Actor Kajol has recalled how her father, filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, reacted when she decided to marry Ajay Devgn at the age of 24. In a 2023 conversation with BBC News Hindi, the actor described the disagreement and explained why she felt ready to make the decision herself.
Kajol said her father was upset about her plans and questioned why she wanted to marry so young. She responded by pointing out that she had already been working for around 10 years and did not consider herself a child.
The actor recalled challenging her father’s description of her as “little”, asking why he continued to see her as too young to make such an important life decision.
Kajol said she made it clear that she had thought about marriage and was ready to proceed. However, her decision deeply affected her father, who, she recalled, did not speak to her for a week after their conversation.
Kajol and Ajay Devgn married in 1999. Their relationship and marriage have remained a subject of public interest over the years.
The episode also highlights a common challenge families face when adult children make major personal decisions that parents may find difficult to accept. Differences over marriage can bring up concerns about maturity, independence, compatibility and the future.
Counsellors often advise families to avoid reacting impulsively during emotionally charged conversations. Subhash HJ, a counsellor and mental health educator at Vasavi Hospitals in Bengaluru, has suggested allowing time for emotions to settle and encouraging people to revisit important decisions after a few days rather than responding in the immediate shock of the moment.
Respectful communication can help families express their concerns while recognising an adult’s right to make personal choices. Kajol’s recollection offers a glimpse into how even close family relationships can experience tension when independence and parental expectations collide.

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