Actress Who Debuted at 17, Refused Rape-Victim Role Before Accepting: A Journey of Choices

### Quick Summary
– Kajol revealed that her father wanted to name her Mercedes but was stopped by her mother.
– She debuted in Bollywood at 17 in the 1992 film *bekhudi,* which was a commercial failure.
– Despite initial criticism, she rose to stardom and addressed nepotism debates over pressure faced by star kids.
– Kajol played twin sisters in *Dushman* (1998), a psychological thriller exploring revenge after rape and murder, co-starring Sanjay Dutt and ashutosh Rana.- Initially rejecting the role for not wanting to portray molestation onscreen, she reconsidered after conversations with producer Pooja Bhatt and director Tanuja Chandra. Assurances included using a body double for sensitive scenes.- *Dushman* was made on a budget of Rs 4 crore and earned more than Rs 10 crore while garnering critical acclaim.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
kajol’s experience highlights the evolving role of actors as they navigate complex characters alongside ethical considerations. Her refusal to initially accept certain roles underscores how the impact of portraying sensitive topics can weigh heavily on actors. It also reflects significant progress towards accommodating artists’ boundaries within filmmaking.

The success of *Dushman*-both commercially and critically-further illustrates audiences’ acceptance of bold narratives when executed thoughtfully. India’s cinema is increasingly embracing deeper psychological storytelling alongside traditional entertainment.

Kajol’s journey from overcoming early industry setbacks to building superstardom represents resilience within Bollywood’s competitive landscape-a lesson for emerging artists balancing personal values, societal criticism, and professional ambition.