Kajol explains breaking her no-kissing policy after 30 years in The Trial

Kajol has finally opened up about breaking her long-standing no-kissing rule on screen in The Trial. She hinted that the choice was deeply tied to her character, who was opposite Jisshu Sengupta.

In Short

• Kajol said the scene was rooted deeply in her character’s emotional arc
• She told Lilly Singh the screenplay made the moment impossible to remove
• The actor admitted she remained very uncomfortable with the idea until set

Nearly three decades into her career, Kajol has opened up about breaking her long-held no-kissing rule on screen, explaining that the decision came down to the demands of the character and the script.

The actor, who made her OTT debut with The Trial - Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha in 2023, shared a kiss with co-star Jisshu Sengupta in the show. Speaking to Lilly Singh on her podcast, Kajol said the moment was not inserted casually, but was integral to the character’s emotional journey.

WHAT KAJOL SAID ABOUT THE NO-KISSING POLICY

Responding to a question about letting go of her no-kissing policy, the 51-year-old said the choice was rooted in the role she was playing.

"Honestly, it was the season that I was playing. It had so much to do with the character and who she was. It wasn't simply a kiss; it was about what she thought and what she wanted to happen and what didn't happen for her," she said.

She continued, "It was something that was an integral part of the entire screenplay, so I couldn't have cut that out without cutting an integral part of the entire character."

‘IT WAS SIMPLY A PROFESSIONAL CALL’

Kajol also admitted that she remained uncomfortable with the idea until the moment she had to perform it.

“I think I was uncomfortable with it. I was very, very uncomfortable with the idea till I was standing on set. I liked it in theory and wasn't sure whether I was actually going to do it. I really think it was simply that, it was simply a professional call where I felt that I can make this call today,” she added.

Reflecting on her approach to work, the actor said she has always been clear about her choices. She noted that when she started out, she was young and instinctive, often making decisions without overthinking, even if they did not always land well.

Known for films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kajol stepped into the streaming space with The Trial, marking a shift in her career.

In the series, she plays Noyonika Sengupta, a housewife who returns to her legal career after her husband’s scandal. Directed by Suparn Verma, the courtroom drama is an Indian adaptation of The Good Wife and also features Alyy Khan and Sheeba Chaddha.

The second season of the show was released last year and is currently streaming on JioHotstar.

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