Bollywood actress Kajol has candidly shared her feelings of being emotionally unprepared when she entered matrimony with actor Ajay Devgn at the young age of 24. In a recent interview, she revealed the internal conflicts and traditional expectations she grappled with, including the common practice of addressing one's mother-in-law as 'mummy'.
The Challenge of Young Marriage and Unwritten Rules
In a conversation with Nayandeep Rakshit, Kajol reflected on her early days of marriage. She admitted to feeling lost and uncertain about her new role and responsibilities. "I really didn't know what I was doing," she stated, highlighting the common yet seldom-discussed reality for many who marry young. The actress emphasized that at 24, she was still discovering her own identity and was suddenly thrust into a new family structure with its own set of dynamics.
One of the most poignant moments from her revelation was her initial resistance to a specific tradition. "Aunty ko mummy bulana padega? Kyu? Par meri ek maa already hai," she recalled thinking. This sentiment echoes the internal conflict many new brides face when trying to balance personal feelings with familial and cultural expectations.
A Supportive Mother-in-Law Made All the Difference
Kajol was quick to praise the supportive and understanding attitude of her mother-in-law, which she credits for easing her transition. She was never forced or pressured to conform to specific titles or behaviors. "She never insisted that you will have to call me mummy since you are a daughter-in-law now," Kajol shared. Her mother-in-law believed the relationship would evolve naturally, and indeed, it did.
This support extended beyond just emotional acclimatization. When Kajol wished to resume her acting career after the birth of her daughter, Nysa, her mother-in-law was her biggest champion. She encouraged Kajol by saying, "Toh tereko kaam karna hai toh tereko zarur kaam karna chahiye." This endorsement provided Kajol with the confidence and permission to pursue her professional ambitions without guilt, a crucial form of empowerment for new mothers.
Expert Weighs In on Emotional Readiness and Family Support
Licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist Sonal Khangarot, speaking to indianexpress.com, confirmed that Kajol's experience is far from unique. "It's incredibly common to feel lost when you marry young," Khangarot noted. She explained that at 24, individuals are still in a phase of self-discovery, and marriage adds complex layers of new expectations.
Khangarot addressed the delicate issue of emotional boundaries and cultural norms, particularly concerning in-laws. "In Indian families, there's often an unspoken script," she said, referring to practices like using specific familial titles. She stressed that genuine connection cannot be forced and that discomfort is a normal part of adjustment. Her advice for couples is to communicate openly about these expectations and support each other in setting respectful, authentic boundaries.
On the topic of career and motherhood, Khangarot highlighted the transformative power of family support. "When a mother-in-law says, 'Go back to work, I've got this,' it chips away at the guilt so many women carry," she stated. In a culture that often idealizes maternal sacrifice, such backing validates a woman's ambition and helps her navigate the dual roles of caregiver and professional.
Kajol's reflections, shared in an interview dated December 19, 2025, offer a relatable glimpse into the personal journeys behind public personas. Her story underscores the importance of patience, individual space, and supportive family structures in building successful, modern marital relationships within traditional frameworks.
