Kajol Explains Pressures Behind Acting vs. 9-to-5 Work

Actress Kajol has clarified her comment comparing the workload of actors to conventional 9-to-5 jobs, after it sparked criticism on social media for being “tone-deaf.” The remark was made during the second episode of her digital talk show Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle, featuring Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan.

Explaining her perspective, Kajol described the intense physical and mental demands of acting. “For about 35 to 40 days of shooting, you must maintain your body, eat right, and ensure your appearance matches costumes and scenes. Even small changes can affect your look, which is a huge pressure,” she said.

She also highlighted the constant scrutiny actors face. “In a 9-to-5 job, you can take breaks or relax. As actors, we are constantly observed — how we sit, cross our legs, smile, or even move. Every action is noticed. It’s like being a kettle that’s always boiling; you are always alert and slightly paranoid,” Kajol added.

Kajol’s recent work in 2025 includes the mythological horror film Maa, her talk show on Prime Video, and the film Sarzameen, starring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Prithiviraj Sukumaran, released directly on JioHotstar. She also won her seventh Filmfare award, shared with Shah Rukh Khan.

Her clarification sheds light on the unique pressures of the acting profession, from long shooting schedules to constant public attention, distinguishing it from conventional office jobs.