Kajol issues clarification post facing backlash for saying actors work harder than 9-to-5 employees

Kajol recently sparked controversy by stating actors work harder than 9-5 employees, prompting backlash on Reddit for being 'tone-deaf'. However, she's clarified her stance, emphasizing the demanding nature of acting. On her show "Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle", she explained that actors lack the flexibility and breaks typical desk jobs offer, citing her own packed schedule and constant scrutiny.

Kajol highlighted the pressure actors face, needing to be 100% present for 12-14 hours during shoots, attend events, and maintain a perfect image. She contrasted this with 9-5 employees who can take breaks, relax, and work at their own pace. According to Kajol, acting is a high-pressure job requiring constant attention to detail, making it more challenging than a traditional desk job.

Explaining her comment about 9-5 job, Kajol says

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kajol was questioned about her statement on "Two Much" regarding actors working harder than those with a typical 9-to-5 job. Explaining her comment, the actress said, "I was at an event in Jaipur. The flight to Jaipur is at 7 am by the way. So I reached there, and the event was at about 3 pm in the afternoon. And I was sitting at this event and somebody asked me 'You have such a glamorous life'. I said you're only looking at it from the point of view that oh she is so well dressed, and she's got makeup and she's sitting here in front of me. But you don't know that I took the 7 am flight in the morning for which I had to wake up at 5 in the morning and reach airport by 6. So that I could board the 7 am flight. And I have come here, got dressed, gotten ready, had lunch and then gone immediately do photos, one interview and then come to sit over here in this chair in front of you. So I have had a packed day from 5 in the morning."

Describing acting as a demanding professional

Kajol characterized acting as an incredibly demanding and focused profession, where complete dedication is essential. She elaborated that actors must be fully present and committed, especially during film shoots, which often involve sustained work over extended periods. She provided the example of shooting "Trial" season 2, which spanned approximately 35 to 40 days of nearly continuous filming. She explained that this required waking up early each day, maintaining a rigorous workout routine, and carefully managing one's diet. Kajol emphasized the pressure to stay in top physical condition, noting that even a slight change in physique could affect the fit of their costumes, adding to the significant demands of the job.

Comparing 9-5 job with acting

She further explained, "If you're not shooting for a film, you're shooting for something else. You are attending an event. And its continuous. And I have to be a 100 percent present. And to be a 100 percent present, all the time, for 12-14 hours a day is really difficult. When you're doing a 9-5 job and sitting at a desk, you don't have to be a 100 percent present. You are doing your job for the period of time that it takes. You can take your tea breaks. I am not saying that we don't take our tea or coffee breaks, but you can chill out, let loose, walk, talk and do your job at the same time. But we can't. And we are scrutinized and we are looked at. We have to worry about how we cross our legs, how we sit, where we are, who's looking at us, who's photographing us at every point in time. It's a lot of pressure. So you're constantly like this little kettle that's boiling over 24/7. You are always looking around, you are always a little paranoid. We live like that."