Actor Kajol recently sparked an online debate with her views on actors working harder than 9-to-5 employees. On her show Two Much with co-host Twinkle Khanna, they play a game called This or That, where guests pick a side on given statements. On an episode featuring Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, Kajol stated that actors work much harder than 9-to-5 employees, while the other three on the show disagreed. Amid the online backlash, Kajol clarified her stance, explaining why acting is a demanding profession.
Kajol clarifies her controversial comment
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kajol described the intense nature of being on set: “It’s a very on-the-ball kind of job. When you’re shooting, you have to be 100 per cent there. We shot continuously for about 35 to 40 days (for The Trial Season 2). You have to work out, eat right, and maintain your body because even a small change affects your look and costumes. That’s a huge pressure.”
She added that, unlike corporate employees, actors don’t have the leisure to take breaks. “When you’re doing a 9-to-5 job, you can take tea breaks or just relax for a bit. We can’t. We’re constantly being watched- how we sit, cross our legs, smile, or even move. Every moment is scrutinised. It’s like being a kettle that’s always boiling; you’re always alert, always a little paranoid. That’s how we live.”
Kajol’s work front
The actress was last seen in the recently released JioCinema series The Trial Season 2, returning as Noyonika Sengupta, who balances her legal career with personal turmoil, including political intrigue, betrayals, and a complex relationship with her husband, Rajiv. The cast includes Kajol, Jisshu Sengupta, Alyy Khan, Sheeba Chaddha, and new additions Karanvir Sharma and Asrani.
Kajol was also seen earlier this year in the mythological horror drama Maa, as well as the direct-to-OTT release Sarzameen, directed by Kayoze Irani and co-starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Lai Khan. She was recently in the news for winning her 7th Filmfare Award and sharing the stage with Shah Rukh Khan, recreating their iconic on-screen chemistry.
