Kajol (born Kajol Mukherjee; 5 August 1974) is an Indian film actress, who predominantly works in Hindi cinema. Born in Mumbai to the Mukherjee-Samarth family, she is the daughter of actress Tanuja Samarth and filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee. One of India's most successful actresses, Kajol is the recipient of numerous accolades, including six Filmfare Awards, and alongside her aunt Nutan, she holds the record for most Best Actress wins at the ceremony, with five. In 2011, the Government of India awarded her with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour of the country.
After making her acting debut in the 1992 romance Bekhudi, Kajol had her first commercial success with the 1993 thriller Baazigar. She rose to prominence by featuring as the female lead in several top-grossing romances, including Yeh Dillagi (1994), Ishq (1997), Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998) and Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999)—and received critical recognition for playing against type in the 1997 mystery film Gupt: The Hidden Truth, that earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Villain, and the 1998 psychological thriller Dushman. Her portrayal of a conservative NRI in the romance Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), a tomboy in the romance Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), a loquacious woman in the melodrama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001), a blind Kashmiri woman in the romantic thriller Fanaa (2006) and a single mother in the drama My Name Is Khan (2010) garnered her five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress. Kajol's highest-grossing release came with the action comedy Dilwale (2015).