Kajol Calls Feminism “Overused” and "Misunderstood" But Insists It Begins With Self-worth

Kajol has said that feminism “starts with yourself” and that women must see their own worth before demanding equality from others. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor reflected on her exchange with Aamir Khan and Salman Khan on the debut episode of her new chat show Two Much, co-hosted by Twinkle Khanna.

In the episode, the hosts asked why it is considered “cinematic magic” when older men are cast opposite much younger women, but “bold” when the roles are reversed. Both Khans, Kajol said, avoided giving a straight answer.

“They went around the topic quite nicely,” she recalled with a laugh. “They kind of beat around the bush a little bit and didn’t actually answer. So when Salman comes and sits in front of you again — please ask him that question.”

Kajol, however, used the conversation as a springboard to reflect on feminism and self-definition. “You can’t get mad about these things. It’s out of your control,” she said. “Feminism doesn’t start with anybody else — it starts with yourself. If I believe I’m worth it, nobody else can tell me I’m not.”

Calling the word “feminism” overused and often misunderstood, Kajol said she believes in women supporting and employing one another, “like how we see the guys doing all the time.”

She also rejected the idea that age or marriage should dictate an actress’s choices. “I didn’t believe marriage would stop me, and it didn’t. I didn’t believe turning 45 or 50 would stop me — and it hasn’t,” she said.

Her comments echo a long-standing position in her career, that confidence and self-worth are the foundation of longevity. “It’s all in your mind,” she said. “If you see yourself as worthy and confident, everyone else will too.”