Kajol Denies Being Offered 'Gadar', Explains Decision to Drop Surname

Kajol, a Bollywood icon known for her unforgettable performances in films like "Baazigar," "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," has addressed persistent rumors surrounding her alleged refusal of the role of Sakina in "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha." For years, industry whispers claimed Kajol was the first choice for the role, eventually played by Ameesha Patel. However, Kajol has now definitively put these rumors to rest.

Speaking at News18 Rising Bharat Summit the 'Ishq' actress said, "Gadar was not offered to me. It was a rumour," Kajol has definitively put an end to speculation surrounding her alleged refusal of the role of Sakina in "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha," stating clearly that while she was offered many films over the years, she turned several down for various reasons.

A lot of films were offered to me. I will not name them. Those films have been made. Some were hits, others weren't. I think you can't claim work which you haven't done

- Kajol

Kajol, hailing from a legendary film family — her mother Tanuja and grandmother Shobhna Samarth are both respected names in Indian cinema — also discussed her decision to go by just her first name when she entered Bollywood.

"It was a conscious choice. Meri maa ne mujhe puchha tha jab main pictures mein aana chahti thi. Mujhe puchha tha ki you have such an amazing lineage from your grandmother and grandfather's side as well. Mujhe uss waat, aur abhi bhi, lagta hai ki mujhe kisi ki tarafdaari nahi karni thi," she shared.

The 'Fanaa' actress wanted to avoid the pressure of being compared to her family's legacy. "I wanted to be true to myself and did not want the baggage of lineage. Toh isliye maine socha ki agar main sirf Kajol ke naam se jaani jaau, to shayad itna pressure nahi aayega mujh par."

Unlike many of her contemporaries, the "My Name Is Khan" actress has adopted a more selective approach to her career. When discussing her work ethic, she said, "I am the least worked actor in the whole film industry. Puri film industry mein jo log recently aaye hai unn logon ne zyada kaam kiya hoga mujhse zayada. I think my filmography is all about 50-55 films. That's it," she said. When asked if she was choosy or just lazy, she laughed and replied, "Dono. I choose to be lazy. I choose to have a slower life. I choose to enjoy my life along with working. I think working should be part of my life and not my life. I have found a balance in life. I like my coffee, slow morning. I love my life."