Kajol Slapping Co-Star In Debut Film: The Emotional Story Behind Her First Scene

Kajol Slapping Co-Star In Debut Film: How A Scene In Bekhudi Left The Actress Crying And Shaped Her Acting Journey

Kajol is now celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and fearless performers, but her journey began with moments of vulnerability that revealed just how deeply she connected with her work. At the age of just 16, during her debut film Bekhudi (1992), she faced a challenge that tested not just her acting skills but also her emotional strength. The moment involved Kajol slapping her co-star Kamal Sadanah for a scene, but what seemed like a routine part of shooting turned into an unforgettable and overwhelming experience.

In a conversation with Brut India, Kajol revealed that she struggled immensely with the idea of hitting someone for the sake of a performance. For the young actress, the act felt alien and completely against her nature. “To slap someone completely blameless in front of you for a scene was beyond me. I could not understand it. It was just not working. I just could not slap him. I just couldn’t raise my hand,” she said.

Her hesitation was not because of inexperience alone, but because she shared a warm working relationship with Kamal Sadanah. According to Kajol, Kamal had been a thorough gentleman on set, always polite, kind, and respectful. This made it even more difficult for her to justify the scene in her mind. “It went beyond my morality, my ethics, my conscience. I liked Kamal. He was so sweet and so nice to me. A perfect gentleman. He was lovely to work with. Why would I slap him? It was so alien to me then,” she admitted.

Read more: Why BLACKPINK Star Lisa’s Best K-Pop Award At VMAs 2025 Has Sparked Heated Debate

Initially, Kajol could not bring herself to hit him convincingly. She would lightly tap his face, which forced the crew to go for retake after retake. This went on until director Rahul Rawail decided to intervene in a rather provocative way. He challenged Kajol by suggesting that her repeated failed attempts were not out of reluctance but hidden intent. “My director said I think you want to slap him. I think you are punishing him and that’s why you keep on doing this retake again and again. You want to do it. You are punishing him for something,” Kajol recalled.

Those words lit a fire in her. Channeling her frustration into the performance, Kajol finally managed to deliver a powerful take. But the emotional weight of the act hit her immediately afterward. “And after that I was like, ‘now, you watch’. Then there was one perfect take. But after that I cried, I howled. I have apologised to Kamal. I said I am sorry because it affected me on a deep level that I have done something completely unfair with someone who totally didn’t deserve it and it was just so wrong,” she confessed.

The incident not only showed Kajol’s honesty and sensitivity but also highlighted the immense responsibility actors often carry when performing intense scenes. Her tears after the slap were not just the reaction of a 16-year-old newcomer but also a glimpse into the integrity that would later define her career.

Looking back, Kajol also acknowledged how audiences have always embraced her with warmth, allowing her the space to grow publicly as an actor and individual. Speaking to News18 Showsha, she said, “These things get enhanced because everybody feels so much about you. You’ve such a battery of feelings that come towards you. And this wave of feeling comes with the good, the bad and the indifferent. But I’ll have to say that I’m one of the lucky ones, who has probably done her whole life in the public eye. I started my career when I was just 16 years old.”

Read more: Kajal Aggarwal Fake Death News: Actress Breaks Silence On Viral Road Accident Rumours

More than three decades later, Kajol remains one of Bollywood’s most admired talents. From her memorable performances in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and My Name Is Khan to her recent OTT projects, she continues to evolve while staying true to her authenticity. Currently, she is preparing for The Trial Season 2 – Pyaar Kaanoon Dhokha on JioHotstar, where she will reprise her role as lawyer Noyonika Sengupta. The show promises a gripping narrative of courtroom battles intertwined with personal conflicts, adding yet another dimension to her acting repertoire.

Kajol slapping co-star in debut film may have been an emotionally overwhelming moment, but it also became a turning point that showcased her sincerity, depth, and passion for her craft—qualities that continue to resonate with audiences even today.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join. 

Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.