Kajol has responded to the backlash after her remark comparing actors’ workload to that of 9-to-5 employees, clarifying her perspective and reasoning.

During an episode of her talk show Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle, she had said, “You can take tea breaks, we can’t,” sparking criticism online for apparently dismissing the struggles of regular workers.

In a more recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Kajol elaborated on the relentless pressure actors face on set. She noted that during filming—sometimes lasting 35 to 40 days—they must maintain strict diet and fitness regimes, because even minor changes in appearance can affect continuity and costume fit.  She emphasized that their work demands full presence and vigilance. Unlike typical office roles, she argued, actors rarely get brief downtime: every gesture, posture, or expression is under scrutiny.