly, even during a film, I sometimes get a little restless and want to try something new,” she says.
Kriti’s role as a producer on Netflix’s ‘Do Patti’ allowed her to be deeply involved with the project from its inception, starting from when the script was still in draft form. This position gave her the creative freedom to collaborate closely with the writer, ensuring that the story resonated with her vision. For Kriti, this level of responsibility was something she always craved, especially when she felt passionately about a subject. With ‘Do Patti’, she wanted to contribute not only as an actor but also in shaping the film to its fullest potential. However, once on set, she focused entirely on her acting role, ensuring that her performance served the film. When stepping back to evaluate the bigger picture, her priority was always what worked best for the film rather than just her character.
Kriti plays two distinct characters, which poses a unique challenge for her as an actor. These characters interact frequently, creating a dynamic push and pull, particularly due to their rivalry. One of her characters, Shelly, is flamboyant with an edge, and Kriti finds it exciting to explore that side. In contrast, Saumya carries emotional baggage, making the switch between the two roles tricky, especially in scenes where they share the screen. “Technically, it was challenging as well since I had to act alongside a body double, which meant I didn’t get the usual energy exchange from another actor,” she says.
However, working with Kajol made the process smoother after a nine-year gap (they both starred in 2015’s ‘Dilwale’). “Kajol’s presence in each scene was powerful, and her feedback—whether through encouragement or advice—helped me refine my performances and push the characters further,” she says.
On the Changing Industry Landscape
Kriti and Kajol believe that this is an exciting time for actors, thanks to the rise of OTT platforms, which have opened the doors for greater experimentation. In their view, actors no longer have to fit a specific mould or adhere to a “perfect” look. The focus has shifted to talent and substance, allowing for more meaningful roles and storytelling. This shift is something that Kajol finds inspiring for the entire industry, as it gives actors more freedom to explore diverse characters and genres.
“While the industry is evolving, the basic craft of acting remains the same. Of course, you can reinvent yourself with every role and try different approaches, but the core technique doesn’t change. I’ve learned a lot from the people I’ve worked with over the years, but it’s more of an intuitive thing you carry. It’s hard to explain, but it’s there,” says Kajol.
ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi; Photographer: Tito; Fashion Director: Zoha Castelino; Jr. Fashion Editor: Shaeroy Chinoy; Asst. Art Director: Alekha Chugani; Words by: Barry Rodgers; Makeup: Sonam Chandna (Kajol), Adrian Jacobs (Kriti); Hair Stylist: Sangeeta Kumar Hegde, Asif Ahmed (Kriti); Bookings Coordinator: Anushka Patil; Assisted by: Idris Nidham, Barnaa Raha (styling); Production: CutLoose Productions, Chair by: Damian
