She wasn’t Bollywood’s “it girl” when she entered the scene—far from it. Called “too dark” “too fat” and “too nerdy” Kajol walked into the film industry with zero filters and even fewer expectations. The actress burst onto the screen in 1992 at age 18 with Bekhudi co-starring Kamal Sadanah. The film was panned and flopped hard. In a 2023 Humans of Bombay interview she reflected on the criticism and said She is dark she is fat and she wears specs all the time. These were some of the judgments... I couldn’t care less. Her confidence proved stronger than any disparaging remark. How did she flip the script? Just a year later fate smiled back with Baazigar opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The thriller became a blockbuster and signalled a powerful turnaround. From there Kajol’s career trajectory transformed completely—she never looked back. What made her Bollywood’s leading lady? Over three decades Kajol claimed iconic roles in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Fanaa Gupt Dushman and Tanhaji—to name a few. She shares the record for most Filmfare Best Actress awards (five) alongside Nutan bagging wins for DDLJ Kuch Kuch Hota Hai KKKH Gham Fanaa and My Name Is Khan. Kajols net worth Financial Express reports a staggering net worth of Rs 250 crore with annual earnings around Rs 25 crore. A powerhouse on screen and off she continues to be sought after as the face of brands like Google Play Kellogg’s Tata Salt and Kwality Walls—building a lasting commercial empire. Kajol’s most recent release Maa hit cinemas today and marks her first full-fledged horror film. Directed by Vishal Furia the film blends mythological horror with maternal grit portraying Kajol as a mother battling a demonic curse to protect her daughter. Backed by Ajay Devgn’s production Maa has already sparked conversation for its chilling visuals and emotional depth with early reactions praising Kajol’s commanding performance and the film’s atmospheric intensity. From a bruising debut that could have broken her to a reign of triumph Kajol’s journey is proof that self-belief can outshine every doubt. Shes not just the girl who wore specs—she’s the icon who redefined Bollywood.