‘I didn’t believe marriage would stop me…’: Kajol on not letting personal milestones affect her career

"I didn’t even believe that turning 50 would stop me and it didn’t," Kajol told film critic Anuapam Chopra in an interview

Kajol on juggling marriage and careerKajol on juggling marriage and career (Source: Instagram/@kajol)

Kajol has never let anything stop her from doing what she wants. Whether it’s working in the film industry, maintaining a successful marriage, or bringing up kids, the Dilwale actor has juggled all shades of her life with equal dedication and commitment. Speaking to Anupama Chopra from The Hollywood Reporter India, she said: “I didn’t believe marriage would stop me and it didn’t. I didn’t believe kids would stop me and it didn’t. I didn’t believe that turning 45 would stop me and it didn’t. I didn’t even believe that turning 50 would stop me and it didn’t,” Kajol told Chopra, adding that’s all about believing in oneself to achieve the things you want in life.

Balancing career and personal life can be a challenging task, but with the right mindset, the journey can be a little less exhausting and a lot more rewarding. Experiencing burnout while navigating both is common. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, told indianexpress.com that the early signs of emotional or physical burnout in high-performing professionals often show up in subtle yet persistent ways.

“Emotional exhaustion is one of the first red flags — think, feeling chronically drained, detached, or numb even when there’s no obvious trigger,” she pointed out. “When time together is scarce due to work and travel, emotional intimacy doesn’t have to suffer—it just needs to evolve. The key is intentionality. Even brief moments can be powerful when they’re mindful and emotionally attuned,” she added.

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Kajol on juggling marriage and career Kajol is married to actor Ajay Devgn (Source: Instagram/@kajol)

Balancing career and personal life

Burnout can easily creep in and ruin your personal relationships. How can you balance both ends?

Establish boundaries: Couples can begin by setting clear boundaries while also considering each partner’s attachment style. For instance, partners with anxious attachment styles may need reassurance and validation when setting boundaries, while those with avoidant styles may require space and autonomy. By understanding and accommodating each other’s attachment needs, couples can navigate boundary-setting discussions with sensitivity and mutual support.

Focus on attachment styles: Couples can proactively identify interpersonal dynamics and triggers that may arise during interactions. By recognising patterns of behaviour influenced by past experiences, partners can develop strategies for managing potential conflicts or misunderstandings.

Check in regularly: A 5-minute call or voice note every day just to ask, “How are you feeling today?”—not just “How was your day?”—can create a thread of emotional closeness. Whether it’s a good morning text, a shared playlist, or a virtual coffee on video, these little rituals become anchors in a busy life.

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Be vulnerable: Vulnerability builds intimacy, so Khangarot suggested when you’re apart, don’t just share logistics. Share what moved you that day, what you struggled with, or a thought that made you smile.

Make the best use of technology: Schedule date nights online, play games together, or watch the same movie while apart and discuss it after.  Khangarot further added that when you do meet, resist the temptation to pack the time with errands or social obligations. Prioritise quality, meaningful connection over quantity.

Seek support: If the relationship feels strained and seems to be struggling under the weight of professional responisbilites, consider seeking therapeutic support.

“Through couples therapy, partners can explore how psychological factors such as attachment styles and childhood experiences impact their relationship dynamics,” said Khangarot, adding that this can help develop personalised techniques for prioritising their marriage while maintaining positive relationships with their families, fostering growth and resilience in their journey together.

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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.


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