Kajol recently opened up about the lasting impact her mother, veteran actor Tanuja, had on her life and career. From watching Tanuja juggle motherhood with punishing 20-hour workdays to learning the value of independence and accountability at just 13, Kajol shared how those early lessons shaped her choices—as an actor, a woman, and now, a parent herself.When asked about carrying forward the legacy of her parents, Tanuja and Shomu Mukherjee, Kajol told Bollywood Bubble that she initially resisted following in their footsteps. Watching her mother endure grueling work schedules—sometimes shooting from early morning till past midnight—left a lasting impression. The unpredictability and imbalance of that lifestyle made Kajol certain she didn’t want the same path for herself.The actress further recalled how she had witnessed her mother, Tanuja, navigate the challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding film career. She remembered the emotional toll it took, especially as her mother didn’t want to be away from her children for long stretches. Watching her go through that, Kajol felt determined to avoid a similar path—citing the long, erratic hours and modest pay as reasons she once aspired for a stable 9-to-6 job with a regular paycheck.She went on to share that her initial desire for financial stability led her to dream of a secure job with guaranteed income. But everything shifted once she did her first film. That experience gave her the confidence to let go of the fear around financial uncertainty, and she stopped worrying about when the next paycheck would come—trusting that things would eventually fall into place.Reflecting on her journey, Kajol credits her mother, Tanuja, for instilling a strong sense of independence early on. At the age of 13, her mother encouraged her to begin making her own decisions and understand the responsibility that comes with them. From that point forward, Kajol learned to take ownership of both her successes and setbacks—an approach that has shaped her choices ever since.Kajol recalled how her mother, Tanuja, instilled the value of accountability from a young age. At just 13, she was encouraged to think through her choices and be prepared for the consequences—good or bad. From career decisions to marriage, Kajol shared that her mother always supported her but made sure the final call was hers to make. This foundation helped her navigate life with clarity and confidence, knowing that every decision came with its own weight and reward.Kajol concluded by expressing deep gratitude for her mother, Tanuja, crediting her for shaping her as a person and a parent. She acknowledged how her mother never judged her choices but stood by her through every phase. Kajol hopes she’s able to offer the same strength and guidance to her own children, even though she admits they’re still young and have a long way to grow.
