Two decades in the spotlight, countless hit films, a supermom badge, and now, a thriving entrepreneur—Kajal Aggarwal Kitchlu is the woman who wears many hats and does it all with style, soul, and a slice of chocolate cake. From her rom-com beginnings to playing a fierce lawyer as well as getting into mythological characters, Kajal’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention and grit. In this exclusive candid chat with Pristine, she opens up about everything—from motherhood hacks and mental health mantras to her quirky undercover talent for mimicry.
With her heart in Hyderabad, her roots in Mumbai, and new ventures like Kateeka Kajal, she is clearly not slowing down anytime soon. This is an actress who finds zen between “action” and “cut,” builds brands with lifelong passion, and reminds us all that true success is about growth—on-screen and off. Read on for excerpts from the interview:
You've transitioned from romantic comedies to more complex roles. What drives your choice of projects now?
I’ve always been inspired by the craft of filmmaking—every genre has something magical to offer. I have a soft spot for rom-coms, slice-of-life stories, and authentic, grounded cinema that truly moves you. But as an actor, I believe growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. I’m at a point in my life and career where I'm excited to break patterns, explore new roles, dive into different genres, and keep challenging myself to evolve and keep the fire alive in my craft.
How do you balance stardom, motherhood, and your personal life in such a demanding industry?
It’s honestly one of the biggest challenges—and I ask myself every day how I balance it all! The key? Hardcore planning. I map things out well in advance—sometimes right down to the month. It’s a full-blown ops setup: syncing my schedule, my husband's, and my son’s, making sure every tiny detail is on point. From organizing my son’s pickups to wrapping meetings before nanny handoffs, it's admin mode all day. I've built a support system I trust and created an infrastructure that keeps my home running on autopilot, but behind the scenes—it’s all my planning and supervision. There’s just no other way!
Two decades and countless roles later—what’s the magic that still gets you excited for a day on set?
Facing the camera—that’s hands down my biggest joy. I genuinely feel like a different person the moment it’s "action!" Nothing else exists between action and cut—it’s just me, the character, and that moment. It’s honestly like meditation for my soul.
You’ve supported causes like the Corona Crisis Charity and NGOs for the elderly—what motivates your philanthropic work, and how do you choose which causes to support?
Giving back is something that comes straight from the gut for me—it's deeply instinctive. I’m shaped by my experiences, my family, friends, and things I’ve seen up close around me. Whether it's building a school for tribal children in Araku Valley, supporting cancer care, or helping with elderly welfare, these causes are personal and close to my heart. I’ve seen my grandfather battle cancer and seen kids around me struggle to access education—it hits home. I truly believe charity begins at home, and even small steps matter. Whatever your capacity, just show up, give what you can, and be human. We all need to do it. That’s what it’s all about.
How do you and your family support each other through the ups and downs of your career?
My family has been my forever backbone—through every phase of my career. From my parents to my husband, in-laws, and sister, they’ve been my biggest cheerleaders and honest critics. They pick up the pieces when life gets hectic—whether it’s playdates, school runs, or surprise chaos. Balance is the key. Thanks to them, I can shine at work without stressing about what’s happening at home. Honestly, that emotional support means more to me than any career win—because with them by my side, I can handle anything life throws my way.
How has your definition of “success” evolved from your debut days to now—what does it truly mean to you today?
Well, that’s quite a deep one! Back in my 20s, success meant box office numbers, brand billboards, and staying on top of the game—basically, the number hustle. I was all about visibility and being everywhere. But today? Success feels so much more layered. Being successful as a person is more important than being a successful actor.
For me now it's about inner growth, my spiritual growth, being present and spending quality time with my family, learning and acquiring a new skill, and watching my son thrive. Being a whole, happy person matters more to me now than just being a hit actor. Quality over quantity—I'd take four meaningful films a year over ten any day. That joy shows up on screen too.
You co-own Marsala with your sister, support a spa run by visually impaired people, and invest in wellness brands like TAC—what drives your entrepreneurial journey, and how do you choose such unique ventures?
Entrepreneurship runs in my veins! I come from a business-driven family—my dad's a second-gen entrepreneur, and now I’m married into another one. I’ve grown up around start-ups, strategy talks, and brand building—it’s all I’ve ever known. Be it co-founding Marsala with my sister or launching ‘Kitched’ As a natural extension of our family’s furnishings business, every brand I’m part of excites me the same way—whether I endorse it, invest in it, or create it from scratch. Even as kids, my sister and I were making and selling cards and setting up summer lemonade stalls—so this spirit isn’t new!
Today, I see brand-building as a creative extension of who I am, whether it's in fashion, wellness, or now ‘Kateeka,’ my upcoming venture. For me, business is personal, and that’s what makes it all the more fun. It comes to me innately.
You’ve spoken up about mental health—what’s your mantra for today’s generation to tackle it?
My mantra is Connection—to yourself, to others, to something bigger than you. Whether it’s nature, journaling, a source of light, or meditation, you need to connect with the divine. For me, my own spiritual bond with my divine friend Dadashri ji—I truly believe in him—keeps me rooted and balanced. And now that mental health isn’t taboo anymore, I say: talk to someone, anyone—a friend, a therapist, your journal. Don’t bottle it up. Human connection truly is the antidote to this modern-day epidemic.
What's next for you? Any exciting projects you can share with us?
Indian 3 is due for release. I’m currently filming The India Story, where I play a fierce lawyer—it's intense and hard-hitting, and I’m super excited about it! I'm also part of Ramayan, which is honestly such a thrilling project. My journey as Mandodari kicks off in Part 2—we’ve wrapped Part 1 and will start shooting the next phase very soon. Plus, I’ve got two new films in the pipeline.
If you could give one golden nugget of advice to young women stepping into films, what would it be?
Don’t rush to say yes—have the courage to say no. It's just as powerful. Be informed, trust your gut, and take smart, calculated risks. That’s where the real growth happens.
Chit-chat corner:
What’s one thing about you that fans would be surprised to know?
Turns out—I’m quite an exceptional cook! I discovered my love for cooking after becoming a mom, and now I whip up creative recipes on the fly. My specialties? Veggies and chicken cutlets for my son—and I’m a pro at sneaking nutrition into risottos and pasta sauces without him ever finding out. Mom wins all the way!
Which film set memory always makes you laugh?
Magadheera, Darling, Mr. Perfect, Chandamama, Singham—just saying those names brings a flood of memories and so many laughs! Each one holds a special place in my heart with unforgettable behind-the-scenes madness and moments I’ll always cherish.
What’s your guilty pleasure food?
Chocolate with anything—cake or cookies! I’ve got a major sweet tooth and a full-blown chocolate obsession. I try to keep it healthy with sugar-free or gluten-free treats, but hey, there’s only so much decoding “fat-free” can do—so I just balance it out.
Are you more of a jeans-and-tees or saree person off-screen?
Definitely a jeans-and-tees girl off-screen—comfort is key! But give me a reason, and I love slipping into a beautiful saree too. It’s all about the vibe!
What’s your secret talent that you’ve never shown on camera?
I am a mimicry artist. I can imitate people pretty well.
Which city feels most like home—Mumbai or Hyderabad?
Born and raised in Mumbai, I've lived here all my life. I still continue to live here, but my heart is in Hyderabad.
Do you have any quirky rituals before a big shoot or event?
Yes, I actually do! I pray; it's a little ritual I swear by.
Genres you want to explore ?
I’d love to dive deeper into comedy—it’s such a blast! And after recently trying my hand at action, I’m totally pumped to explore more of that too.
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