Kajol denies being offered Sunny Deol’s ‘Gadar’, shares why she chose to drop her surname: ‘I wanted to be true to myself..’

Kajol has been part of some of the most unforgettable and iconic films in Bollywood, from her breakout role in 'Baazigar' to her iconic performances in cult classics like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. In her career the actress has also turned down many film offers. of which for years. For years, whispers in the industry claimed that Kajol was the first choice for the role of Sakina, eventually played by Ameesha Patel in 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha'. But the actress has now shut down those rumours once and for all.

Kajol clears the air on 'Gadar' rumour
Speaking at News18 Rising Bharat Summit the 'Ishq' actress said, “Gadar was not offered to me. It was a rumour,” Kajol said clearly, putting an end to the speculation. She went on to add that while many films were indeed offered to her over the years, she turned several down for different reasons. “A lot of films were offered to me. I will not name them. Those films have been made. Some were hits, others weren’t. I think you can’t claim work which you haven’t done.”
Why Kajol chose to drop her surname
Kajol, who comes from a legendary film family — her mother Tanuja and grandmother Shobhna Samarth are both respected names in Indian cinema — also spoke about her decision to go by just her first name when she entered Bollywood.
“It was a conscious choice. Meri maa ne mujhe puchha tha jab main pictures mein aana chahti thi. Mujhe puchha tha ki you have such an amazing lineage from your grandmother and grandfather’s side as well. Mujhe uss waqt, aur abhi bhi, lagta hai ki mujhe kisi ki tarafdaari nahi karni thi,” she shared.
The 'Fanaa' actress wanted to avoid the pressure of being compared to her family’s legacy. “I wanted to be true to myself and did not want the baggage of lineage. Toh isliye maine socha ki agar main sirf Kajol ke naam se jaani jaau, to shayad itna pressure nahi aayega mujh par.”

A slower, more thoughtful career
Unlike many of her peers, the 'My Name Is Khan' actress has taken a more selective approach to her career. Talking about this she said, “I am the least worked actor in the whole film industry. Puri film industry mein jo log recently aaye hai unn logon ne zyada kaam kiya hoga mujhse zayada. I think my filmography is all about 50-55 films. That’s it,” she said.
When asked if she was choosy or just lazy, she laughed and replied, “Dono. I choose to be lazy. I choose to have a slower life. I choose to enjoy my life along with working. I think working should be part of my life and not my life. I have found a balance in life. I like my coffee, slow morning. I love my life.”