Kajol: Perbedaan antara revisi

| image = Kajol atpromoting theTanhaji successin party2019 of Devi, 2020(cropped).jpg

| caption = Kajol disaat sebuah acara untukpromosi ''[[Devi (film 2020)|DeviTanhaji]]'' pada 20202019

[[File:Kajol and Tanuja at Esha Deol's wedding reception 07.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Kajol dengan ibunya [[Tanuja]] di sebuah acara pada 2011. Berbicara kepada ''[[Filmfare]]'', ia menyatakan bahwa ibunya menjadi salah satu inspirasi hidupnya<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/just-in-kajol-may-star-in-this-persons-biopic-29952-1.html |title=Just in! Kajol may star in this person’s biopic |author=Singh, Raghuvendra |date=22 Agustus 2018 |work=[[Filmfare]] |access-date=31 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831114858/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/just-in-kajol-may-star-in-this-persons-biopic-29952.html |archive-date=31 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> |al=Kajol dengan ibunya Tanuja di resepsi pernikahan Esha Deol pada 2011. Kajol terlihat menggunakan sari berwarna putih kecoklat-coklat, dan Tanuja menggunakan sari berwarna merah darah dengan dalam kaus hitam. Mereka berdua tersenyum tidak kepada kamera,.]]

Kajol menyebut dirinya keras kepala sejak belia, menambahkan, "Jika saya mengambil [sebuah] keputusan tentang sesuatu, saya akan melakukannya [...] Saya memiliki keegoisan yang besar, saya tidak pernah meneteskan air mata [dan] saya [adalah] anak yang berbeda."<ref>{{cite web|last=Choudhary|first=Anuradha|date=13 April 2012|title=Kajol: A Mother's Role is More Defined|url=http://idiva.com/news-work-life/kajol-a-mothers-role-is-more-defined/12151|publisher=iDiva|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609104853/http://idiva.com/news-work-life/kajol-a-mothers-role-is-more-defined/12151|archive-date=9 Juni 2012|accessdate=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Menurut Kajol, ibunya menanamkannya rasa kemandirian sejak dini. Dibesarkan di antara dua budaya yang berbeda, ia mewarisi "[[pragmatisme]] [[Orang Marathi|Marathi]]" dari ibunya dan "ketemperamenan [[Orang Bengali|Bengali]]" dari ayahnya. Orang tuanya berpisah sejak ia berusia muda, namun menurutnya hal tersebut tidak terlalu memberikan pengaruh terhadap masa kecilnya.<ref name="India Today01">{{cite news|last=Bamzai|first=Kaveree|date=22 Mei 2006|title=Return of the natural|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005183624/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kajol-returns-to-unsettle-bollywood-reigning-deities/1/181245.html|archive-date=5 Oktober 2013|accessdate=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kajol mengenyam pendidikan di [[Sekolah Biara St. Joseph, Panchgani]] dan [[Kolese untuk Wanita Sophia]], serta mengikuti beberapa kegiatan ekstrakurikuler, termasuk menari.<ref>{{cite web|date=22 Agustus 2007|title=When Kajol was head girl|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/reader/20070822.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607155714/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/reader/20070822.htm|archive-date=7 Juni 2015|accessdate=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Menteri Urusan Luar Negeri (India)|Menteri Urusan Luar Negeri]]|date=Mei 2006|title=Kajol: Ready for a comeback|url=https://eoi.gov.in/kabul/?pdf0277?000.pdf|publisher=India Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904120651/https://eoi.gov.in/kabul/?pdf0277?000%3F000.pdf|archive-date=4 September 2020-09-04|access-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}<!-- Aslinya url-nya adalah https://eoi.gov.in/kabul/?pdf0277?000, namun agar muncul logo PDF, maka terpaksa ditambahkan ".pdf" pada bagian akhir url tersebut. --></ref> Ia juga mengembangkan sebuah minat untuk membaca buku-buku fiksi selama masa-masa pembelajaran tersebut, dilakukannya untuk membantunya "melewati masa-masa buruk" dalam kehidupannya.<ref>{{cite news|date=19 April 2012|title=Kajol shoots for a short film on education and literacy|url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/apr/190412-Kajol-shoots-for-a-short-film-about-education-and-literacy.htm|work=[[Mid Day]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630154819/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/apr/190412-Kajol-shoots-for-a-short-film-about-education-and-literacy.htm|archive-date=30 Juni 2012|accessdate=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Semasa mendampingi temannya untuk melakukan sebuah sesi foto, sutradara [[Rahul Rawail]], ketika itu sedang mencari seorang pemeran utama perempuan untuk proyek terbarunya ''[[Bekhudi]]'', melihat Kajol dan kemudian tertarik untuk memilihnya.<ref name="Sit wih hitlist">{{Cite news|last=Shekhar|first=Mayank|author-link=Mayank Shekhar|date=29 Januari 2019|title=Sit With Hitlist&nbsp;– Kajol: I Am Not Doing Movies Anymore Which Require Me To Cry|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/kajol-walks-down-memory-lane-and-gets-candid-with-mayank-shekhar/19804156|work=Mid Day|location=Mumbai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916155222/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/kajol-walks-down-memory-lane-and-gets-candid-with-mayank-shekhar/19804156|archive-date=16 September 2018|access-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Ia mendapatkan peran seorang gadis perkuliahan, dan mengalami beberapa kali pergantian lawan main, termasuk [[Saif Ali Khan]] dan [[Chandrachur Singh]],<ref>{{cite web |title="The actor has taken a backseat to the star"|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04chur.htm |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |date=4 April 1997 |publisher=Rediff.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030424073709/https://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04chur.htm |archive-date=24 April 2003 |access-date=30 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> sebelum akhirnya [[Kamal Sadanah]] terpilih.<ref name="Bekhudi">{{Cite web|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|authorlink=Sukanya Verma|date=6 Desember 2001|title=Oh Kajol!: Unraveling a phenomenon (Intro)|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/06intro.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030306083616/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/06intro.htm|archive-date=6 Maret 2003|access-date=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bose|first=Derek|author-link=Derek Bose|date=24 Mei 2008|title=Playing Saif|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080524/saturday/main1.htm|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033457/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080524/saturday/main1.htm|archive-date=20 Februari 2018|access-date=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Pemfilman dimulai pada 1990, dan sebagian besarnya dilakukan di Kanada; semenjak itu, Kajol memutuskan untuk keluar dari pendidikannya, sebuah hal yang kemudian disesalinya pada masa mendatang.<ref name="India Today01" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2013/feb/04/kajol-regrets-ignoring-her-education-447516.html |title=Kajol regrets ignoring her education |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |author=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |date=4 Februari 2013 |access-date=6 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906093011/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2013/feb/04/kajol-regrets-ignoring-her-education-447516.html |archive-date=6 September 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Dirilis pada dua tahun setelahnya, ''Bekhudi'' mengalami kegagalan finansial, namun, penampilan pendatang-pendatang barunya mendapatkan sambutan positif;<ref name="The Hindu01">{{Cite news|last=Bollywood News Service|date=1 Februari 2008|title=You, me aur Kajol|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2008/02/01/stories/2008020150240800.htm|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829164921/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2008/02/01/stories/2008020150240800.htm|archive-date=29 Agustus 2008|access-date=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> sebuah surat kabar ''[[The Indian Express]]'' menyerukan: "Kecantikan [...] tersebut membuat sebuah dampak awet dalam layar [...] Meskipun [tampil] dengan kostum minim, ia tetap memancarkan sebuah daya tarik polos."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19920731&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |title=Lovers on the run |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=31 Juli 1992 |access-date=9 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909121200/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19920731&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |archive-date=9 September 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Kajol kemudian mengutip proyek tersebut sebagai sebuah "keberuntungan besar" dalam hidupnya,<ref name="India Today01" /> dan menambahkan bagaimana film tersebut "telah mengajarinya dasar-dasar pembuatan film, mulai dari menghadap kamera hingga memperoleh pengetahuan teknis".<ref name="PTI01">{{Cite news|last=[[Press Trust of India]]|date=24 September 2018|title=When SRK told Kajol to learn how to act, and she felt he talks nonsense sometimes|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/240918/kajol-shah-rukh-khan-films-helicopter-dushman-bekhudi-kkhh-friend-funn.html|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928051404/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/240918/kajol-shah-rukh-khan-films-helicopter-dushman-bekhudi-kkhh-friend-funn.html|archive-date=28 September 2018|access-date=1 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Peran terobosan|Terobosan]] kariernya datang pada 1993 setelah ''[[Baazigar]]'' karya [[Abbas–Mustan]] meraih kesuksesan.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Raghuvanshi|first=Aakanksha|date=12 November 2019|title=26 Years After Baazigar, Kajol 'Still' Doesn't Have Kaali Kaali Aankhen|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/26-years-after-baazigar-kajol-still-doesnt-have-kaali-kaali-aankhen-2131194|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123021206/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/26-years-after-baazigar-kajol-still-doesnt-have-kaali-kaali-aankhen-2131194|archive-date=23 November 2019|access-date=3 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Diadaptasi dari ''[[A Kiss Before Dying (film 1991)|A Kiss Before Dying]]'' (1991), [[Sridevi]] awalnya dipilih untuk memainkan peran saudara kembar Kajol dan [[Shilpa Shetty]] sekaligus, namun sutradara film tersebut membatalkannya, merasa bahwa penonton tidak akan bersimpati jika dalam salah satu adegannya Sridevi ditembak;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=11 November 2018|title='Baazigar' was shot with two endings, reveal Abbas-Mustan|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/baazigar-was-shot-with-two-endings-reveal-abbas-mustan-118111100208_1.html|work=[[Business Standard]]|location=Mumbai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120005950/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/baazigar-was-shot-with-two-endings-reveal-abbas-mustan-118111100208_1.html|archive-date=20 November 2018|access-date=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Roy |first=Gitanjali |date=13 Agustus 2013 |title=Sridevi@50: 10 things you didn't know|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/sridevi-50-10-things-you-didnt-know-613364 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409153329/https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/sridevi-50-10-things-you-didnt-know-613364 |archive-date=9 April 2019 |access-date=11 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> hal tersebut juga berpengaruh pada alurnya.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/bollywood-features/fc-oral-history-baazigar/ |title=FC Oral History: Baazigar |author=Sinha, Sayoni |date=19 Januari 2017 |website=Film Companion |access-date=16 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816080124/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/bollywood-features/fc-oral-history-baazigar/ |archive-date=16 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Baazigar'' meraih sambutan hangat kritikus, namun Kajol mendapatkan tanggapan negatif atas riasan dan selera berpakaiannya yang dianggap "mengerikan".<ref name="slides" />

Kajol mulai naik daun pada 1995, setelah dua dari lima rilisannya—''[[Karan Arjun]]'' dan ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]''—menjadi film India dengan keuntungan tertinggi pada tahun tersebut.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|author-link=Anupama Chopra|date=15 Agustus 1995|title=Stretching the Straitjacket|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19950815-stretching-the-straitjacket-754213-1995-08-15|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818073323/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19950815-stretching-the-straitjacket-754213-1995-08-15|archive-date=18 Agustus 2020|access-date=18 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BOI 1995">{{Cite web|title=Box Office 1995|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201|publisher=Box Office India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830151926/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201|archive-date=30 Agustus 2012|access-date=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Dimulai dengan ''Karan Arjun'', sebuah cerita seru melodrama [[Rakesh Roshan]] yang bertemakan [[reinkarnasi]],<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.co.id/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&source=gbs_book_other_versions |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema |author1=Gulzar |author-link1=Gulzar |last2=Nihalani |first2=Govind |author-link2=Govind Nihalani |last3=Chatterjee |first3=Saibal |author-link3=Saibal Chatterjee |year=2003 |page=200 |publisher=[[Popular Prakashan]] |isbn=978-81-7991-066-5 |access-date=12 Agustus 2020}}</ref> di mana Kajol menggantikan [[Juhi Chawla]] untuk peran Sonia Saxena (wanita idaman dari karakter [[Shah Rukh Khan]]).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rayendra|first=Panditio|date=14 Januari 2015|title=20 tahun Karan Arjun; Awal manis Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan dan Kajol|url=https://www.tabloidbintang.com/asia/bollywood/read/17036/20-tahun-karan-arjun-awal-manis-shahrukh-khan-salman-khan-dan-kajol|work=[[Bintang (tabloid)|Bintang]]|language=id|archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/GXOT720200905085612/https://www.tabloidbintang.com/asia/bollywood/read/17036/20-tahun-karan-arjun-awal-manis-shahrukh-khan-salman-khan-dan-kajol|archive-date=5 September 2020-09-05|access-date=5 September 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref> Penampilannya meraih sambutan beragam; Rakesh Budhu dari Planet Bollywood menyebut kinerjanya "mentah" dan "membutuhkan sedikit usaha", namun memuji kemistrinya dengan Khan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Budhu|first=Rakesh|title=Karan Arjun|url=https://planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=041206024039|publisher=Planet Bollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308213642/https://planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=041206024039|archive-date=8 Maret 2016|access-date=11 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol kemudian membuat keputusan untuk membintangi film yang lebih ringan dan tidak menguras air mata, dan setelahnya memilih ''[[Hulchul (film 1995)|Hulchul]]'' dan ''[[Gundaraj]]''.<ref name="PTI01" /> Film-film tersebut, bersama dengan film berikutnya ''[[Taaqat (film 1995)|Taaqat]]'', mengalami kegagalan komersial dan kritis.<ref name="filmography" />

Kajol kemudian memerankan seorang [[India non-residen dan orang berdarah India|India non-residen]] (NRI) dalam film drama percintaan [[Aditya Chopra]] ''Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'', bersama Shah Rukh Khan, [[Amrish Puri]], dan [[Farida Jalal]]. Film tersebutyang menjadi rilis terakhirnya pada 1995, dan salah satu kesuksesan terbesarkarier dalam kariernya—dengan keuntungan sebesar {{INR}}1,06&nbsp;miliarterbesarnya.<ref name="BOI 1995" /> Judul film tersebut terinspirasi daripada sebuah penggalan lirik "Le Jayenge Le Jayenge" (sebuah lagu dalam film aksidari ''[[Chor Machaye Shor]]'' (1974), dan menjadi film pertama dengan kredit "Judul diusulkan oleh".<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/dilwaledulhanial00anup |title=Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge ("The Brave-Hearted Will Take the Bride") |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |year=2002 |page=37 |publisher=[[Institut Film Inggris]] |isbn=978-0-85170-957-4 |access-date=12 Agustus 2020 |url-access=registration }}</ref> PadaKetika masa produksi, perancang busanapembusana [[Manish Malhotra]] menghadapi kesulitan ketikadalam meyakinkan Kajol untuk mengenakan wig dan riasan wajah, yang menyebabkan Chopra diharuskan untuk turun tangan.<ref name="slides" /> Film tersebut dirilis secara teatrikal pada 20 Oktober,<ref name="filmography" /> dan menjadi populer di antara kalangan audienpenonton India dan NRI;<ref>{{cite book |last=Sarrazin |first=Natalie |editor1-last=Kavoori |editor1-first=Anandam P. |editor2-last=Punathambekar |editor2-first=Aswin |year=2008 |title=Global Bollywood |chapter=Songs from the Heart&nbsp;– Musical Coding, Emotional Sentiment, and Traditional Sonic Identity in India's Popular Film Music |page=210 |publisher=[[New York University Press]] |isbn=978-0-8147-4798-8 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2CqERCzWn5gC |access-date=12 Agustus 2020}}</ref> hingga 2014, film tersebut telah diputar di teater [[Maratha Mandir]] selama 1000 pekan tanpa henti, menjadikannya film India dengan pemutaran paling lama.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/dilwale-dulhania-le-jayenge-1000-week-run-ends-at-maratha-mandir-241025-2015-02-19 |title=Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge's 1000-week run ends at Maratha Mandir |work=India Today |date=19 Februari 2015 |access-date=11 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811130326/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/dilwale-dulhania-le-jayenge-1000-week-run-ends-at-maratha-mandir-241025-2015-02-19 |archive-date=11 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Film tersebut juga meraih sambutan positif dari para kritikus, yang kebanyakan tertuju pada perpaduan akting antara Kajol dan Khan,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kulkarni|first=Ronjita|date=13 Mei 2005|title=Shah Rukh did not want to do DDLJ|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/oct/08anu.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040207025939/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/oct/08anu.htm|archive-date=30 Mei 2015|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan Kajol mendapatkanmeraih penghargaan Aktris Terbaik pertamanya di Filmfare.<ref name="Awards01" /> ''Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'' menjadi salah satu dari tiga film—selain ''[[Mother India]]'' (1957) dan ''[[Deewaar (film 1975)|Deewaar]]'' (1975)—yang dimasukkan dalam buku referensi perfilman ''[[1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die|url=http://www.1001beforeyoudie.com/uk_1001_movies.html|publisher=[[Quintessence Editions]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530051907/http://www.1001beforeyoudie.com/uk_1001_movies.html|archive-date=30 Mei 2015|access-date=27 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> KajolPada kemudian1996, Kajol tampil sebagai seorang fotografi pers dalam film aksi bersambutan sedikit ''[[Bambai Ka Babu (film 1996)|Bambai Ka Babu]]'' (1996), bersama Saif Ali Khan dan [[Atul Agnihotri]]),<ref name="filmography" /> dan menghadapi sebuah kontroversi setelah melakukan sebuah pemotretan bersama pemeran [[Rekha]] dengan menggunakan sweter tanpa pundak, yang gagalmana untuktidak mendapatkandisukai sambutanoleh penontonbanyak penggemarnya.<ref>{{Cite namenews|last="filmography"Shaiwala|first=Alifiya|date=2 Juli 2020|title=Remember When Rekha And Kajol Teamed Up For 'cosy' Photoshoot In 1996? See Pics|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/remember-when-rekha-and-kajol-teamed-up-for-cosy-photo-shoot-see-pics.html|work=Republic World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911135643/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/remember-when-rekha-and-kajol-teamed-up-for-cosy-photo-shoot-see-pics.html|archive-date=11 September 2020|access-date=11 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kajol menggambarkan perannya dalam film cerita seru suspen 1997 ''[[Gupt: The Hidden Truth]]'', sebagai "salah satu peran tersulit" yang pernah diselesaikannya.<ref name="Interview01">{{Cite news|last=Choudhary|first=Anuradha|date=Maret 2000|title=Kajol: Dil Kya Kare...|url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/march2000/ivw1a.html|work=Filmfare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222165951/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/march2000/ivw1a.html|archive-date=25 Juli 2012|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Film tersebut disutradarai dan ditulis secara bersamaan oleh [[Rajiv Rai]], dan juga dibintangi oleh [[Bobby Deol]] dan [[Manisha Koirala]]. Sebagai bagian untuk menghindari memainkan [[Typecasting|jenis peran yang sama]] secara berturut-turut, Kajol memilih untuk tampil sebagai seorang ''[[femme fatale]]'' yang memiliki sifat obsesif, Isha Diwan (peran antagonis pertamanya).<ref name="first">{{Cite news|last=Khatib|first=Hasina|date=22 April 2020|title=In pictures: Kajol’s complete beauty evolution|url=https://www.vogue.in/content/bollywood-celebrity-kajol-then-and-now-pictures-complete-beauty-evolution|work=[[Vogue (majalah)|Vogue]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724132054/https://www.vogue.in/content/bollywood-celebrity-kajol-then-and-now-pictures-complete-beauty-evolution|archive-date=24 Juli 2020|access-date=24 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Film tersebut dinyatakan sukes dari segi box office (meraup {{INR}}300&nbsp;juta), dan membuat Kajol menjadi pemenang perempuan [[Penghargaan Filmfare untuk Penampilan Terbaik dalam sebuah Peran Negatif]] (juga dikenal sebagai Penjahat Terbaik) pertama.<ref name="villain" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Box Office 1997|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Nw==|publisher=Box Office India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922015923/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Nw==|archive-date=22 September 2012|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Film tersebut mendapatkan ulasan campuran kritikus, namun kinerja Kajol ditanggapi secara positif; Mohammad Ali Ikram dari Planet Bollywood menyebut Kajol menampilkan perannya "secara brilian",<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ikram|first=Mohammad Ali|title=Gupt|url=https://planetbollywood.com/Film/gupt.html|publisher=Planet Bollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990420105525/https://planetbollywood.com/Film/gupt.html|archive-date=20 April 1999|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> dan ''[[The Times of India]]'' menetapkan penampilan tersebut sebagai "penampilan terbaiknya sepanjang masa" dan menjadi penghancur citranya sebagai seorang [[wikt:goody two shoes|wanita-baik-yang-tidak-dapat-menjadi-jahat]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Times News Network|date=5 Mei 2016|title=Priyanka, Katrina, Bipasha&nbsp;– Super hot baddies of B-Town|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/priyanka-katrina-bipasha-super-hot-baddies-of-b-town/priyanka-katrina-bipasha-super-hot-baddies-of-b-town/photostory/52129993.cms|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/dHh5w20200902034250/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/priyanka-katrina-bipasha-super-hot-baddies-of-b-town/photostory/52129993.cms|archive-date=2 September 2020-09-02|access-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref> Rai, yang juga memberikan apresiasi kepada Kajol, kemudian mendapatkan dorongan untuk memberikannya sebuah tawaran peran dalam ''[[Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat]]'', namun Kajol menolaknya.<ref name="slides" /> Pada tahun yang sama, ia juga menolak untuk memainkan peran pendukung Nisha (seorang penari yang terlibat dalam sebuah cinta segitiga) dalam film musikal [[Yash Chopra]] ''[[Dil To Pagal Hai]]''.<ref name="Rejected roles01">{{Cite news|last=Times News Network|date=30 Juli 2014|title=Blockbusters we wish Kajol hadn't rejected!|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/blockbusters-we-wish-kajol-hadnt-rejected/blockbusters-we-wish-kajol-hadnt-rejected/photostory/46213414.cms|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621052950/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/blockbusters-we-wish-kajol-hadnt-rejected/blockbusters-we-wish-kajol-hadnt-rejected/photostory/46213414.cms|archive-date=21 Juni 2020|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Pada 1998, Kajol memainkan peran utama dalam keempat filmnya, dan menolak satu proyek: ''[[Dil Se..]]''.<ref name="Sit wih hitlist" /> Portal keuangan perfilman [[Box Office India]] melaporkan tahun tersebut sebagai penanda puncak kariernya, setelah tiga filmnya—''[[Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (film 1998)|Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya]]'', ''[[Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha]]'', dan ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]''—menempati posisi sebagai film-film India berkeuntungan tertinggi pada tahun tersebut, dengan pengecualian untuk ''[[Dushman (film 1998)|Dushman]]''.<ref name="Top Actress" /><ref name="BOI 1998">{{Cite web|title=Box Office 1998|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA==|publisher=Box Office India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922020014/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA==|archive-date=22 September 2012|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ketiga produksi sukses tersebut juga dinominasikan untuk [[Penghargaan Filmfare untuk Film Terbaik|Film Terbaik]] di [[Penghargaan Filmfare ke-44]],<ref name="nominations 1998">{{Cite web|title=The Nominations&nbsp;– 1998|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368676.cms|publisher=[[Times Internet]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028225541if_20181225193802/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368676.cms|archive-date=28 Oktober 20072018-12-25|access-date=30 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead|dead-url=yes}}</ref> dan ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' meraih penghargaannya.<ref name="India Abroad01">{{cite news |title='Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' wins all top Filmfare honors |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-23055646.html |date=26 Februari 1999 |work=[[India Abroad]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608083928/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-23055646.html |archive-date=8 Juni 2014 |access-date=27 Agustus 2020 |url-status=dead }}{{subscription|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref> ''Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya'' menjadi rilis terawalnya pada 1998, dibuka pada 27 Maret.<ref name="filmography" /> Film komedi percintaan tersebut (disutradarai dan ditulis oleh [[Sohail Khan]]) menampilkannya beradu akting dengan [[Salman Khan]], dan Kajol memerankan Muskaan Thakur, seorang gadis desa naif yang memiliki rasa suka terhadap seorang pria kaya. Film tersebut menjadi film India dengan keuntungan tertinggi keempat pada tahun tersebut (menghasilkan keuntungan lebih dari {{INR}}120 juta),<ref name="BOI 1998" /> dan ia mendapatkan sebuah nominasi [[Penghargaan Zee Cine untuk Pemeran Terbaik&nbsp;– Perempuan|Pemeran Terbaik&nbsp;– Perempuan]] di upacara [[Penghargaan Zee Cine]] untuk penampilannya.<ref name="ZCA98">{{cite web|author=[[Zee Entertainment Enterprises]]|title=Zee Cine Awards (ZCA) 1999&nbsp;– Winners and Nominees|url=https://www.zeecineawards.com/timeline/1999/winners/|publisher=[[Penghargaan Zee Cine]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216065239/https://www.zeecineawards.com/timeline/1999/winners/|archive-date=16 Februari 2020|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kajol memainkan peran ganda sebagai sepasang saudara kembar dalam debut penyutradaraan [[Tanuja Chandra]] ''[[Dushman (film 1998)|Dushman]]'', sebuah cerita seru psikologis yang di[[buat ulang]] dari ''[[Eye for an Eye (film 1996)|Eye for an Eye]]'' (1996).<ref>{{cite web |date=30 April 1999 |title='I don't like making namby-pamby pictures' |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/aug/30tan.htm |publisher=Rediff.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010417153259/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/aug/30tan.htm |archive-date=17 April 2001 |access-date=12 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Peran ganda tersebut mengharuskannya untuk memakai dua gaya rambut berbeda, salah satunya adalah [[potongan bob]], yang digambarkannya sebagai gaya rambut "terburuknya hingga saat ini".<ref>{{cite news |last=Kukreja |first=Monika Rawal |date=16 Juni 2017 |title=19 years of Dushman: Eight lesser known facts about the Kajol-Ashutosh Rana starrer |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/19-years-of-dushman-eight-lesser-known-facts-about-the-kajol-ashutosh-rana-starrer/story-j9DL6kUBmqXA8DyELsbeRM.html |work=Hindustan Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221131941/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/19-years-of-dushman-eight-lesser-known-facts-about-the-kajol-ashutosh-rana-starrer/story-j9DL6kUBmqXA8DyELsbeRM.html |archive-date=21 Desember 2019 |access-date=12 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Pada awalnya, ia menolak untuk membintangi film tersebut akibat terdapat sebuah adegan pemerkosaan. Menanggapi hal tersebut, Chandra meyakinkan Kajol bahwa ia akan memakai seorang [[tubuh ganda]].<ref name="PTI01" /> Selama proses produksi, suara Kajol disulih oleh [[Mona Ghosh Shetty]] dalam beberapa adegan.<ref name="Dushman" /> ''Dushman'' dirilis pada 29 Mei,<ref name="filmography" /> dan menjadi kegagalan komersial satu-satunya pada tahun tersebut, menghasilkan {{INR}}135&nbsp;juta.<ref name="BOI 1998" /> Meskipun begitu film tersebut mendapatkan sambutan positif dari para kritikus, yang kebanyakan tertuju pada penampilan Kajol, [[Sanjay Dutt]], dan [[Ashutosh Rana]].<ref name="Dushman">{{Cite news|last=Vyas|first=Aditya|date=21 April 2020|title=Kajol's 'Dushman' was Ashutosh Rana's first film, read other interesting trivia|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kajol-starred-dushman-marks-ashutosh-ranas-debut-see-trivia.html|work=Republic World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812072140/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kajol-starred-dushman-marks-ashutosh-ranas-debut-see-trivia.html|archive-date=12 Agustus 2020|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Menulis untuk Rediff.com, kritikus [[Sukanya Verma]] menyebut Kajol "berada dalam kondisi yang luar biasa" baik dengan perannya sebagai "saudara kembar [...] karier yang dibunuh dan pembalasnya".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|date=4 Juni 1998|title=Blood is thicker...|url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/jun/04dush.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980610080924/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/jun/04dush.htm|archive-date=10 Juni 1998|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol juga meraih [[Screen Award untuk Aktris Terbaik]], serta nominasi tambahan Filmfare dan Zee Cine.<ref name="Awards01" /><ref name="ZCA98" />

Film drama remaja [[Karan Johar]] ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' menandai rilis terakhir Kajol pada tahun tersebut, dan menjadi sebuah tonggak sejarah dalam kariernya.<ref name="slides" /> Berperan sebagai seorang [[tomboi]], fim tersebut menjadi film India pertama yang direkam di Skotlandia.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sareen|first=Jaideep|date=18 April 1999|title=Bollywood moves to Scotland|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/bollywood-moves-to-scotland-1088031.html|work=[[The Independent]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817060947/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/bollywood-moves-to-scotland-1088031.html|archive-date=17 Agustus 2020|access-date=17 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Ketika pengambilan gambar untuk "Yeh Ladka Hai Deewana", Kajol kehilangan kendali atas sepedanya. Kejadian tersebut membuatnya mengalami pingsan, dan menyebabkan sebagian ingatannya ketika syuting hilang. Ia menyatakan bahwa kecelakaan tersebut adalah bagian paling berkesan dari masa produksi.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwCGUtxikm0&list=LL1MdamL6NJu2cQLKPrBFCsg&index=1049 |title=Making of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |date=9 Februari 2011 |publisher=[[Dharma Productions]] |time=1:28–2:10 |access-date=12 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=httphttps://archive.vntoday/Hi01O20200812091103/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwCGUtxikm0&list=LL1MdamL6NJu2cQLKPrBFCsg&index=1049 |archive-date=2020-08-12 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live |dead-url=no }}</ref> Film tersebut (dirilis pada 16 Oktober)<ref name="filmography" /> menjadi rilis tersuksesnya pada tahun tersebut, meraup {{INR}}768&nbsp;juta,<ref name="BOI 1998" /> dan juga berkinerja baik di mancanegara,<ref name="Overseas">{{Cite web|title=Top Lifetime Grossers Overseas (IND Rs)|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=337&catName=TGlmZXRpbWUgSW4gSU5EIFJz|publisher=Box Office India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922020354/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=337&catName=TGlmZXRpbWUgSW4gSU5EIFJz|archive-date=19 September 2012|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> terutama Indonesia.<ref>{{Citation|title=Bollywood's defining moment In Indonesia|journal=The Weekend Leader|location=Jakarta, Indonesia|last=Tambunan, Shuri Mariasih Gietty|volume=3|issue=51|date=22 Desember 2012|access-date=24 Agustus 2020|url=https://www.theweekendleader.com/Culture/1468/bollywood-ripples.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731035448/https://www.theweekendleader.com/Culture/1468/bollywood-ripples.html|archivedate=31 Juli 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' meraih sambutan positif, namun kinerja Kajol diulas secara beragam; kritikus Sujata C. J. menggambarkannya "tidak terlalu menarik" akibat gaya pakaian kelaki-lakiannya,<ref>{{Cite web|last=J.|first=Sujata C.|date=16 Oktober 1998|title=The big dud|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/16kuch.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030817073913/https://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/16kuch.htm|archive-date=17 Agustus 2003|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> sementara [[Nikhat Kazmi]] menyebutnya "hampir memukau".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kazmi|first=Nikhat|authorlink=Nikhat Kazmi|title=Friendship or love|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/bollywood/filmrev/kuch.htm|publisher=Times Internet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990502211518/http://www.indiatimes.com/bollywood/filmrev/kuch.htm|archive-date=22 Mei 1999|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Film tersebut memenangkan [[Penghargaan Film Nasional untuk Film Populer Terbaik yang Menyediakan Hiburan Penuh]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[United News of India]]|date=16 Februari 2000|title=National Awards witness Hindi resurgence|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/16award.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629122421/https://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/16award.htm|archive-date=29 Juni 2020|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan memberikan Kajol penghargaan Aktris Terbaik di Filmfare dan Zee Cine.<ref name="India Abroad01" /><ref name="ZCA98" /> Film tersebut terpilih sebagai salah satu [[Daftar film yang dianggap terbaik|film terbaik yang pernah dibuat]] menurut ''[[Eastern Eye]]'',<ref>{{cite news |date=18 Juli 2013 |title='Mughal-e-Azam' named greatest Bollywood film in UK poll |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/mughal-e-azam-named-greatest-bollywood-film-in-uk-poll-624565.html |publisher=[[CNN-News18]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508195215/http://www.news18.com/news/india/mughal-e-azam-named-greatest-bollywood-film-in-uk-poll-624565.html |archive-date=8 Mei 2016 |access-date=27 Agustus 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[Hindustan Times]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Rachel |author-link=Rachel Dwyer |date=12 Agustus 2017 |title=70 iconic movies of Independent India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/interactives/70-movies-independence-day/ |work=Hindustan Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307104858/https://www.hindustantimes.com/interactives/70-movies-independence-day/ |archive-date=7 Maret 2018 |access-date=27 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Time (majalah)|Time]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Sattar |first=Miral |date=27 Oktober 2010 |title=Best of Bollywood: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) |url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2022076_2022068_2022063,00.html |work=[[Time (majalah)|Time]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219141230/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2022076_2022068_2022063,00.html |archive-date=19 Februari 2020 |access-date=27 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> dan ''[[Time Out (majalah)|Time Out]]''.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 Agustus 2019 |title=The 100 best Bollywood movies |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-100-best-bollywood-movies-the-list |work=[[Time Out (majalah)|Time Out]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817075703/https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-100-best-bollywood-movies-the-list |archive-date=17 Agustus 2016 |access-date=27 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rilis pertama Kajol pada 1999 adalah [[Film wanita|film berpusatkan wanita]] ''[[Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gupta|first=Shubhra|date=21sebuah Maret[[film 2008|title=Showwanita]] meyang the money!|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-life/article1115049.ece|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222143717/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-life/article1115049.ece|archive-date=22 Februari 2014|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> sebuah buatdibuat ulang dari drama percintaan ber[[bahasaperfilman Telugu|Telugu]] ''[[Pavitra Bandham]]'' (1996).<ref name="Rediff02">{{Cite web|last=Taliculam|first=Sharmila|date=23 Januari 1999|title=Till incompatibility do us part|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/23hum.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104114835/https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/23hum.htm|archive-date=4 November 2018|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Melalui film tersebut, ia melakukan sebuah percobaan dengan memainkan peran stereotip seorang wanita yang rela berkoban.<ref name="slides" /> Ia tampil sebagai Megha, seorang asisten pribadi dari karakter [[Anil Kapoor]]. Film tersebut muncul sebagaiadalah sebuah [[sleeper hit]] (berkeuntungan lebih dari {{INR}}170 juta),<ref name="Bhattacharya, Roshmila" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ== |title=Box Office 1999 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=28 Agustus 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922015930/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ== |archive-date=22 September 2012 }}</ref> dan penampilan Kajol dinominasikan untuk Penghargaan Filmfare untuk Aktris Terbaik.<ref name="Awards01" /> SharmilaMengulas Taliculam dariuntuk Rediff.com, kritikus Sharmila Taliculam menulis: "Ia mengelola perannya dengan baik, menggunakan matanya untuk memberikan efek yang baik dalam banyak adegan. Kedambaan di dalam [mata]nya sangat kuat ketika ia mencari apresiasi untuk apapunapa yang ia lakukandilakukannya."<ref name="Rediff02" /> Pada 24 Februari, Kajol melangsungkan pernikahannyamenikah dengan Ajay Devgn dalam sebuah upacara sederhana bergaya Maharashtra. Ia, dan Devgn kemudian pergi ber[[bulan madu]] selama dua bulan ke Eropa.<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 April 2003|title=It takes two to tango: Bonding of the bubbly belle & the brooder|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm|work=The Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125093140/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main5.htm|archive-date=25 Januari 2020|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Sebuah konflik terjadi dengan ayahnya setelah pernikahan. Ayahnya merasa bahwa pernikahan tersebut dapat memberikan pengaruh terhadap karier Kajol, dan menurutnya, usianya pada saat tersebut, 25, terlalu muda. Perselisihan tersebut mengakibatkan ayahnya tidak ingin untuk berbicara kepada Kajol selama seminggu.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1827922/4-family-didnt-want-marry-ajay-kajol |title=My family didn't want me to marry Ajay: Kajol |date=17 Oktober 2018 |work=The Tribune |access-date=12 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121201226/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1827922/4-family-didnt-want-marry-ajay-kajol |archive-date=21 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Juga pada 1999, Kajol tampil dalam dua film lainnya—''[[Dil Kya Kare]]'' dan ''[[Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya]]''—dan menolak satu proyek: ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]''.<ref name="Rejected roles02" /> Debut produksi suaminya, drama musikal ''Dil Kya Kare'',<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rediff Entertainment Bureau|date=8 Agustus 2001|title=That brooding intensity!: Ajay Devgan promises to sear in Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/08ajay.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030303231659/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/08ajay.htm|archive-date=3 Maret 2003|access-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> menandai rilis pertama Kajol setelah pernikahan, dan [[Sify]] memberikan sambutan positif kepadanya.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 April 2003|title=Dil Kya Kare|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/dil-kya-kare-review-bollywood-pcltRphhbhfcj.html|publisher=[[Sify]]|archive-url=httphttps://archive.vntoday/RBh2e20200813020631/https://www.sify.com/movies/dil-kya-kare-review-bollywood-pcltRphhbhfcj.html|archive-date=13 Agustus 2020-08-13|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref> Sebuah peran yang menurutnya memiliki "corak abu-abu", Kajol memerankan Nandita Rai, seorang [[wanita simpanan]] dari seorang pria yang telah menikah.<ref name="Interview01" /> Dalam ''TheHote TimesHote ofPyar IndiaHo Gaya'', menguraikanberhadapan penampilandengan Kajol[[Jackie dalamShroff]], ''HoteThe HoteTimes Pyarof Ho GayaIndia'' menguraikan penampilan Kajol sebagai "lincah dan tulus", dan menyebutnya terlihat "sangat meyakinkan".<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 Agustus 1999|title=Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/Hote-Hote-Pyar-Ho-Gaya-/articleshow/1918272969.cms|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828030830/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/Hote-Hote-Pyar-Ho-Gaya-/articleshow/1918272969.cms|archive-date=28 Agustus 2020|access-date=28 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Pengulas lainnya menyebut perannya menjadi sebuah "sorotan utama" dalam film tersebut.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Taliculam|first=Sharmila|date=1 Juli 1999|title=The parting game|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/01hote.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813015540/https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/01hote.htm|archive-date=13 Agustus 2020|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Baik ''Dil Kya Kare'' ataupun ''Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya'' tidak ada yang dapat menarik cukup menontonaudien, dan memuakkanmemberikan sebuah kesuksesandorongan pada kariernya.<ref name="filmography" />

''[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]'' menyebut ''[[Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi]]'' (2001) sebagai "permulaan dari babak kedua" dalam karier Kajol.<ref name="The Tribune01">{{Cite news|last=Gupta|first=Rakhee|date=22 Februari 2001|title=Kajol decides to ‘phase out’|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010222/main8.htm|work=The Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011212618/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010222/main8.htm|archive-date=11 Oktober 2019|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Baik film tersebut maupun penampilannya tidak ada yang ditanggapi secara positif;<ref name="filmography" /> Savera R. Someshwar mengkritik keputusan Kajol untuk membintangi film tersebut, menyebutnya hanya menjadi sebuah "alat bantu glamor" dan menggambarkan penampilannya "tidak menarik".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Someshwar|first=Savera R.|date=19 Januari 2001|title=Oh Kajol! Oh! Oh! Oh!&nbsp;– Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi: Fills you deep... with despair|url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jan/19khatti.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010128031200/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jan/19khatti.htm|archive-date=28 Januari 2001|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'', sebuah melodrama ansambel tahun 2001 dari [[Dharma Productions]] yang bertemakan nilai-nilai kekeluargaan, menjadi pengakhir kegagalan konsekutif tersebut.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mazumdar |first=Ranjani |year=2007 |url=https://books.google.co.id/books/about/Bombay_Cinema.html?id=xenNBrRKOGoC&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=Bombay Cinema: An Archive of the City |location=Minneapolis, Amerika Serikat |publisher=[[University of Minnesota Press]] |isbn=978-0-8166-4942-6 |pages=136–140 |access-date=13 Agustus 2020 }}</ref> Diproduksi dengan biaya sebesar {{INR}}400 juta,<ref>{{cite news|last=Dhawan |first=Himanshu |title=Look who's laughing |url=http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/20020128/uk-cinema.shtml |work=India Today |date=28 Januari 2002 |access-date=11 September 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034427/http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/20020128/uk-cinema.shtml |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref> film tersebut menempati peringkat [[Daftar film India berkeuntungan tertinggi di pasar luar negeri|film India berkeuntungan tertinggi di luar India]] selama lima tahun berturut-turut.<ref name="Overseas" /> Kajol ditunjuk sebagai pengganti Rani Mukerji untuk memerankan Anjali Sharma, sebuah peran yang mengharuskannya untuk mempelajari [[bahasa Punjab]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jha|first=Subhash K.|author-link=Subhash K. Jha|date=21 Desember 2001|title=Cherished moments in film-making|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2001/12/21/stories/2001122100870300.htm|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211170140/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2001/12/21/stories/2001122100870300.htm|archive-date=11 Februari 2012|access-date=18 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=April 2002|title=Interview: Best Actress&nbsp;– Kajol|url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2002/ivw3.html|work=Filmfare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222165709/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2002/ivw3.html|archive-date=22 Februari 2014|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kinerjanya diulas secara campuran oleh kritikus; Anjum N. dari Rediff.com merasa penampilannya "berlebihan",<ref>{{Cite web|last=N.|first=Anjum|date=14 Desember 2001|title=The Parent Trap: K3G is not about loving your parents only|url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/dec/14kabhi.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011215004519/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/dec/14kabhi.htm|archive-date=15 Desember 2001|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> sementara menulis untuk Bollywood Hungama, kritikus Taran Adarsh menulis bahwa Kajol menjadi "[bagian] terbaik" dan memuji dialek berbahasa Punjab-nya; tetapi berhasil untuk membuatnya meraih Penghargaan Filmfare dan Screen untuk Aktris Terbaik,<ref name="Awards01" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Adarsh|first=Taran|date=11 Desember 2001|title=Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham: Movie Review|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/kabhi-khushi-kabhie-gham/critic-review/kabhi-khushi-kabhie-gham-movie-review/|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520074357/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/kabhi-khushi-kabhie-gham/critic-review/kabhi-khushi-kabhie-gham-movie-review/|archive-date=20 Mei 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> tetapi berhasil untuk membuatnya meraih Penghargaan Filmfare dan Screen untuk Aktris Terbaik,<ref name="Awards01" /> dan dinominasikan untuk [[Penghargaan IIFA untuk Aktris Terbaik|Akademi Film India Internasional]] (AFII)<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goodridge|first=Mike|date=15 Maret 2002|title=Lagaan, K3G battle it out for the Indian Int'l awards|url=https://www.screendaily.com/lagaan-k3g-battle-it-out-for-indian-intl-awards/408648.article|work=[[Screen International]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714063629/https://www.screendaily.com/lagaan-k3g-battle-it-out-for-indian-intl-awards/408648.article|archive-date=14 Juli 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan Zee Cine.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Zee Entertainment Enteprises|title=Zee Cine Awards (ZCA) 2002&nbsp;– Winners and Nominees|url=https://www.zeecineawards.com/timeline/2002/winners/|publisher=Penghargaan Zee Cine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517012831/https://www.zeecineawards.com/timeline/2002/winners/|archive-date=17 Mei 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

SetelahKajol mengambil cuti dari berakting untuk mengurusi keluarganya setelah kesuksesan ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...'', Kajol cuti dari akting untuk mengurusi keluarganya.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 2001|title=In Focus: Gimme Gold|url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/nov2001/ifocus10.html|work=Filmfare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109222229/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/nov2001/ifocus10.html|archive-date=9 Februari 2013|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ia juga dikabarkan tengah hamil pada masa produksi film tersebut, namun pada Desember 2001, ia [[keguguran]] setelah [[kehamilan ektopik|kehamilannya dinyatakan ektopik]];<ref>{{Cite news|last=Times News Network|date=21 Desember 2001|title=Kajol back home after miscarriage|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/calcutta-times/Kajol-back-home-after-miscarriage/articleshow/1836353123.cms|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105062529/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/calcutta-times/Kajol-back-home-after-miscarriage/articleshow/1836353123.cms|archive-date=5 November 2019|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ia keguguran kembali setelahnya, namun tidak diketahui kapan hal tersebut terjadi.<ref>{{Cite news|last=India Today Web Desk|date=9 Januari 2020|title=Kajol opens up on miscarriages and life with Ajay Devgn: We’ve been through so much|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kajol-opens-up-on-miscarriages-and-life-with-ajay-devgn-we-ve-been-through-so-much-1635243-2020-01-09|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109132516/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kajol-opens-up-on-miscarriages-and-life-with-ajay-devgn-we-ve-been-through-so-much-1635243-2020-01-09|archive-date=9 Januari 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Sesudahnya, Kajol menolak lima proyek berturut-turut—''[[Gadar: Ek Prem Katha]]'', ''[[Devdas (film Hindi 2002)|Devdas]]'', ''[[Shakti: The Power]]'', ''[[Chalte Chalte (film 2003)|Chalte Chalte]]'', dan ''[[Veer-Zaara]]''—mengatakan: "Saya tidak suka sebagian besar film yang ditawarkan kepada saya [tersebut]."<ref name="Rejected roles01" /><ref name="Rejected roles02">{{Cite news|date=30 September 2010|title=Mr Smith, who do you think makes a better Mrs Smith?|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/mr-smith-who-do-you-think-makes-a-better-mrs-smith/cid/482087|work=The Telegraph|archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/Ao3wf20200826121238/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/mr-smith-who-do-you-think-makes-a-better-mrs-smith/cid/482087|archive-date=26 Agustus 2020-08-26|access-date=26 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kukreja|first=Monika Rawal|date=15 Juni 2017|title=16 years of Gadar: The Sunny Deol-Ameesha Patel film was written for Govinda and Kajol|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/16-years-of-gadar-the-sunny-deol-ameesha-patel-film-was-written-for-govinda-and-kajol/story-gqhNCm9hrbBBVX7voEoYoJ.html|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101081712/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/16-years-of-gadar-the-sunny-deol-ameesha-patel-film-was-written-for-govinda-and-kajol/story-gqhNCm9hrbBBVX7voEoYoJ.html|archive-date=1 Januari 2018|access-date=27 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Rediff Entertainment Bureau|date=27 Januari 2000|title=Babita, Kareena eat humble pie|url=https://m.rediff.com/entertai/2000/jan/27inside.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/6iD3Y20200826025306/https://m.rediff.com/entertai/2000/jan/27inside.htm|archive-date=26 Agustus 2020-08-26|access-date=26 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref> Pada April 2003, ia melahirkan anak pertamanya Nysa di [[Rumah Sakit Breach Candy]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=20 April 2003|title=Kajol delivers baby girl|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-04-20/news-interviews/27274297_1_baby-girl-kajol-first-child|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002172623/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-04-20/news-interviews/27274297_1_baby-girl-kajol-first-child|archive-date=2 Oktober 2013|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Kajol meluncurkan Shiksha (sebuah kampanye pendidikan untuk anak-anak kurang mampu) pada 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|last=IndiaFM News Bureau|date=11 April 2005|title=Education is important says Kajol|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/education-is-important-says-kajol-news-bollywood-kkfv5Tdadea.html|publisher=Sify|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209002945/http://www.sify.com/movies/education-is-important-says-kajol-news-bollywood-kkfv5Tdadea.html|archive-date=9 Februari 2016|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tahun berikutnya, Kajol memberikan penolakan terhadap dua film—''[[Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna]]'' dan ''[[Baabul (film 2006)|Baabul]]''—dan menerima satu proyek,<ref name="Rejected roles01" /><ref name="Rejected roles02" /> ''[[Fanaa (film 2006)|Fanaa]]'' (sebuah cerita seru bertemakan terorisme yang paling diantisipasi dari sutradara [[Kunal Kohli]]).<ref name="KajolMint">{{Cite news|last=Ramnath|first=Nandini|date=4 Mei 2013|title=Kajol|url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/PIrB95Jf8mO76uj5ZLIH7O/Kajol.html|work=[[Mint (surat kabar)|Mint]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506161554/https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/PIrB95Jf8mO76uj5ZLIH7O/Kajol.html|archive-date=6 Mei 2013|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Fanaa">{{Cite web|last=IndiaFM News Bureau|date=3 April 2006|title=Aamir and Kajol to sing in Fanaa|url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/04/03/6926/index.html|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060426230429/http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/04/03/6926/index.html|archive-date=26 April 2006|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kajol dipilih oleh lawan pemerannya Aamir Khan untuk memainkan peran Zooni Ali Beg, seorang wanita buta yang bertemu dengan pujaan hatinya setelah melakukandalam sebuah perjalanantur ke [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=HT Entertainment Desk|date=26 Mei 2020|title=14 years of Fanaa: Kajol recalls fun time with Aamir Khan during film’s shoot, he had suggested her name for Zooni’s role|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/14-years-of-fanaa-kajol-recalls-fun-time-with-aamir-khan-during-film-s-shoot-he-had-suggested-her-name-for-zooni-s-role/story-2jK9WJdW1HeQi27cQOOxIL.html|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526111154/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/14-years-of-fanaa-kajol-recalls-fun-time-with-aamir-khan-during-film-s-shoot-he-had-suggested-her-name-for-zooni-s-role/story-2jK9WJdW1HeQi27cQOOxIL.html|archive-date=26 Mei 2020|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Peran tersebut juga dianggap oleh kritikus sebagai salah satu peran terbaiknya;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/7-iconic-characters-from-kajols-career-35326.html |title=7 iconic characters from Kajol’s career |author=Seth, Analita |date=5 Agustus 2019 |work=Filmfare |access-date=13 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806154803/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/7-iconic-characters-from-kajols-career-35326.html |archive-date=6 Agustus 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Kaveere Bamzai menyebutnya terlihat "sangat menggairahkan",<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bamzai|first=Kaveree|date=12 Juni 2006|title=Movie review: 'Fanaa' starring Aamir Khan, Kajol|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20060612-movie-review-fanaa-starring-aamir-khan-kajol-782956-2006-06-12|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813093738/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20060612-movie-review-fanaa-starring-aamir-khan-kajol-782956-2006-06-12|archive-date=13 Agustus 2020|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan melansir dari ''[[The Hindu]]'', [[Sudhish Kamath]] mengatakan bahwa Kajol "tampil layaknya ia tidak pernah mengambil cuti" sebelumnya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kamath|first=Sudhish|author-link=Sudhish Kamath|date=2 Juni 2006|title=Absolute non-starter&nbsp;— Fanaa|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/06/02/stories/2006060201010200.htm|work=The Hindu|archive-url=httphttps://web.archive.org/web/20061120090445/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/06/02/stories/2006060201010200.htm|archive-date=20 November 2006-11-20|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead|dead-url=no}}</ref> Film tersebut dinyatakan berhasil di India dan luar negeri (menghasilkan lebih dari {{INR}}1 miliar),<ref name="Overseas" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide (IND Rs)|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU=|publisher=Box Office India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919200853/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU=|archive-date=19 September 2012|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Box Office 2006|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212&catName=MjAwNg==|publisher=Box Office India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922022151/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212&catName=MjAwNg==|archive-date=22 September 2012|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> dan memberikannya beberapa penghargaan, termasuk Aktris Terbaik keempatnya di Filmfare dan keduanya di Zee Cine, beserta dengan nominasi AFII, Screen, dan [[Penghargaan Stardust|Stardust]].<ref name="Awards01" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=IndiaFM News Bureau|date=23 Januari 2007|title=Max Stardust Awards Nominations|url=http://indiafm.com/features/2007/01/23/2149/index.html|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015200417/http://indiafm.com/features/2007/01/23/2149/index.html|archive-date=15 Oktober 2007|access-date=26 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Selain menjadi anggota pemeran, Kajol juga mengambil bagian sebagai penyanyi playback untuk "Mere Haath Mein" dan "Chanda Chamke".<ref name="Fanaa" />

Pada 2007, Kajol memulai pengambilan gambar untuk film mitologi [[Rajkumar Santoshi]] ''[[Ramayan]]'',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bollywood-turns-to-mythology/story-6k3ZAMSyOaJo1v8v8b0IyL.html |title=Bollywood turns to mythology |author=Jain, Princy |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 Oktober 2006 |access-date=30 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830084318/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/goyal-asks-asean-nations-to-strengthen-rules-of-origin-to-check-influx-of-chinese-goods/story-x9qZTXOW9jVkU26cFNCI7M.html |archive-date=30 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> yang hingga sekarang tidak mendapatkan perilisan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Has-Rajkumar-Santoshi-lost-his-midas-touch/articleshow/13145048.cms |title=Has Rajkumar Santoshi lost his midas touch? |author=Lalwani, Vickey |work=The Times of India |date=15 Mei 2012 |access-date=30 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230015602/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Has-Rajkumar-Santoshi-lost-his-midas-touch/articleshow/13145048.cms |archive-date=30 Desember 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ia kemudian membintangi debut penyutradaraan suaminya ''[[U Me Aur Hum]]'', sebuah buat ulang dari film 2004 ''[[The Notebook|]]''The Notebook'']].<ref name="The Hindu01" /><ref name="remake">{{Cite news|last=Rathore|first=Amar Singh|date=18 Mei 2016|title=Hollywood remakes gone wrong|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/hollywood-remakes-gone-wrong-13394-2.html|work=Filmfare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815080525/https://www.filmfare.com/features/hollywood-remakes-gone-wrong-13394.html|archive-date=16 Agustus 2016|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Film tersebut dirilis pada 11 Februari 2008, sehari setelah kepergian ayah Kajol akibat serangan jantung.<ref name="father" /> Meskipun mendapatkan antisipasi besar,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bollywood Hungama News Network|date=8 Februari 2008|title=The Most Awaited movies of 2008|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/02/08/3550/index.html|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126145213/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/02/08/3550/index.html|archive-date=26 Januari 2009|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''U Me Aur Hum'' hanya mampu untuk menyaring sedikit penonton dan kritikus bercampur-campur dalam ulasan mereka;<ref name="filmography" /> [[Subhash K. Jha]] mendeskripsikan penampilannya sebagai sebuah "penampilan pembangkit energi", namun mengkritik gaya riasannya yang menyebabkannya terlihat "berlapis",<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Subhash K.|date=14 April 2008|title=Subhash K Jha speaks about U Me Aur Hum|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/04/14/3771/index.html|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521010238/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/04/14/3771/index.html|archive-date=21 Mei 2008|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> dan [[Namrata Joshi]] dari ''[[Outlook (majalah India)|Outlook]]'' mengatakan, "Kajol terlihat benar-benar berisi."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.co.id/books?id=OTEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74&lpg=PA74&dq=Kajol+preparation+U+Me+Aur+Hum&source=bl&ots=-60xmr7Oag&sig=ACfU3U0h8sxwsVOlIG070MRmYrl5d9h2sw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjF6-CGjZrrAhUQeisKHbOrAS44HhDoATACegQIDBAB#v=onepage&q=Kajol&f=false |title=Sports & Human Rights |date=22 April 2008 |magazine=[[Outlook (majalah India)|Outlook]] |volume=48 |number=17 |page=87 |access-date=14 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/PrEEN20200910091639/https://books.google.co.id/books?id=OTEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74&lpg=PA74&dq=Kajol+preparation+U+Me+Aur+Hum&source=bl&ots=-60xmr7Oag&sig=ACfU3U0h8sxwsVOlIG070MRmYrl5d9h2sw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjF6-CGjZrrAhUQeisKHbOrAS44HhDoATACegQIDBAB%23v=onepage&q=Kajol%20preparation%20U%20Me%20Aur%20Hum&f=false#v=onepage&q=Kajol&f=false |archive-date=2020-09-10 September 2020 |url-status=live |dead-url=no }}</ref> Pada tahun yang sama, Kajol ditunjuk sebagai [[duta persahabatan]] untuk "The Loomba TrustFoundation", sebuah badan amal Britania Raya yang didedikasikan untuk anak-anak dari para janda,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=3 Oktober 2008|title=Kajol appointed goodwill ambassador of trust|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-kajol-appointed-goodwill-ambassador-of-trust-1195282|work=Daily News and Analysis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816072648/https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-kajol-appointed-goodwill-ambassador-of-trust-1195282|location=London, Britania Raya|archive-date=16 Agustus 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan memulai debut televisinya dengan menjadi juri bakat untuk acara realitas [[Zee TV]] ''[[Rock-N-Roll Family]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 Maret 2008|title=Ajay Devgan, Kajol ready to Rock n Roll!|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/07rock.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604103508/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/07rock.htm|archive-date=4 Juni 2016|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kajol menyamai rekor bibinya Nutan sebagai peraih Penghargaan Filmfare untuk Aktris Terbaik terbanyak, dengan lima kemenangan, setelah membintangi ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'', sebuah drama kontroversial yang berdasarkan pada diskriminasi yang dihadapi oleh para [[Islam di Amerika Serikat|Muslim-Amerika]] setelah sebuah serangan teroris.<ref name="Awards02" /><ref name="Forbes India" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Jha|first=Lata|date=30 Januari 2017|title=From ‘My Name is Khan’ to ‘PK’: 10 films that courted controversies|url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/z78ADue5Gj2RtmxmKu6m4L/From-My-Name-is-Khan-to-PK-10-films-that-courted-contro.html|work=Mint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226030209/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/z78ADue5Gj2RtmxmKu6m4L/From-My-Name-is-Khan-to-PK-10-films-that-courted-contro.html|archive-date=26 Desember 2017|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Film tersebut menampilkan Kajol sebagai Mandira Khan, seorang janda ber[[agama Hindu]] yang bekerja seorang penata rambut dan menikah dengan seorang penderita [[sindrom Asperger]] (diperankan oleh Shah Rukh Khan). Berbicara kepada jurnalis Jigar Shah, Kajol menguraikan film tersebut sebagai sebuah "pengalaman yang menegangkan", dan menjadi "film terbesar yang dibuatnya dengan [sutradara Karan Johar] sejauh ini".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/My-name-is-Kajol/article16836441.ece |title=My name is Kajol |author=Shah, Jigar |date=7 Januari 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=2 September 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/icspz20200902082134/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/My-name-is-Kajol/article16836441.ece |archive-date=2 September 2020-09-02 |url-status=live |dead-url=no }}</ref> ''My Name Is Khan'' diproduksi dengan biaya {{INR}}500 juta,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sinha|first=Ashish|date=20 Januari 2013|title=Fox bags rights for My Name Is Khan in Rs 100 crore deal|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/fox-bags-rights-for-my-name-is-khan-in-rs-100-crore-deal-109072800037_1.html|work=[[Business Standard]]|location=New Delhi, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701143355/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/fox-bags-rights-for-my-name-is-khan-in-rs-100-crore-deal-109072800037_1.html|archive-date=1 Juli 2020|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan menjadi film India pertama yang diedarkan oleh perusahaanspanduk Amerika [[Fox Star Studios]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=3 Februari 2010|title=Shah Rukh’s ‘My Name Is Khan’ to premiere in Abu Dhabi|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Shah-Rukhrsquos-lsquoMy-Name-Is-Khanrsquo-to-premiere-in-Abu-Dhabi/article16812114.ece|work=The Hindu|location=Dubai, Uni Emirat Arab|archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/L1xET20200831061936/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Shah-Rukhrsquos-lsquoMy-Name-Is-Khanrsquo-to-premiere-in-Abu-Dhabi/article16812114.ece|archive-date=31 Agustus 2020-08-31|access-date=31 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref> Setelah perilisannya pada Februari 2010,<ref name="filmography" /> film tersebut menjadi salah satu produksi berkeuntungan tertinggi di luar India, dengan menghasilkan {{INR}}860 juta.<ref name="Overseas" /> Film tersebut juga disambut secara hangat oleh para kritikus;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/tV54ZzV5NYGRv8hAASFhMK/Ten-films-on-mental-health.html |title=Like Dear Zindagi, 10 other acclaimed films on mental health |last=Jha |first=Lata |date=29 November 2016 |work=Mint |access-date=5 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130081348/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/tV54ZzV5NYGRv8hAASFhMK/Ten-films-on-mental-health.html |archive-date=30 November 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Anupama Chopra]] dari [[NDTV]] menulis, "Kajol berjuang dengan sebuah karakter lemah, yang biasanya berubah antara menjadi hiper dan imut."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|date=7 Maret 2014|title=My Name Is Khan|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/my-name-is-khan-479|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211030645/https://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/my-name-is-khan-479|archive-date=11 Desember 2017|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Film tersebut, yang menandai rilis terawalnya pada tahun tersebut, juga membuat Kajol dinominasikan dalam beberapa kategori di Screen,<ref name="Awards02" /> Stardust,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bollywood Hungama News Network|date=22 Januari 2011|title=Nominations of Stardust Awards 2011|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/nominations-of-stardust-awards-2011/|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204145957/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/nominations-of-stardust-awards-2011/|archive-date=4 Februari 2018|access-date=26 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> dan Zee Cine.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/zee-cine-awards-2011/dabangg-bags-maximum-nominations-for-zee-cine-awards-2011_79689.html |title=‘Dabangg’ bags maximum nominations for Zee Cine Awards 2011 |publisher=[[Zee News]] |date=14 Januari 2011 |access-date=9 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426105157/https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/zee-cine-awards-2011/dabangg-bags-maximum-nominations-for-zee-cine-awards-2011_79689.html |archive-date=26 Juni 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Kajol melanjutkan tahun 2010 dengan dua film lainnya—''[[We Are Family (film 2010)|We Are Family]]'' dan ''[[Toonpur Ka Superrhero]]''—yang semuanya dinyatakan gagal secara komersial.<ref name="filmography" /> Dalam komedi-drama ''We Are Family'' (sebuahSebuah buat ulang dari film 1998 ''[[Stepmom (film 1998)|Stepmom]]''),<ref name="remake" /> Kajoldalam berperan''We sebagaiAre mantanFamily'', istriperannya daridimodelkan karakterberdasarkan pada aktris [[ArjunBina RampalRai]],<ref>{{cite sebuahnews peran|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/look-who-inspired-kajol-s-character-in-waf/story-4VOq1gCK4lAMME3uzCUPAI.html yang|title=Look who inspired Kajol's character in WAF |author=Indo-Asian News Service |work=Hindustan Times |date=4 September 2010 |access-date=12 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912132107/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/look-who-inspired-kajol-s-character-in-waf/story-4VOq1gCK4lAMME3uzCUPAI.html |archive-date=12 September 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> dan menurutnya, peran tersebut "gila kontrol"<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gupta|first=Pratim D.|author-link=Pratim D. Gupta|date=20 Agustus 2010|title=My name is Kajol|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100820/jsp/entertainment/story_12830576.jsp|work=The Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825173620/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100820/jsp/entertainment/story_12830576.jsp|archive-date=25 Agustus 2010|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> dan sangat berbeda daridengan film aslinya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=[[Reuters]]|date=24 Agustus 2010|title=It’s easy to say no to films: Kajol|url=https://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/it-s-easy-to-say-no-to-films-kajol-2010-08-24-1.282905|publisher=[[Emirates 24/7]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826015540/https://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/it-s-easy-to-say-no-to-films-kajol-2010-08-24-1.282905|archive-date=26 Agustus 2010|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Kinerjanya disambut secara campurancampur aduk,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sharma|first=Sanjukta|date=2 September 2010|title=Film Review: Sisterhood of tears|url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/pvCEqezMFzxUo8uREsbdZM/Film-Review--Sisterhood-of-tears.html|work=Mint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911195719/https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/pvCEqezMFzxUo8uREsbdZM/Film-Review--Sisterhood-of-tears.html|archive-date=11 September 2013|access-date=6 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan dinominasikan untuk [[Penghargaan Kela Emas]] untukkategori Aktris Terburuk (sebuah nominasi yang dibagi dengandi [[KareenaPenghargaan KapoorKela Emas]]).<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 Februari 2011|title=Worst actors of the year: Kajol, Aishwarya, SRK, Hrithik?|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/worst-actors-of-the-year-kajol-aishwarya-srk-hrithik-/747115/|work=The Indian Express|location=New Delhi, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814083111/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/worst-actors-of-the-year-kajol-aishwarya-srk-hrithik-/747115/|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Walaupun begitu, gaya berpakaiannyabusananya mendatangkan tanggapan positif; ''[[The Express Tribune]]'' berpendapat bahwa pakaiannya yang "sederhana" dan "elegan" sangat cocok terhadap perannya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hanif|first=Noor|date=27 September 2010|title=We are Family: A movie to watch with the kids|url=https://tribune.com.pk/article/1817/we-are-family-a-movie-to-watch-with-the-kids|work=[[The Express Tribune]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906122610/https://tribune.com.pk/article/1817/we-are-family-a-movie-to-watch-with-the-kids|archive-date=6 Agustus 2020|access-date=6 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Hindu'' mendeskripsikan ''Toonpur Ka Super Hero'' sebagai, sebuah "dilema".<ref>{{citefilm news|last=Kamath|first=Sudhish|date=25animasi Desembertentang 2010|title=Toonpursebuah Kakeluarga Superhero:yang Liketerjebak adalam child'sdunia scrawl|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Toonpur-Ka-Superhero-Like-a-childs-scrawl/article11643993.ece|work=The Hindu|archive-url=http://archive.vn/qZ7Ql|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Kali inikartun, Kajolmenjadi tampilrilis sebagaiterakhirnya istripada daritahun karakter Ajay Devgntersebut. Film tersebut menghabiskan biaya sebesar {{INR}}400 juta,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kotwani|first=Hiren|date=31 Januari 2008|title=Ajay-Kajol start shooting for animation flick, Toonpur ka Superhero|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/ajay-kajol-start-shooting-for-animation-flick-toonpur-ka-superhero/story-SK8nFo6yJeDpkDGdA9Cj1M.html|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814083736/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/ajay-kajol-start-shooting-for-animation-flick-toonpur-ka-superhero/story-SK8nFo6yJeDpkDGdA9Cj1M.html|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan sekitar 2.000 orang disewa untuk menjadi pengisi suaranya.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 Desember 2010|title=Toon time|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/toon-time/story-4VgRkqhzPLKlLXBsOF0q2K.html|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=httphttps://archive.vntoday/c2N7Y20200814112701/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/disha-salian-s-father-says-she-wanted-to-get-married-soon-had-met-sushant-singh-rajput-only-once-for-an-hour/story-SMtB9nQstAuhwWufGNyHuM.html|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020-08-14|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref> Film tersebut meraih ulasan yang kebanyakan buruk, dengan ''The Hindu'' menyebut film tersebut sebagai sebuah "dilema",<ref>{{cite news|last=Kamath|first=Sudhish|date=25 Desember 2010|title=Toonpur Ka Superhero: Like a child's scrawl|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Toonpur-Ka-Superhero-Like-a-childs-scrawl/article11643993.ece|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200814091128/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Toonpur-Ka-Superhero-Like-a-childs-scrawl/article11643993.ece|archive-date=2020-08-14|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref> dan Sarita Tanwar menyebut Kajol "tidak mendapatkan cukup ruang" bagi penampilannya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tanwar|first=Sarita|date=25 Desember 2010|title=Toonpur Ka Superrhero&nbsp;– Movie Review|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/toonpur-ka-superrhero---movie-review/106874|work=Mid Day|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814114841/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/toonpur-ka-superrhero---movie-review/106874|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Mengiringi kegagalan kedua film tersebutfilmnya, pada 13 September 2010, setelah kelahiran anak keduanyaputranya Yug di [[Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=13 September 2010|title=Ajay and Kajol blessed with baby boy|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/ajay-and-kajol-blessed-with-baby-boy-81935-2010-09-13|work=India Today|location=Mumbai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814074630/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/ajay-and-kajol-blessed-with-baby-boy-81935-2010-09-13|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kotwani|first=Hiren|date=15 September 2010|title=Kajol, Ajay Devgn name their son|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/kajol-ajay-devgn-name-their-son/story-4fldUxWqsIuhCCOh3MHR6K.html|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814074806/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/kajol-ajay-devgn-name-their-son/story-4fldUxWqsIuhCCOh3MHR6K.html|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Kajol mengambil cuti akting keduanyakembali untuk berfokus pada rumahkeluarganya tangganya,dan penghilangan lemak pasca-melahirkannya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Indo-Asian News Service|date=20 Desember 2010|title=Ajay and I don’t agree on scripts easily: Kajol|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/91950/ajay-and-i-dont-agree-on-scripts-easily-kajol|work=The Express Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330082651/https://tribune.com.pk/story/91950/ajay-and-i-dont-agree-on-scripts-easily-kajol|archive-date=30 Maret 2014|access-date=8 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan penghilangan lemak pasca-melahirkannya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sarkar|first=Priyanko|date=19 Desember 2010|title=Kajol works on losing post-pregnancy flab|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/kajol-works-on-losing-postpregnancy-flab/726390/|work=The Indian Express|location=Mumbai, India|archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/20200910115904/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/kajol-works-on-losing-postpregnancy-flab/726390/slzYl|archive-date=10 September 2020-09-10|access-date=10 September 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada 2017, Kajol membuat kekembaliannya ke perfilman Tamil melalui ''[[Velaiilla Pattadhari 2]]'' (sebuah sekuel untuk ''[[Velaiilla Pattadhari]]'') semenjak tampil dalam ''Minsara Kanavu''. Film tersebut menghadapi pengunduran rilis selama sebulan akibat masalah penyensoran.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sundar|first=Priyanka|date=20 Juli 2017|title=VIP 2: Dhanush, Kajol starrer postponed due to Censor Board’s certification delays|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vip-2-dhanush-kajol-starrer-postponed-due-to-censors-board-certification-delays-4759368/|work=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725094756/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vip-2-dhanush-kajol-starrer-postponed-due-to-censors-board-certification-delays-4759368/|archive-date=25 Juli 2017|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Disutradarai oleh [[Soundarya Rajinikanth]], ia tampil sebagai antagonis Vasundhara Parameshwar, pemimpin dari sebuah perusahaan konstruksi. Sebagai referensi untuk pemeranannya, Kajol menggunakan penampilan [[Ramya Krishnan]] dari ''[[Padayappa]]'' (1999). Diwawancarai oleh Srinivasa Ramanujam, ia menjelaskan bagaimana Rajinikanth dan lawan pemerannya [[Dhanush]] membohonginya agar membintangi film tersebut, mengatakan bahwa sebagian besar dialognya menggunakan [[bahasa Inggris]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ramanujam|first=Srinivasa|date=8 Juli 2017|title=VIP2’s Vasundhara is like me, says Kajol|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vip2s-vasundhara-is-like-me-says-kajol/article19240666.ece|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://archive.vntoday/q143p20170728051651/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vip2s-vasundhara-is-like-me-says-kajol/article19240666.ece|archive-date=28 Juli 2017-07-28|access-date=31 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref> Ia juga mengaku hampir keluar dari proyek tersebut, setelah kesusahan dalam menghapal sebagian dialognya,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=10 Juli 2017|title=Kajol's VIP 2 role was originally written for Rajinikanth? Actress answers|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/100717/kajols-vip-2-role-was-originally-written-for-rajinikanth-actress-answers.html|work=Deccan Chronicle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313181440/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/100717/kajols-vip-2-role-was-originally-written-for-rajinikanth-actress-answers.html|archive-date=13 Maret 2020|access-date=7 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> namun lebih lanjut menyatakan bahwa dengan film tersebut, ia berhasil "mematahkan" ketakutannya untuk berakting dalam film non-berbahasa Hindi.<ref>{{Cite news|date=26 Juni 2017|title=Kajol thanks Dhanush for breaking her language barrier|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/kajol-thanks-dhanush-for-breaking-her-language-barrier-427821|work=The Tribune|location=Mumbai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908130441/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/kajol-thanks-dhanush-for-breaking-her-language-barrier-427821|archive-date=8 September 2020|access-date=8 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Velaiilla Pattadhari 2'' mendapatkan penerimaan campuran secara kritis, namun berhasil berdasarkan segi komersialnya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Acharya|first=Sandeep|date=6 September 2017|title=VIP 2’s decent run at box office: Soundarya Rajinikanth writes heartfelt message|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/vip-2-s-decent-run-at-box-office-soundarya-rajinikanth-writes-heartfelt-message/story-vK2catKPECMCwaUXPPhWJM.html|work=Hindustan Times|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915011741/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/vip-2-s-decent-run-at-box-office-soundarya-rajinikanth-writes-heartfelt-message/story-vK2catKPECMCwaUXPPhWJM.html|archive-date=15 September 2017|access-date=6 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Kritikus ''Hindustan Times'' Karthik Kumar menganggap penampilannya sebagai sebuah "kinerja yang kuat", walaupun menemukan perannya "ditulis secara buruk",<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Karthik|date=11 Agustus 2017|title=VIP 2 movie review: Dhanush, Kajol star in a needless sequel|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/vip-2-movie-review-dhanush-kajol-star-in-a-needless-sequel/story-llCjm6lXhGTnEf4SRxLqFM.html|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119121855/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/vip-2-movie-review-dhanush-kajol-star-in-a-needless-sequel/story-llCjm6lXhGTnEf4SRxLqFM.html|archive-date=19 Januari 2018|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> namun ''[[India Today]]'' beropini bahwa penampilannya "dilebih-lebihkan".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Srivatsan|date=12 Agustus 2017|title=VIP 2 movie review: Dhanush-Kajol's film is a rehashed version of VIP|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/vip-2-movie-review-dhanush-kajol-soundarya-rajinikanth-1029299-2017-08-12|work=India Today|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907073855/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/vip-2-movie-review-dhanush-kajol-soundarya-rajinikanth-1029299-2017-08-12|archive-date=7 September 2020|access-date=7 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kajol ikut serta dalam sebuah kampanye pelarangan penggunaan plastik pada Juli 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bollywood Hungama News Network|date=20 Juni 2018|title=Ajay Devgn and Kajol come together to support plastic ban|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ajay-devgn-kajol-come-together-support-plastic-ban/|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929154843/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ajay-devgn-kajol-come-together-support-plastic-ban/|archive-date=29 September 2019|access-date=27 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan tiga bulan kemudian film komedi-drama ''[[Helicopter Eela]]'' (diadaptasi dari [[permainan drama]] ber[[bahasa Gujarat]] ''Beta, Kaagdo'')<ref>{{Cite news|last=ET Bureau|date=15 Oktober 2018|title='Helicopter Eela' review: Kajol is a treat to watch as a doting mother & singer on the cusp of superstardom|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/helicopter-eela-review-kajol-is-a-treat-to-watch-as-a-doting-mother-singer-on-the-cusp-of-super-stardom/articleshow/66212253.cms?from=mdr|work=[[The Economic Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814133011/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/helicopter-eela-review-kajol-is-a-treat-to-watch-as-a-doting-mother-singer-on-the-cusp-of-super-stardom/articleshow/66212253.cms?from=mdr|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dirilis pada tiga bulan selanjutnya. Film tersebut juga mengalami pengunduran perilisan,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=24 Agustus 2018|title=Kajol's 'Helicopter Eela' delayed, to now release on October 12|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/kajol-s-helicopter-eela-delayed-to-now-release-on-october-12-118082400262_1.html|work=Business Standard|location=Mumbai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825123741/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/kajol-s-helicopter-eela-delayed-to-now-release-on-october-12-118082400262_1.html|archive-date=25 Agustus 2018|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan mengangkat tema pengasuhan orang tua dan perbedaan generasi.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://m.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/dont-want-to-limit-myself-to-women-oriented-films-kajol-638446 |title=Don’t want to limit myself to women-oriented films: Kajol |date=17 Agustus 2018 |location=Mumbai, India |work=The Tribune |access-date=14 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=httphttps://archive.vntoday/OQbWM20200814144145/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/dont-want-to-limit-myself-to-women-oriented-films-kajol-638446 |archive-date=14 Agustus 2020-08-14 |url-status=live |dead-url=no }}</ref> BerdasarkanDalam padafilm [[permainan drama]] ber[[bahasa Gujarat]] ''Beta, Kaagdo''tersebut, Kajol memerankan seorang ibu rumah tangga yang menunda pendidikannya selama 22 tahun demi anaknya (diperankan oleh [[Riddhi Sen]]).<ref>{{Cite news|last=ET Bureau|date=15 Oktober 2018|title='Helicopter Eela' review: Kajol is a treat to watch as a doting mother & singer on the cusp of superstardom|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/helicopter-eela-review-kajol-is-a-treat-to-watch-as-a-doting-mother-singer-on-the-cusp-of-super-stardom/articleshow/66212253.cms?from=mdr|work=[[The Economic Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814133011/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/helicopter-eela-review-kajol-is-a-treat-to-watch-as-a-doting-mother-singer-on-the-cusp-of-super-stardom/articleshow/66212253.cms?from=mdr|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Kritikus menganggap karakternya sebagai "versi lembut" dari perannya dalam ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Palat|first=Lakshana N.|date=12 Oktober 2018|title=Helicopter Eela Review: Kajol film whirrs in circles and has a messy landing|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/helicopter-eela-review-kajol-film-whirrs-in-circles-and-has-a-messy-landing-1366734-2018-10-12|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025113559/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/helicopter-eela-review-kajol-film-whirrs-in-circles-and-has-a-messy-landing-1366734-2018-10-12|archive-date=25 Oktober 2018|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada tahun yang sama, Kajol juga mengisi suara untuk karakter [[Helen Parr (The Incredibles)|Helen Parr]] dalam versi berbahasa Hindi [[film animasi aksi-hidup]] ''[[Incredibles 2]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|date=9 Juni 2018|title=Kajol joins the family of superheroes in Incredibles 2|url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/kajol-incredibles-2-5210657/|work=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925021601/https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/kajol-incredibles-2-5210657/|archive-date=25 September 2019|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan menulis kata pengantar untuk buku biografi [[Satyarth Nayak]] ''Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess'' pada 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=25 September 2019|title=Kajol writes foreword of book on Sridevi’s life|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-writes-foreword-sridevi-biography-book-the-eternal-screen-goddess-6028837/|work=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105151619/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-writes-foreword-sridevi-biography-book-the-eternal-screen-goddess-6028837/|archive-date=5 November 2019|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

2020 menjadi "tahun yang besar" bagi Kajol,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Upadhyay|first=Karishma|date=5 Januari 2020|title=Kajol on being a part of Tanhaji...|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-on-being-a-part-of-tanhaji/cid/1733268|work=The Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107140037/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-on-being-a-part-of-tanhaji/cid/1733268|archive-date=7 Januari 2020|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan menandai fase di mana baginya "pengaruh karakter lebih penting dari lamanya peran".<ref name="versatility">{{Cite news|title=Kajol: Give me three scenes, I can create magic|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/kajol-give-me-three-scenes-i-can-create-magic/1753009|date=5 Maret 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|location=Mumbai, India|author=Indo-Asian News Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816132310/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/kajol-give-me-three-scenes-i-can-create-magic/1753009|archive-date=16 Agustus 2020|work=Outlook}}</ref> Ia memulai dekade tersebut dengan menerima sebuah peran dalam film drama periode ''[[Tanhaji]]'', sebuah hal yang dilakukan olehnya untuk membantu suaminya mengurangi biaya produksi film tersebut.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-when-kajol-said-ajay-wanted-me-to-be-part-of-the-film-so-that-he-didn-t-have-to-pay-my-fees/story-3GVQifSRJt3KuhVPda8r8K.html |title=Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior: When Kajol said Ajay wanted ‘me to be part of the film so that he didn’t have to pay my fees’ |work=Hindustan Times |date=10 Agustus 2020 |location=New Delhi, India |author=HT Correspondent |access-date=11 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906202013/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-when-kajol-said-ajay-wanted-me-to-be-part-of-the-film-so-that-he-didn-t-have-to-pay-my-fees/story-3GVQifSRJt3KuhVPda8r8K.html |archive-date=6 September 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Karena tidak memiliki referensi, ia mengaku merasa bertanggung jawab dengan perannya (sebagai Savitri, istri dari karakter Ajay Devgn) dan melakukan sebuah riset bersama perancang [[Nachiket Barve]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=24 Desember 2019|title=Had no reference point to play Savitribai in 'Tanhaji': Kajol|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/had-no-reference-point-to-play-savitribai-in-tanhaji-kajol-119122400549_1.html|work=Business Standard|location=Mumbai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225125452/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/had-no-reference-point-to-play-savitribai-in-tanhaji-kajol-119122400549_1.html|archive-date=25 Desember 2019|access-date=6 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Ia juga diharuskan untuk berdandan selama sekitar dua setengah jam untuk menyesuaikan gaya perannya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sinha|first=Seema|date=12 Januari 2020|title=Kajol on working with Ajay Devgn after 10 years, in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior&nbsp;— 'It felt like home'|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-on-working-with-ajay-devgn-after-10-years-in-tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-it-felt-like-home-7878411.html|work=Firstpost|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301203617/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/kajol-on-working-with-ajay-devgn-after-10-years-in-tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-it-felt-like-home-7878411.html|archive-date=1 Maret 2020|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Dibuat melalui anggaran sebesar {{INR}}1,5 miliar,<ref>{{Cite news|last=India Today Web Desk|date=13 Januari 2020|title=Is Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior a bigger hit than Chhapaak? What box office says|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/is-tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-a-bigger-hit-than-chhapaak-what-box-office-says-1636480-2020-01-13|work=India Today|location=New Delhi, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114203215/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/is-tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-a-bigger-hit-than-chhapaak-what-box-office-says-1636480-2020-01-13|archive-date=14 Januari 2020|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Tanhaji'' muncul sebagai kesukesan box office terbesarnya, dan mengumpulkan penerimaan positif secara kritiskritikus;<ref name="filmography" /> menurut Devansh Sharma, "keterampilan dalam layar" dan "kecerdasan emosional" dari Kajol, membuat "bagian kecilnya bergema",<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sharma|first=Devansh|date=10 Januari 2020|title=Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior movie review&nbsp;— Saif Ali Khan, Kajol's performances elevate Ajay Devgn's tepid film|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-movie-review-saif-ali-khan-kajols-performances-elevate-ajay-devgns-tepid-film-7885131.html|work=Firstpost|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621184553/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-movie-review-saif-ali-khan-kajols-performances-elevate-ajay-devgns-tepid-film-7885131.html|archive-date=21 Juni 2020|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan Vinamra Mathur dari ''[[Mid Day]]'' menulis, "Selalu dipenuhi [oleh] teka-teki, [Kajol] menghembuskan jiwa ke karakternya."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mathur|first=Vinamra|date=9 Januari 2020|title=Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior movie review&nbsp;— Ajay and Saif's face-off has some genuinely thrilling moments|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-movie-review-theres-some-thrill-to-be-had-here/22400151|work=Mid Day|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215080305/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-movie-review-theres-some-thrill-to-be-had-here/22400151|archive-date=15 Februari 2020|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Beberapa bulan setelah perilisan, rumor terkait pertikaian antara Kajol dengan Saif Ali Khan pada masa syuting film tersebut bermunculan.<ref>{{Cite news|last=HT Correspondent|date=4 Maret 2020|title=Kajol laughs off rumours of fight with Saif Ali Khan over his Tanhaji comments: ‘He just talks and talks’|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kajol-laughs-off-rumours-of-fight-with-saif-ali-khan-over-his-tanhaji-comments-he-just-talks-and-talks/story-4nhHG1loOzINecBLnHMoRM.html|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716092657/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kajol-laughs-off-rumours-of-fight-with-saif-ali-khan-over-his-tanhaji-comments-he-just-talks-and-talks/story-4nhHG1loOzINecBLnHMoRM.html|archive-date=16 Juli 2020|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Kemudian pada tahun tersebut, proyek digital pertamanya, film pendek suspen ''[[Devi (film 2020)|Devi]]'', menghadapi sebuah kontroversi plagiarisme.<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 Maret 2020|title=Kajol's short film 'Devi' hit with plagiarism allegation|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2020/mar/05/kajols-short-film-devi-hit-with-plagiarism-allegation-2112707.html|work=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308154919/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2020/mar/05/kajols-short-film-devi-hit-with-plagiarism-allegation-2112707.html|archive-date=8 Maret 2020|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Dalam film tersebut, Kajol berperan sebagai Jyoti, seorang wanita parubaya yang terjebak di sebuah rumah dengan delapan wanita lainnya. Film tersebut dirilis dalam jejaring sosial [[YouTube]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sharma|first=Unnati|date=17 Maret 2020|title=Kajol’s comment on ‘true survivors’ of sexual abuse shows she has let down her own film Devi|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/pov/kajol-true-survivors-sexual-abuse-film-devi/381800/|work=[[ThePrint]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425031607/https://theprint.in/opinion/pov/kajol-true-survivors-sexual-abuse-film-devi/381800/|archive-date=25 April 2020|access-date=15 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan ditanggapi secara positif oleh audien dan kritikus.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Basu|first=Nilanjana|date=3 Maret 2020|title=Devi, The Short Film That's Made Twitter Cry And Stars Kajol, Is A Must Watch|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/devi-the-short-film-thats-made-twitter-cry-and-stars-kajol-is-a-must-watch-2189213|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714100011/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/devi-the-short-film-thats-made-twitter-cry-and-stars-kajol-is-a-must-watch-2189213|archive-date=14 Juli 2020|access-date=3 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bawa|first=Jyoti Sharma|date=3 Maret 2020|title=Devi movie review: Kajol’s 13-minute film is the finest piece of cinema you’ll watch today|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/devi-movie-review-kajol-s-13-minute-film-is-the-finest-piece-of-cinema-you-ll-watch-today/story-6ax0hjf5tcNV5srOBZysEL.html|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619114109/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/devi-movie-review-kajol-s-13-minute-film-is-the-finest-piece-of-cinema-you-ll-watch-today/story-6ax0hjf5tcNV5srOBZysEL.html|archive-date=19 Juni 2020|access-date=3 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kajol dianggap sebagai salah satu aktris paling berbakat dan serbabisa dalam perfilman India.<ref name="The Tribune01" /> Ia disambut atas keserbabisaannya setelah memerankan beragam karakter dalam ''Baazigar'' (1993), ''Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'' (1995), ''Gupt: The Hidden Truth'' (1997), ''Ishq'' (1997), ''Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya'' (1998), ''Dushman'' (1998), ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' (1998), ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...'' (2001), ''Fanaa'' (2006), ''My Name Is Khan'' (2010), dan ''Velaiilla Pattadhari 2'' (2017).<ref name="versatility" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kajol-roles-in-film-that-had-a-huge-impact-on-her-fans-and-critics.html |title=Kajol's Roles In Films That Made Her An Icon Through The 1990s |work=Republic World |date=6 Desember 2019 |author=Menezes, Gladwin |access-date=29 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223103729/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kajol-roles-in-film-that-had-a-huge-impact-on-her-fans-and-critics.html |archive-date=23 Desember 2019 |url-status=live }}<br />{{Cite news|date=5 Agustus 2018|title=Each time kajol lit up the screen without SRK|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/each-time-kajol-lit-up-the-screen-without-srk/queen-of-versatility/slideshow/65274595.cms|work=The Economic Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426184347/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/each-time-kajol-lit-up-the-screen-without-srk/the-all-rounder/slideshow/65274838.cms|archive-date=26 April 2019|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{Cite news|date=22 Juli 2006|title=Happy Birthday Kajol|url=https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/yearendershow/39624312.cms|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818063301/https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/yearendershow/39624312.cms|archive-date=18 Agustus 2020|access-date=18 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite news |url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kajol-and-saif-ali-khan-starrer-hameshaa-learn-exciting-trivia.html |title=Kajol And Saif Ali Khan Starrer 'Hameshaa': Lesser-known Facts About The Film |author=Rai, Aishwarya |work=Republic World |date=5 Mei 2020 |access-date=29 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514220335/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/kajol-and-saif-ali-khan-starrer-hameshaa-learn-exciting-trivia.html |archive-date=14 Mei 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ia adalah salah satu aktris berbayaran tertinggi pada 1990an (sebesar {{INR}}8 juta)<ref>{{Cite news|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|date=15 Desember 1996|title=The Great Gamblers|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19961215-the-great-gamblers-753776-1996-12-15|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116050148/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19961215-the-great-gamblers-753776-1996-12-15|archive-date=16 Januari 2019|access-date=18 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> dan 2010an (sebesar {{INR}}50 juta), dan memiliki [[kekayaan bersih]] sebesar {{INR}}2 miliar.<ref name="Dilwale">{{cite news|last=Times News Network|date=5 Agustus 2015|title=Bollywood's highest earning celebs|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/bollywoods-highest-earning-celebs/bollywoods-highest-earning-celebs/photostory/46755349.cms|work=The Times of India|archive-url=httphttps://archive.vntoday/RotDg20200816123308/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/bollywoods-highest-earning-celebs/photostory/47095673.cms|archive-date=16 Agustus 2020-08-16|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|date=15 Februari 1995|title=It's a rich man's world|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19950215-its-a-rich-mans-world-753980-1995-02-15|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712230725/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19950215-its-a-rich-mans-world-753980-1995-02-15|archive-date=12 Juli 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Gandhi, Simran|date=20 Januari 2020|title=Ajay Devgn and Kajol’s combined net worth after 'Tanhaji' success will shock you|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/tanhaji-couple-kajol-and-ajay-devgns-combined-net-worth.html|work=Republic World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509054830/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/tanhaji-couple-kajol-and-ajay-devgns-combined-net-worth.html|archive-date=9 Mei 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Ia terkadang dipanggil oleh media dengan nama "Kajol Mukherjee",<ref name="Surname" /> meskipun "Mukherjee" bukan marganya;<ref name="name" /> panggilan lainnya adalah "Kajol Devgan Mukherjee".<ref name="Kajol Devgan Mukherjee" /> Selain itu, Kajol juga menjadi salah satu selebritas terpopuler,<ref>{{cite news |last=Khan |first=Salman |date=1 November 2017 |title=Govinda to Kajol: 10 celebs who braved the pain of losing their children |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/govinda-to-kajol-10-celebs-who-lost-braved-the-pain-of-losing-their-children |work=[[The Free Press Journal]] |archive-url=httphttps://archive.vntoday/2ap4t20200817073905/https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/govinda-to-kajol-10-celebs-who-lost-braved-the-pain-of-losing-their-children |archive-date=2020-08-17 Agustus 2020 |access-date=17 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live |dead-url=no }}</ref> [[simbol seks]],<ref name="quotes">{{cite news |last=Chowdhary |first=Nandita |date=6 Juli 1998 |title=Free spirit&nbsp;— Sexy. Saucy. Spontaneous: Kajol blossoms into a fine actress |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19980706-sexy.-saucy.-spontaneous-kajol-blossoms-into-a-fine-actress-826514-1998-07-06 |work=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727023617/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19980706-sexy.-saucy.-spontaneous-kajol-blossoms-into-a-fine-actress-826514-1998-07-06 |archive-date=27 Juli 2019 |access-date=17 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> dan ikon mode di India.<ref>{{cite news |last=Panwar |first=Sanya |date=20 Juli 2018 |title=Name a more stylish woman than Kajol right now. We’ll wait |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/kajol-is-an-unexpected-fashion-icon-with-a-casual-yet-pulled-together-style-these-12-pics-are-proof/story-DH94S3HqbQBFGU9ftGZD7N.html |work=Hindustan Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812201839/https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/kajol-is-an-unexpected-fashion-icon-with-a-casual-yet-pulled-together-style-these-12-pics-are-proof/story-DH94S3HqbQBFGU9ftGZD7N.html |archive-date=12 Agustus 2018 |access-date=17 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ia telah menyokong beberapa merek—seperti [[Tata Teleservices]], [[Whirlpool Corporation]], [[Knorr (merek)|Knorr]], [[Olay]], [[Yakult]], [[Anchor (merek)|Anchor]], dan [[Joyalukkas]]—dan diperkirakan menghasilkan pendapatan sebesar {{INR}}10–25 juta.<ref name="Surname">{{Cite news|last=Shah|first=Gouri|date=1 Februari 2007|title=Aishwarya-Abhishek may become first couple of endorsements|url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/7Gpw6ncxjlDcqQ5lnaMTnN/AishwaryaAbhishek-may-become-first-couple-of-endorsements.html|work=Mint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814111749/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/7Gpw6ncxjlDcqQ5lnaMTnN/AishwaryaAbhishek-may-become-first-couple-of-endorsements.html|archive-date=14 Agustus 2020|access-date=14 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=IndiaFM News Bureau|date=19 April 2006|title=Kajol signed to endorse Asmi Jewelry|url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/04/19/7015/index.html|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060422215927/http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/04/19/7015/index.html|archive-date=22 April 2006|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}<br />{{Cite news|last=Indo-Asian News Service|date=11 Oktober 2018|title=Kajol named brand ambassador of skin care brand|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kajol-named-brand-ambassador-of-skin-care-brand-118101100405_1.html|work=Business Standard|location=Kolkata, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012124342/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kajol-named-brand-ambassador-of-skin-care-brand-118101100405_1.html|archive-date=12 Oktober 2018|access-date=17 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{Cite news|last=Indo-Asian News Service|date=1 Desember 2009|title=Marriage no bar, Juhi and Kajol rock ad world|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/marriage-no-bar-juhi-and-kajol-rock-ad-world-329638.html|publisher=CNN-News18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817091723/https://www.news18.com/news/india/marriage-no-bar-juhi-and-kajol-rock-ad-world-329638.html|archive-date=17 Agustus 2020|access-date=17 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{Cite web|date=5 Maret 2008|title=Kajol´s ´Anchor White´ Smile Soon!|url=https://planetbollywood.com/displayArticle.php?id=n030608120040|publisher=Planet Bollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308161738/https://planetbollywood.com/displayArticle.php?id=n030608120040|archive-date=8 Maret 2008|access-date=17 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/advertising/a-listed-stars-like-shah-rukh-khan-kajol-lend-shine-to-smaller-or-regional-brands/articleshow/50460812.cms?from=mdr |title=A-listed stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol lend shine to smaller or regional brands |agency=ET Bureau |author=Bhushan, Ratna |work=The Economic Times |date=6 Januari 2016 |access-date=17 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=httphttps://archive.vntoday/azXVK20200817093554/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/advertising/a-listed-stars-like-shah-rukh-khan-kajol-lend-shine-to-smaller-or-regional-brands/articleshow/50460812.cms |archive-date=2020-08-17 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live |dead-url=no }}<br />{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kajol-signed-up-as-brand-ambassador-for-rin/ |title=Kajol signed up as brand ambassador for Rin |author=Sundaresan, Satish |publisher=Bollywood Hungama |date=5 April 2010 |access-date=17 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817124311/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kajol-signed-up-as-brand-ambassador-for-rin/ |archive-date=17 Agustus 2020 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kajol-roped-brand-ambassador-joyalukkas/ |title=Kajol roped in as brand ambassador for Joyalukkas |publisher=Bollywood Hungama |author=Bollywood Hungama News Network |date=9 Agustus 2017 |access-date=17 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123151549/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kajol-roped-brand-ambassador-joyalukkas/ |archive-date=23 Januari 2019 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite news|author=Singh, Prashant|date=10 Mei 2009|title=Veteran Kajol still a hot brand|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/veteran-kajol-still-a-hot-brand-47036-2009-05-10|work=India Today|location=New Delhi, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817094100/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/veteran-kajol-still-a-hot-brand-47036-2009-05-10|archive-date=17 Agustus 2020|access-date=17 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kajol tampil dalam daftar "Aktris Terbaik" Box Office India selama lima tahun berturut-turut (1994–1999), dan menempati posisi pertama pada 1998.<ref name="Top Actress">{{Cite web|title=Top Actress|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress|publisher=Box Office India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204132433/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress|archive-date=4 Desember 2013|access-date=12 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Setelah kesuksesan komersial ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...'' dan ''Fanaa'', Rediff.com menempatkannya dalam daftar "Aktris Bollywood Terbaik" pada 2001 dan 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|date=29 Desember 2001|title=2001 at the movies: Pause, rewind, play|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/29heroin.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030303131625/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/29heroin.htm|archive-date=3 Maret 2003|access-date=13 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kulkarni|first=Ronjita|date=18 Desember 2006|title=The return of the star: Kajol|url=https://www.rediff.com/yearend/2006/dec/18yrsld5.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816120156/https://www.rediff.com/yearend/2006/dec/18yrsld5.htm|archive-date=16 Agustus 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Ia juga tampil dalam enam daftar Rediff.com lainnya—lainnya: "Aktris Terbaik Bollywood Sepanjang Masa", "10 Aktris Papan Atas 2000–2010", "Daftar Kekuasaan: Aktris Bollywood Papan Atas", "Pilihan Pembaca: Aktris Bollywood Teratas", "Wanita Berpakaian Terbaik Bollywood", dan "Wanita dari Banyak Wajah".<ref name="Women of many faces" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sen|first=Raja|date=6 Maret 2007|title=Bollywood's best actresses. Ever|url=http://specials.rediff.com/women07/2007/mar/06wslid3.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130080744/http://specials.rediff.com/women07/2007/mar/06wslid3.htm|archive-date=30 Januari 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{Cite web|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|date=5 Januari 2011|title=How The Decade Has Treated These Actresses: Kajol|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-top-10-bollywood-actresses-of-the-decade/20110105.htm#2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803021827/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-top-10-bollywood-actresses-of-the-decade/20110105.htm|archive-date=3 Agustus 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{Cite web|last=Sen|first=Raja|date=25 Agustus 2006|title=Powerlist: Top Bollywood Actresses (Kajol)|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/25sd8.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921024221/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/25sd8.htm|archive-date=21 September 2011|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{Cite web|last=Sen|first=Raja|date=5 September 2006|title=Readers' Pick: Top Bollywood Actresses|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/05sld7.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026084200/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/05sld7.htm|archive-date=26 Oktober 2006|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/02sld6.htm |title=Best dressed women of Bollywood |author=Verma, Sukanya|date=2 Mei 2007 |publisher=Rediff.com |access-date=16 Agustus 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318071425/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/02sld6.htm |archive-date=18 Mei 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Pada 2010, ''Filmfare'' memasukkan dua penampilannya—dari ''Dushman'' dan ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' (keduanya 1998)—dalam daftar retrospektif "80 Penampilan Ikonik".<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 Juni 2010|title=Filmfare&nbsp;– 80 Iconic Performances 10/10|url=http://www.filmfare.com/articles/80-iconic-performances-1010-991.html|work=Filmfare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230143642/http://www.filmfare.com/articles/80-iconic-performances-1010-991.html|archive-date=30 Desember 2010|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kajol telah tampil dalam "[[Celebrity 100]]", sebuah daftar buatan ''[[Forbes India]]'' yang berdasarkan pada pendapatan dan popularitas selebritas India, sebanyak tiga kali (2012–2013 dan 2017).<ref name="Forbes India">{{Cite web|title=Kajol: At a glance|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile/kajol/1439/114|website=[[Forbes India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726152420/https://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile/kajol/1439/114|archive-date=26 Juli 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2017 Celebrity 100&nbsp;– Forbes India Magazine|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2017-celebrity-100/1665/all|website=Forbes India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602204900/https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2017-celebrity-100/1665/all|archive-date=2 Juni 2020|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Yang tertinggi adalah pada 2012, ketika ia menempati posisi ke-54, penghasilan tahunannya diperkirakan sebesar {{INR}}18,9 juta.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2012 Celebrity 100&nbsp;– Forbes India Magazine|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2012-celebrity-100/1395/all|website=Forbes India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616104812/https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2012-celebrity-100/1395/all|archive-date=16 Juni 2017|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Dalam sebuah jajak pendapat untuk merayakan seratus tahun perfilman India pada 2013, Kajol menempati posisi ke-30 sebagai bintang Bollywood terhebat.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=27 Juli 2013|title=Amitabh Bachchan crowned greatest Bollywood star in UK poll|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/amitabh-bachchan-crowned-greatest-bollywood-star-in-uk-poll-171783-2013-07-27|work=India Today|location=London, Britania Raya|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818133557/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/amitabh-bachchan-crowned-greatest-bollywood-star-in-uk-poll-171783-2013-07-27|archive-date=18 Agustus 2019|access-date=16 Agustus 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

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