For nearly two decades, Kajal Aggarwal has carved a successful career across multiple film industries while remaining true to her principles. Looking back on her journey, the actress candidly spoke about the beauty standards she encountered during her early years in cinema. In an exclusive conversation with Zoom, Kajal revealed that filmmakers would often ask her to be “fatter or thinner” to fit their expectations. She also reflected on how the pressures of the industry have intensified with the rise of social media, stressing the importance of self-belief, authenticity, and setting personal boundaries throughout one’s career.
Kajal Aggarwal says filmmakers wanted her to change her appearance
Speaking to Zoom, Kajal Aggarwal reflected on the early years of her career, saying the industry was very different when she started nearly two decades ago. While there was no social media scrutiny or pressure to justify every public appearance, she admitted that beauty standards still existed, with filmmakers often asking her to change her appearance.
“Times were very different. There was no social media. There was no external layer of extra judgments. There was no airport looks that you had to justify. You could just be yourself and walk into a room or walk into an airport and be comfortable. It’s not easy to travel fully glammed up. You need to be comfortable when you’re travelling. So especially long flights. So thankfully, I didn’t have all that to deal with at that point of time.”
She added that while the pressure existed back then, she believes it has become much harsher for the younger generation of actors today. “The judgments definitely came from the filmmakers, where they wanted me to be fatter or thinner or something or whatever. There were things. But I feel it was still easier back then. It wasn’t as cruel. Now it’s just merciless. So I feel sorry for the younger girls right now. And I really hope that they are able to stand their own. And I really hope that they can hold space,” Kajal said.
Kajal shared that learning to say “no” helped her navigate the industry without compromising her self-esteem or values. “I had the ability to say no. And walk away from a situation. I think that is something that we all should be extremely coherent of. It’s not important to say yes. It’s more important to learn to say no. And that is something that I was very distinctly clear in my head. That okay, if it works out, great. If it doesn’t work out, even better.”
Kajal Aggarwal on refusing bikini and intimate scenes
Speaking about choosing projects, the said she always trusted her instincts and never accepted roles that made her uncomfortable, no matter how big the opportunity. “I think it’s important to stay true to yourself. You know what naturally feels comfortable? Go ahead and do that. That’s what I did. What came to me naturally, what I was inherently comfortable with and what I was not comfortable with at all, I would just say, ‘I’m so sorry, I can’t be a part of this.’ However big the film was, however important the role was, somewhere you draw the line.”
Kajal Aggarwal
She further revealed the personal boundaries she maintained throughout her career. “I was not okay with bikini scenes, for example. It’s a private thing and I’m not okay to display it on screen. I wasn’t okay with doing very intimate scenes because that’s where I draw the line personally. So I had my personal boundaries and I respected that and stayed true to that. And I think as long as you are true to yourself and you’re being authentic with yourself, that’s all that really matters.”
Meanwhile, Kajal Aggarwal has established herself as one of Indian cinema’s leading stars, delivering successful films across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. Over the years, she has headlined several commercial blockbusters, including Magadheera, Singham, and Special 26.