Bollywood superstar Kajol has opened up about her unwavering belief that personal milestones should never hinder professional growth, revealing how she successfully navigated marriage, motherhood, and turning 50 without letting any of these life events slow down her illustrious career.
Kajol's empowering philosophy on life milestones
In a candid conversation with renowned film critic Anupama Chopra from The Hollywood Reporter India, the Dilwale actress shared her powerful mindset that has guided her through various phases of life. "I didn't believe marriage would stop me and it didn't. I didn't believe kids would stop me and it didn't. I didn't believe that turning 45 would stop me and it didn't. I didn't even believe that turning 50 would stop me and it didn't," Kajol stated emphatically during the interview conducted on November 9, 2025.
The acclaimed actress, who has been married to fellow Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, emphasized that her approach boils down to self-belief and determination in pursuing whatever she wants from life, regardless of societal expectations or age-related stereotypes.
Expert insights on balancing career and relationships
While Kajol makes balancing a thriving film career with a successful marriage and raising children appear seamless, experts note that many high-performing professionals struggle with this very challenge. According to Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, emotional exhaustion often serves as the first warning sign of impending burnout.
"Emotional exhaustion is one of the first red flags — think, feeling chronically drained, detached, or numb even when there's no obvious trigger," Khangarot explained to indianexpress.com, highlighting the subtle yet persistent ways burnout manifests in accomplished professionals.
Practical strategies for maintaining relationship health
For couples navigating demanding careers while preserving their relationship, experts recommend several evidence-based approaches:
Establish clear boundaries: Understanding each partner's attachment style is crucial when setting boundaries. Partners with anxious attachment styles may need additional reassurance, while those with avoidant styles typically require more autonomy.
Prioritize emotional check-ins: Rather than asking routine questions about daily activities, Khangarot suggests making a 5-minute daily call to ask "How are you feeling today?" This simple shift can significantly enhance emotional intimacy.
Embrace vulnerability: Sharing genuine emotions, struggles, and meaningful moments—rather than just logistical updates—helps build deeper connections between partners, especially during periods of physical separation.
Leverage technology creatively: Scheduled virtual date nights, shared online activities, or simultaneously watching movies while apart can help maintain connection despite busy schedules.
Seek professional support when needed: When relationship strain becomes overwhelming, couples therapy can provide valuable insights into attachment patterns and childhood influences that might be affecting current dynamics.
Kajol's journey demonstrates that with intentionality and the right mindset, personal milestones and professional ambitions can coexist harmoniously, proving that age, marriage, and motherhood need not be obstacles to career fulfillment.
