
Kajol says her kids want her to do more films like husband Ajay Devgn, daughter Nysa won't watch Maa: ‘Do Golmaal, like papa'
Kajol has become increasingly selective with her work over the years. In her last film, the murder mystery Do Patti, she played a cop for the first time. And now, in her upcoming film Maa, she is stepping into the horror genre for the first time. While Kajol is thrilled to explore different genres and take on diverse roles, she recently shared that her kids — daughter Nysa and son Yug — want her to predominantly do comedy roles, as they don't want to see her cry on the big screen.
Kajol even expressed doubt that Nysa might not sit through Maa, as she isn't a fan of the horror genre. 'She is like me, doesn't like horror,' Kajol told The Hindustan Times.
Speaking about how her kids compare her to her husband, actor Ajay Devgn, and his films, Kajol shared how her children always have strong opinions on her work. She said, 'They are very clear about it: 'We can't watch you crying on screen; you should do films like papa does. Do Golmaal!' They want me to do films that only make them laugh, and there is nobody crying, no glycerine is used, and nothing happens to me. I wonder what is this film where nothing happens to me, and I have to do nothing. Why am I in this film?'
Kajol revealed that she chose to star in Maa because the film delves into mythology, and since she is a 'mythology buff,' she was immediately drawn to the project. 'Our country has such wonderful and fabulous stories and one of my favourites is Maa Kali and Raktabeej's story,' she said.
While Kajol herself was comfortable with working in the horror genre, she confessed that people around her weren't too thrilled about it. 'I wasn't that unsettled by it, probably because I did it. But everyone around me had the same reaction (makes disgusted face). They said, 'I can't see you like this'. But that's what horror is, and that's why it will be particularly effective.'
Maa is directed by Vishal Furia. It also stars Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma in pivotal roles. Set in the same universe, the film is a spinoff of Ajay Devgn's 2024 film Shaitaan.

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NDTV
19 minutes ago
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Kajol Makes A Case For Monochrome Magic In A Dreamy White Saree For Maa Promotions
Kajol is a saree connoisseur and there is no debate about it. From handwoven cotton sarees to ethnic-chic wonders, her wardrobe is an object of envy for all fashion lovers. For the promotions of her upcoming film Maa, the actress stepped out in a white saree with intricate black patterns. The classic number featured bold black designs with floral and paisley motifs along the edges and the pallu. The scattered floral motifs over the six-yard drape delivered an extra dose of drama. Kajol teamed her saree with a thin strap blouse. It featured similar black and white designs, complementing the saree's colour scheme. Ditching all accessories, the actress opted for a silver choker necklace, which added a regal touch to the outfit. The perfect beauty strokes, including smokey eyes, blushed cheeks with a hint of highlighter and a pink lip shade accentuated her look. Her hair was styled in soft waves, which she tied in a bun for an elegant look. Kajol's Saree Looks Kajol often keeps delighting us with her saree-torial outings. Previously for an event, the actress wore a beautiful pastel-hued saree that came with a self-embroidered pattern and delicate sequin details that simply highlighted her look. She paired her beautiful drape with an embellished semi-sheer blouse. Her traditional look was meant to be bookmarked for summer weddings. The minimal approach to fashion was perfectly portrayed with jewel-toned earrings and statement bracelets. She wore a watch in the other hand to keep it super classy. For makeup, the actress went with dewy glam that consisted of brown eyeshadow, wispy lashes, glowy face and peach glossy lips to add that fresh element. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) Kajol's sarees can give anyone a run for their money.


Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘6 months is barely anything': As Deepika Padukone allegedly seeks shorter hours post-motherhood, Indian working mothers weigh in
'You ask any mother, six months is barely anything. You barely get to feel human in those months,' said Snigdha Ghosh Roy, 41, who had two children 16 months apart. Her experience echoes the harsh reality many Indian working women face today. When reports emerged that Deepika Padukone had allegedly exited two major film projects — Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and potentially Kalki 2 — due to her request for shorter working hours post-motherhood, it sparked a conversation that went far beyond Bollywood and its demanding work culture. The controversy deepened when Vanga made a cryptic but pointed social media post accusing an actor of ousting the story of his upcoming film and 'putting a younger actor down'. While Padukone has not responded, and details of her film exit remain unclear, many were quick to point out a troubling attitude towards working mothers who dare to request flexibility. It is no secret that in India, there is a broader societal resistance to accommodating new mothers' needs – a resistance that extends far beyond the entertainment industry into corporate India, where millions of women silently struggle to balance professional commitments with the demands of early motherhood. At the trailer launch of her upcoming film Maa, actor Kajol responded to a journalist's question about working mothers, saying, 'I love the fact that you can work less and…' before being interrupted by husband Ajay Devgn. 'Most of the industry, I would say, will not have a problem with this,' he said. 'Nowadays, people do understand.' Actor Neha Dhupia, sharing her view on Instagram, wrote: 'For work-life balance to go beyond conversations, new moms need practical support and consideration. Instead, we often get shamed or sidelined.' Housefull 5 director Tarun Mansukhani, while attempting to express support, sparked fresh controversy after comparing babies to dogs. 'I want to go home and spend time with my dog. So I get the vibe and totally get the feeling. But just put it in the contract from the beginning, then everyone's prepared,' he told India Today. Many found the analogy tone-deaf and poorly worded. For most Indian working mothers, the mandated six-month maternity leave feels like a cruel joke. Roy said, 'In the case of my older child, the company was understanding – my work from home (WFH) policy was extended even after the entire office was back to working from office, post COVID-19 pandemic, but in case of my second child, I was told to opt for unpaid leaves. I couldn't afford it.' For Hirra Syed Anwar, 31, pregnant with her second child, job hunting has been difficult. 'Many employers seem wary of maternity leave, especially after the Supreme Court's recent ruling making it a fundamental right,' she said, adding that fellow working women have advised against applying now, warning, 'No employer will hire you this close to delivery.' Deep Priya, 32, recalls the silence after she requested to continue working from home. 'The HR got back to me only after a few follow-ups. I felt discouraged from asking again.' Geeta Dhawan, 32, fortunately, had a positive experience. 'The small startup of around 25 people I work with offered me a lot of flexibility. I was allowed to work from home and visit the office for only four-five hours on select days. This made my transition back smoother. My reporting manager, a mother herself, was extremely supportive and empathetic.' Dr Shifa Yadav, mother and dermatologist, said, 'When I got back from maternity leave, I noticed that my roles and responsibilities had changed in a quiet way. Even though the job title stayed the same on paper, important projects and chances for growth were often missed.' Many Indian women experience this kind of quiet sidelining, she says, where being a mother is unfairly linked to being less capable, and career growth stops without open conversations or supportive leadership. Breastfeeding is one of the most physically taxing parts of early motherhood, and workplaces rarely make room for it. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, yet many Indian mothers are forced to wean earlier due to workplace constraints. Roy, who had to return to work while breastfeeding, said, 'The office didn't have a pumping room. They suggested I use the washroom; obviously, I refused.' She ended up weaning her baby at five months. 'It was physically and emotionally painful.' Priya said her baby, exclusively breastfed, struggles to switch to formula. 'Feeding him between meetings is hard. I need full concentration at work, but sometimes he's fussy or sick, and I'm torn.' The medical community supports longer recovery periods. Dr Nidhi Rajotia, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology at Artemis Hospitals, recommended 'at least three months post normal delivery or caesarean, which may be extended to six to eight months as per individual requirements and recovery.' She emphasised that for high-stress jobs, the recovery period should be even longer to support both physical and mental health. Dr Rajotia also warned about the health consequences of not having enough time or space to breastfeed or pump. She said it 'can make a mother uncomfortable, stressed, and have less milk, which can affect her physical recovery and emotional health. It can also raise the chance of getting infections like mastitis.' Yet workplace realities often don't align with medical recommendations. Sonica Aron, founder and CEO of Marching Sheep, explained the organisational perspective: 'While childbirth and postnatal care are every woman's right, organisations also work within tight budgets and demanding targets. When a woman returns from maternity leave – usually six months – she often needs time to settle back in.' The psychological impact of inadequate workplace support for new mothers is profound and long-lasting. Meghna Kanwat, clinical psychologist at Lissun, said, 'Returning to work after childbirth presents mothers with a complex blend of emotional, psychological, and cultural challenges, including guilt, anxiety, and a deep sense of overwhelm. These struggles often stem from attachment concerns, societal ideals that glorify both perfect parenting and unwavering professional dedication, and the internal conflict of balancing both roles.' Kanwat also noted, 'In India, these pressures are intensified by cultural expectations of self-sacrificing motherhood, criticism from older family members, and limited support systems in nuclear families.' Juslin Jacob, psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, captured the emotional complexity, stating that returning to work after childbirth isn't just clocking back in, it's walking a tightrope strung between two worlds. 'Mothers carry the emotional weight of guilt, the ache of separation, and the anxiety of meeting expectations both at home and in the workplace,' she said. The lack of workplace flexibility compounds these mental health challenges. 'Being perceived as less focused on work or available can dent a mother's professional identity and self-confidence. In the long-term, they may question their own capability, despite clear past achievements, social withdrawal at work, and even depressive symptoms associated with feeling misunderstood or left out,' said Rima Bhandekar, psychologist at Mpower. HR professionals acknowledged the complexity of supporting new mothers while maintaining business operations. Kamakshi Pant, chief business officer, Taggd, identified key challenges: 'Biases continue to persist from both managers and peers, which often result in lesser opportunities being offered to new mothers. This at times is true even for the most stellar performers. Some companies have devised special programs to coach managers of new mothers to overcome such biases, but in most cases, this is an ignored area.' She also pointed to structural issues, 'Job roles are not often designed to allow flexibility, and in situations like these it becomes unviable to provide a fair working opportunity to the new mothers.' The lack of childcare support is another major barrier: 'Without access to trustworthy childcare facilities or company-supported creches, new mothers struggle to manage work commitments, especially when hybrid models require occasional office presence,' she said. However, progressive companies are developing comprehensive support systems. Pant described evolving programmes: 'Return-to-work programmes post-maternity leave in India are increasingly structured to support new mothers through various initiatives. While not universally implemented, many companies are recognizing the need for formal programs to ease the transition.' Experts across fields agreed that meaningful change requires both policy reform and cultural shifts. Aron emphasised the importance of communication, saying 'Managers need to talk to their team members; ask them about their aspirations and how they want to shape their careers, rather than making assumptions based on age, gender, or life stage.' From a mental health perspective, Kanwat outlined organisational best practices: 'Supportive measures like flexible return-to-work plans, paid parental leave, and childcare support can greatly ease a mother's transition back into the workforce.' She also emphasised the importance of cultural change: 'Building a culture that values care, recognises parenting as a shared responsibility, and embraces flexibility over rigid productivity models can profoundly improve both maternal well-being and long-term employee engagement.' Dr Rajotia recommended practical workplace accommodations – regular breaks at work that can help mothers get better physically and feel less tired. Flexible hours allow women to manage their postpartum needs, including breastfeeding and rest. 'Giving women a private, comfortable place to pump encourages milk production and comfort. Getting emotional support from colleagues and bosses can also help your mental health,' she said. Swarupa is a Senior Sub Editor for the lifestyle desk at The Indian Express. With a passion for storytelling, she delves into the realms of art & culture, fitness, health, nutrition, psychology, and relationships, empowering her readers with valuable insights. ... Read More


Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Indian Express
Kajol says her kids want her to do more films like husband Ajay Devgn, daughter Nysa won't watch Maa: ‘Do Golmaal, like papa'
Kajol has become increasingly selective with her work over the years. In her last film, the murder mystery Do Patti, she played a cop for the first time. And now, in her upcoming film Maa, she is stepping into the horror genre for the first time. While Kajol is thrilled to explore different genres and take on diverse roles, she recently shared that her kids — daughter Nysa and son Yug — want her to predominantly do comedy roles, as they don't want to see her cry on the big screen. Kajol even expressed doubt that Nysa might not sit through Maa, as she isn't a fan of the horror genre. 'She is like me, doesn't like horror,' Kajol told The Hindustan Times. Speaking about how her kids compare her to her husband, actor Ajay Devgn, and his films, Kajol shared how her children always have strong opinions on her work. She said, 'They are very clear about it: 'We can't watch you crying on screen; you should do films like papa does. Do Golmaal!' They want me to do films that only make them laugh, and there is nobody crying, no glycerine is used, and nothing happens to me. I wonder what is this film where nothing happens to me, and I have to do nothing. Why am I in this film?' Kajol revealed that she chose to star in Maa because the film delves into mythology, and since she is a 'mythology buff,' she was immediately drawn to the project. 'Our country has such wonderful and fabulous stories and one of my favourites is Maa Kali and Raktabeej's story,' she said. While Kajol herself was comfortable with working in the horror genre, she confessed that people around her weren't too thrilled about it. 'I wasn't that unsettled by it, probably because I did it. But everyone around me had the same reaction (makes disgusted face). They said, 'I can't see you like this'. But that's what horror is, and that's why it will be particularly effective.' Maa is directed by Vishal Furia. It also stars Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma in pivotal roles. Set in the same universe, the film is a spinoff of Ajay Devgn's 2024 film Shaitaan.