Veteran Bollywood actress Kajol is clarifying comments she made regarding the work ethic of actors compared to those in 9-to-5 jobs, following a wave of online discussion and debate. The remarks, initially made during an interview, sparked reactions from various quarters, with some interpreting them as dismissive of the challenges faced by those in traditional employment.
Kajol, known for her candid and outspoken nature, addressed the issue, emphasizing that her intention was not to belittle the efforts of any profession. Instead, she aimed to highlight the unique demands and pressures within the film industry. "It’s not about saying that one job is harder than another," Kajol explained. "Every job has its own set of challenges, and every individual works hard in their own way. I was simply trying to articulate the specific pressures and irregularities that actors often face."
The actress elaborated on the unpredictable nature of an actor's schedule, citing long and irregular hours, the emotional and physical demands of portraying different characters, and the constant public scrutiny as examples. "There are no fixed hours in our jobs," she stated. "You can chill, let loose, but there will be days you have to work continuously for longer hours" . She also noted that actors often have to invest significant time in preparation, including rehearsals, script readings, and workshops, in addition to the actual filming process.
Kajol also touched upon the importance of work-life balance, a topic that has recently gained prominence in the industry. She revealed that maintaining a balance has always been a priority for her since the start of her career in the 1990s. She credited the support of her family and understanding producers for making it easier. "I was clear that we would work a certain amount only," the 50-year-old actress stated in an interview with PTI. "I didn't work for 20 or 30 hours. My mom also backed me up big time on it".
The discussion around work hours in the film industry was further fueled by reports of Deepika Padukone's departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, allegedly due to disagreements over an eight-hour working shift. Kajol commented on this, recalling a similar discussion she had after the birth of her first child. "I remember having this discussion, and I think most producers are so (okay), they don't even think twice," she said. She also shared instances where producers were understanding and accommodated her needs during personal challenges, such as when her father was in the hospital while she was shooting for U Me Aur Hum. Her husband, Ajay Devgn, who was the producer, ensured she could go home early.
Kajol's upcoming film, Maa, a mythological horror drama directed by Vishal Furia, is set to release on June 27. Besides Maa, Kajol will also be seen in Maharagini, Sarzameen, and season two of The Trial.
