Kajol Birthday Special: 8 Must-Watch Movies Every Bollywood Fan Should See
Celebrate Kajol's birthday with her most memorable films. From 'DDLJ' and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' to 'Fanaa', revisit the performances that made her a Bollywood icon.
Happy 52nd Birthday to the ultimate powerhouse of talent, Kajol! Spanning a stellar career across three decades, she has undeniably cemented her position as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile leading stars. Whether redefining modern on-screen romance, bringing raw emotion to intense family dramas, or fearlessly portraying complex, morally grey characters, her captivating screen presence never fails to leave an indelible impact on audiences worldwide. As the actress celebrates her birthday today, it is the perfect time to revisit some of the films that made her one of Hindi cinema’s most loved and dependable performers.
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If you are looking to binge on her best work, here is a curated round-up of Kajol’s top films that you simply can't miss:
1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Directed by Aditya Chopra and released on October 20, 1995, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ starred Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles. The story followed Raj and Simran, two non-resident Indians who fall in love during a vacation in Europe, leading Raj to travel to Punjab to win over Simran's traditional family before she is married off to someone else. The romance emerged as a historic blockbuster, collecting over Rs 102 crore worldwide, and continues to run in select theatres even today.
Kajol's Role: As Simran, Kajol perfectly encapsulated the dilemma of an Indian girl torn between her conservative father's expectations and her own dreams. Her endearing performance set the gold standard for romantic heroines in Bollywood.
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2. Gupt: The Hidden Truth
Released on July 4, 1997, ‘Gupt’ was directed by Rajiv Rai and starred Bobby Deol, Manisha Koirala and Kajol in key roles. The suspense thriller followed Sahil, who is accused of murdering his stepfather, while the story unfolds through twists, secrets and multiple suspects. Supported by an iconic soundtrack, the movie was a commercial success, grossing over Rs 33 crore worldwide.
Kajol's Role: Playing the obsessive lover Isha Diwan, Kajol delivered one of the most shocking twists in Indian cinema. She completely broke the quintessential heroine mould and became the first woman in Filmfare history to win the award for Best Performance in a Negative Role.
3. Dushman
Directed by Tanuja Chandra and released on May 29, 1998, ‘Dushman’ starred Kajol, Sanjay Dutt and Ashutosh Rana. The psychological thriller featured Kajol in a double role as twin sisters Sonia and Naina. After Sonia is brutally killed, Naina is forced to confront fear, trauma and revenge, with help from a retired blind army officer. While it earned around Rs 10 crore globally, it attained widespread cult status over the years for its gripping narrative.
Kajol's Role: Taking on a challenging double role as twins Sonia and Naina, Kajol showcased incredible emotional range. She seamlessly transitioned from a vulnerable, grieving sister to a fierce, unrelenting woman out for vengeance, earning massive critical acclaim.
4. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Directed by Karan Johar and released on October 16, 1998, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ featured an iconic ensemble of Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji. The story tracked an 8-year-old girl who attempted to fulfill her late mother's dying wish by reuniting her widowed father with his college best friend, who had secretly loved him. The film was an all-time blockbuster, raking in over Rs 106 crore worldwide.
Kajol's Role: As Anjali Sharma, Kajol's transformation from a boisterous, basketball-loving tomboy to a graceful, mature woman won hearts instantly. Her unmatched comic timing and heartbreaking emotional restraint made Anjali one of Hindi cinema's most beloved characters.
5. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Released on December 14, 2001, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ was directed by Karan Johar and featured a massive ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. This grand family drama revolved around a wealthy patriarch who disowns his adopted son for marrying a middle-class girl, prompting the younger brother to embark on a mission to reunite the fractured family. The mammoth hit grossed over Rs 119 crore globally.
Kajol's Role: Playing the loud, patriotic, and hyper-energetic Anjali Sharma from Chandni Chowk, Kajol was the undisputed soul of the film. In a movie packed with grandeur, designer clothes, emotional speeches and superstar moments, Kajol brought an earthy warmth that kept the story from becoming too glossy. Her comic timing was terrific, but it was her emotional scenes with that gave the film its real heart.
6. Fanaa
The Hindi movie, released on May 26, 2006, was directed by Kunal Kohli and starred Aamir Khan and Kajol in the lead roles. The romantic thriller followed Zooni Ali Beg, a visually impaired Kashmiri woman who falls in love with Rehan, a charming tour guide whose life is far more complicated than it first appears. The film marked Kajol’s major return to the big screen after a break and collected Rs 102.84 crore worldwide.
Kajol's Role: As Zooni, Kajol delivered a poetic and poignant performance. Whether playing an innocent, visually impaired girl discovering love or a fierce mother making an agonizing, impossible choice in the climax, her sheer brilliance anchored the narrative. Opposite Aamir Khan, she held her ground beautifully and reminded audiences why her screen presence had been missed.
7. My Name Is Khan
Released on February 12, 2010, ‘My Name Is Khan’ was directed by Karan Johar and starred Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles. Set against the backdrop of post-9/11 America, the film follows an Indian Muslim man with Asperger's syndrome who embarks on a cross-country journey to speak to the President after his family suffers a devastating, Islamophobic tragedy. The film was a massive global hit, collecting over Rs 220 crore worldwide.
Kajol's Role: As Mandira Rathod Khan, Kajol portrayed the heartbreaking devastation of a mother who loses her child to a hate crime. Her agonizing grief and eventual journey toward forgiveness and healing earned her massive critical applause and yet another Filmfare Best Actress award.
8. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior
Directed by Om Raut and released on January 10, 2020, the historical action film featured Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, and Kajol. The epic traced the life of the fierce Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, who attempted to recapture the Kondhana fortress from Udaybhan Rathod. The film emerged as a box office blockbuster, grossing over Rs 360 crore worldwide.
Kajol's Role: Playing Savitribai Malusare, Kajol brought immense dignity, grace, and quiet strength to the screen. Despite limited screen time, she left a lasting impact as the resolute wife who stood firmly beside her husband's legendary military campaign.
Honourable Mentions
Films like ‘Baazigar’, ‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha’, ‘Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya’, ‘Ishq’ and ‘Salaam Venky’ also deserve mention for different reasons. But when one looks at a balance of impact, popularity, performance, recall value and risk-taking, these eight films make the strongest case for Kajol’s finest work. From Simran’s quiet rebellion to Isha’s shocking darkness and Mandira’s devastating grief, Kajol’s best films prove exactly why she remains one of Bollywood’s most unforgettable performers.
