Kajol Receives Anandabazar Best of the Year Award, Expresses Interest in Bengali Cinema

Acclaimed Bollywood actress Kajol has been honored with the “Best of the Year 2026” award by the West Bengal-based media outlet Anandabazar Patrika, recognizing her enduring influence on Indian cinema since her debut in the 1990s. The accolade celebrates a career that has spanned over three decades and remains a dominant force in the industry.
Despite her deep-rooted connection to Bengal, the actress candidly admitted during the ceremony on Friday that she does not regularly view Bengali cinema, noting a language barrier. However, she expressed a genuine openness to starring in a Bengali production should a suitable opportunity and schedule align in the future.
When asked whether she believes she has reached the stature of her mother, the legendary actress Tanuja—who commanded both Hindi and Bengali cinema during her prime—Kajol remained humble. She remarked that she is still striving to reach those heights, noting that she has spent her entire life following the path paved by her mother.
The veteran actress also offered insight into the personal discipline that has defined her professional longevity. She described herself as exceptionally regimented, priding herself on being one of the few figures in the Bollywood industry who consistently arrives on set punctually and adheres strictly to her filming schedule.
The ceremony also honored several other prominent cultural figures, including Paoli Dam, Dev, Nikita Gandhi, and Bratya Basu, each receiving recognition for their significant contributions to their respective fields.