Kajol Devgn / Wikipedia

Kajol Devgn, one of Indian cinema's most charismatic and fearless performers, has always worn many hats-powerhouse actress, passionate mother, and unapologetically honest public figure. Now, she's stepping into a new territory that surprises even her-horror. Her film Maa, a chilling tale blending Indian mythology and supernatural suspense, sees Kajol portraying a fierce mother combating an ancient evil to protect her daughter.

In this candid and unfiltered conversation, Kajol opens up about everything-from being afraid of horror movies to her fascination with mythology, parenting with husband Ajay Devgn, why she would love to play Krishna or Raavan, and how she defines motherhood in an evolving world. As always, she's fierce, funny, and fabulously grounded.

Also read: Aamir Khan- The star, the seeker, the storyteller

You've always balanced your career and personal life so seamlessly. Today, you're not just a working actress but also a devoted mother and partner. And now, with Maa, you're entering a whole new genre-horror. Tell us more.

Yes, Maa is my first-ever horror film, and honestly, it's not a genre I've ever been comfortable with. But this story gripped me. It's not just horror for horror's sake. It's a powerful narrative rooted in Indian mythology, with the eternal battle between good and evil at its core. It's emotionally intense, and that's what pulled me in.

Do you feel women today are pressurized into being "supermoms"?

Actually, I think the pressure has somewhat reduced. Earlier, a mother's work was often unpaid and unrecognized. Now, with so many women stepping into paid roles and balancing both, there's a certain validation. Still, society glorifies multitasking to the point of exhaustion. What I'd truly love to see is fathers evolving into Super Dads-taking equal emotional and physical responsibility. That's progress.

From Salaam Venky to Maa you have certainly mastered portraying motherhood on screen, however as an actor how did you differentiate the two?

Great question. In Salaam Venky, the mother was battling a terminal illness with her son-it was about hope and resilience in the face of death. In Maa, the mother is facing a different kind of evil-something ancient, dark, and spiritual. But the emotion is the same. A mother's primal instinct is to protect her child at all costs. That instinct doesn't change, only the setting does. The tagline, "Evil vs. Faith", really resonated with me. Faith is everything.

Do you believe in black magic or the supernatural?

I believe that wherever there is good, there has to be evil. It's part of the balance. While I don't personally believe in black magic per se, I do feel there's more to this world than what we can explain. Look around sometimes things aren't exactly normal.

Given your Bengali roots, how was it shooting in Kolkata? Did you visit your relatives there?

I try to, but during the shoot of Maa, I couldn't. Still, I love going to Kolkata-it's the land of Kalimaa, and I feel a spiritual connection there. The people, the food, the energy-it's like coming home.

It was rather ironic hearing you say how you don't enjoy horrог movies. So why step into one now?

(Laughs) I know, right? I've always been a chicken when it comes to horror! My sister Tanisha loves them, and I once joked that if she wants a scare, I'll do it for free. She never took me up on it. Even though Ajay's done Bhoot and my mom acted in two horror films, I've never watched them.

But Maa is different. It's based on the story of Kalimaa and Rakhtabeej, one of my favorite childhood tales. I've read it in multiple books-I'm a mythology nerd and I've even told it to my kids many times. Initially, the story was pitched as a thriller, but it grew into something more intense, more emotional. So, despite being terrified of the genre, I couldn't say no.

Would you say shooting your first horror film was challenging?

Absolutely. Many scenes were shot on green screens, so you're acting without anyone actually being there. It's not your typical film set. Add to that some serious action sequences it was physically exhausting. And yes, there were times I got genuinely spooked. We were shooting in this old haveli outside Kolkata. It had all these shut, barred windows-except one, where a skull was bizarrely wedged. And one night, this kid casually came up and said, "Auntie, I want orange juice." At midnight. In the dark. It was like The Shining. Chills!

Who's more protective as a parent-Kajol or Ajay?

(Laughs) I think we both are! Protection isn't one person's duty-it's a shared emotion. Even though my daughter's almost an adult now, we'll always be there watching, guiding. That's what parenting is.

Looking back on your journey, how do you feel about your career today?

I don't believe in being "content." There's always more to explore. I made my own choices-sometimes against all advice. People warned me not to get married early or have kids-they said it would end my career. But I did both and I'm still here, still working, still loving it. I've always stayed true to myself. And there's still a lot left in me.

What's it like working with Ajay Devgn as a director or producer?

Ajay's an all-rounder. He gets into every tiny detail-editing, VFX, background score-you name it. He's passionate and meticulous. We worked together in U Me Aur Hum, and I'd love to do it again. But he'll have to convince me first (winks)!

Aamir Khan once said his height made him insecure. What about you-any insecurities?

Everyone has insecurities. But I try not to dwell on them. If I focused on flaws, I'd lose focus on my performance. I've learned to work through them.

What does the near future look like?

I can't reveal much right now, but let's just say the next six months are going to be very exciting. And no, I haven't hung up my boots yet-far from it!