Kajol is widely acknowledged as one of the most talented actresses to come out of Bollywood, and at one stage was the only Indian actress who could carry an entire film at the box office, delivering impressive returns for every film. She caused immense distress to her fans when she decided to concentrate on motherhood rather than movies — although she promises to be back and there are persistent rumours of a new blockbuster.

Kajol, born Kajol Mukherjee Devgan on August 5, 1975, took up acting as a hobby rather than a serious career. After all, the women in her family — mother Tanuja, aunt Nutan, and grandmother Shobana Samarth — are all accomplished actresses in their own right, while her father and uncles are film producers. Being financially secure meant she never had to compromise on a role because she needed the money, and as a result she has an impressive CV.

Kajol debuted in 1992’s 'Bekhudi', which flopped at the box office but was followed swiftly by 'Baazigar', which established her as an actress to watch. One of her biggest hits to date has been 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', and she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the acclaimed 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (universally shortened to K3G). She’s often been paired with megastar Sharukh Khan and their onscreen chemistry is legendary — so much so, that her husband was said to be jealous.

She married actor Ajay Devgan some years ago, but, unusually in Bollywood, continued to work. Despite a widely-reported miscarriage, they’ve also managed to start a family. Kajol gave birth to a lovely daughter, in April 2003, Nysa, and told press she was happy to be a mother for the present. “Babies are a responsibility one can’t run away from,” she said.

The popular actress says she is a voracious reader. "Reading is my sole obsession in life,” she told Cineblitz. Kajol says she would love to write a novel some day — preferably Mills & Boon, because at least it would have a happy ending!

Her sister Tanisha has recently started acting, first appearing in ‘Ssshhh’, directed by Pawan Kaul, opposite hot young star Dineo Morea. Will she measure up?