Veteran Bollywood actress Kajol recently opened up about her views on the current crop of young actors in the Hindi film industry. In a candid conversation with India Today, the celebrated actress reflected on how the film industry has evolved since the 1990s and shared her admiration for how today’s stars are navigating their careers independently.
When asked whether any new-age star reminds her of her own early days, Kajol made it clear that none do—and for good reason. “I’m very happy to say that there is none. It’s not an arrogant statement. Each actor today has created their own space, and that’s commendable. They are not walking in anyone’s footsteps, and they shouldn’t—it’s a completely different world now,” she said.
She emphasized that today’s actors are more self-aware and make their own choices, a shift from the earlier structure of Bollywood stardom.
Naming the standout performer from the new generation, Kajol praised several rising talents but reserved her highest praise for Alia Bhatt. “Alia has proven herself time and again. Then there’s Ananya, Janhvi, Sara—the usual names. All of them are doing well,” she noted.
Alia Bhatt’s Journey So Far:
Alia Bhatt debuted with Student of the Year (2012) and garnered critical acclaim with Highway (2014). Since then, she’s been lauded for her performances in Udta Punjab (2016), Raazi (2018), Gully Boy (2019), Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), and Darlings (2022). In 2024, she won the National Film Award for Best Actress for Gangubai Kathiawadi. She also made her Hollywood debut in Heart of Stone (2023).
Kajol’s Upcoming Projects:
Kajol is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Maa, a mythological horror drama directed by Vishal Furia, releasing on June 27. She will also star in the action-thriller Maharagni—Queen of Queens, alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Prabhu Deva, and others.
Additionally, she will appear in Sarzameen, a Karan Johar production featuring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and will return for Season 2 of her popular legal drama The Trial.
