Kajol Reveals Why She Almost Didn’t Join Bollywood – “My Mom Tanuja Was Never Paid What She Deserved”

Kajol opened up: "My mother Tanuja worked day and night, but she never got her dues – that's why I didn't want to join Bollywood."

Bollywood actress Kajol recently shared an honest story about her mother, Tanuja Mukherjee – she described how her mother worked nonstop for years, but never received her "deserved payment." Kajol also said that this was why she initially felt hesitant about joining the film industry.

Tanuja ji, who starred in classic films like Jewel Thief and Haathi Mere Saathi, and formed iconic pairs with superstars like Rajesh Khanna and Uttam Kumar, has always been one of Indian cinema's most versatile actresses. But behind her shining career lay a reality—endless work, struggle, and little appreciation.

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“My mother worked all day, but she never got paid enough.”

In an interview, Kajol told us,

“When I was a child, I realized how much my mother struggled. She worked 24/7, but she never got paid enough for her work. Her income was never stable. I used to think, ‘I will never be able to work so hard.’”

She explained that Tanuja ji would arrive on set at 7 a.m. and work late into the night. Sometimes she would just come home, take a bath, and then go back to the set. “She did this for years when we were little. I used to think – no one can give me enough money to work so hard,” Kajol said emotionally.

Kajol's clear stance: "I will never do scenes involving harassment or rape."

These days, many actresses, like Deepika Padukone, are openly discussing working hours and equal pay. Kajol also says that she now checks remuneration, working conditions, and production support before signing any project.

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She also clarified that she has clear boundaries.

"I'm open to all kinds of scripts, but there are certain things where I draw the line. I don't like doing scenes involving molestation or rape. I think an actor can demonstrate their capability without those topics."

Kajol's Message for Bollywood

Kajol's honest confession is a reminder that behind the glamorous world of Bollywood, there are real struggles—especially for women. Her mother Tanuja's journey and Kajol's perspective together send a strong message:

Respect the work, value the artist, and set healthy boundaries in creative spaces.