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SHE'S THE BRIGHTEST YOUNG talent of the nineties. Undoubtedly, the finest actress of this generation. It's rather sad that marriage has tamed the star-status of this former undisputed queen of the box-office. But Kajol doesn't really care a damn. In 1988, when one asked Kajol what she wanted to be, she had said, "A computer scientist." As for films, her reaction was, "Of course not. I'm not interested in movies at all." Five years later, in 1992, Kajol was launched by Rahul Rawail in 'Bekhudi'. The film flopped but Kajol's power-packed performance and sensitive appeal created the desired impact. She's never lived by the norms. Even on the professional front, she's never really bothered about the big names in the business. Of course, to her credit, she has some absolute forgettable films like 'Gopndaraj' and 'Hulchul' as well. But there are small movies like 'Udhaar Ki Zindagi' too in which her performance got her rave reviews. Very early in her career, she got an author-backed role in the form of 'Yeh Dillagi', in which she had both Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan vying for her attention.
The film was a major success and Kajol did get the due recognition for her super portrayal in the movie. And then, there was 'Baazigar' too. A film that had Shah Rukh Khan in the central role and Kajol had to share the limelight with another actress, Shilpa Shetty. Yet, she-managed to steal the thunder and therefore, she-shared the glory as well. It was also this film that cemented the foundation of the immensely successful Shah Rukh-Kajol pairing. Kajol's hit ratio seemed to be the best in the industry. With 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', it even became better. A landmark movie of sorts and also a trendsetter for a new wave of love stories, it exploited Kajol's histrionics to the fullest. Post 'DDLJ', she was unanimously voted as the most significant actresses of recent times. In showbiz, her position was unparalleled. It was the sheer aura of the Kajol mystique that made even the most ordinary films like 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya', Tshq' and 'Pyar To Hona Hi Tha' monumental successes.
The actress reached her zenith with 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hain' in 1997, a film that she claims is one of her favourites. Not many performers can outshine an actor like Shah Rukh Khan, especially when he's in his elements. But for Kajol, it was indeed a cake-walk. Most industry people believe that enchantment of Kajol lies in her innocence that's so well-entwined with her oozing sensuality. Added to it is colossal talent that's incomparable. Such a combo has always been lethal. Kajol's predecessors like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit had the same mix and that's why they reigned unrivaled for eons. Kajol broke many hearts when she got married to beau Ajay Devgan in 1999. It was a brave decision. At that time, she was the queen of the box-office, with a resounding success like 'Hum Aapke Dil Me Rehte Hain' just behind her. But it was a choice she believed in and she lived by it. Her marriage ceremony was small and very exclusive, with just a handful of industry people invited. Coincidentally, her only film after marriage - 'Dil Kya Kare' flopped at the box-office. But the iron- woman hasn't given up and is still working at being a success, despite being married. And with her kind of talent, it shouldn't be tough. |
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