You’ve seen the face a thousand times—the expressive eyes that anchored Magadheera and the sharp, modern vibe she brought to Singham. But honestly, the conversation around Kajal Aggarwal has changed. We aren't just talking about a "starlet" anymore. In 2026, she’s become something of a blueprint for how to survive and thrive in an industry that usually discards women the moment they hit a certain age or life milestone.
It’s been over two decades since her minor debut in Kyun! Ho Gaya Na (2004), and yet, here she is, still headlining major projects. Most people thought motherhood or marriage to Gautam Kitchlu in 2020 would be the "slow fade" for her. They were wrong. If anything, the way she’s navigating her career right now—balancing massive mythological epics with gritty, message-driven dramas—is the most interesting she's ever been.
What's actually happening with Kajal Aggarwal's career right now?
Basically, she’s entered her "legacy" phase, but without the retirement energy. The big news that’s been floating around for months is her role as Mandodari in Nitesh Tiwari’s massive Ramayana project. It’s a huge deal. Playing opposite Yash’s Ravana, she’s moving into a space that requires more than just a pretty face; it requires gravity.
Then there’s The India Story. She wrapped up filming for this one recently with Shreyas Talpade. It’s a sharp turn from her usual commercial fare, focusing on pesticide-related scandals. It’s sort of refreshing to see her pick scripts that have a bit of a bite to them.
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She hasn't ditched the big-budget spectacles, though. We’re still waiting on the full impact of Indian 3, where she plays Dakshayini. The journey to that role wasn't exactly easy. She’s been vocal about the physical toll of filming for Indian 2 just two months postpartum—learning Kalaripayattu and horse riding while her body was still recovering. It’s that kind of grit that explains why she’s still a top-tier choice for directors.
The death hoax and the reality of being a 2026 celebrity
Last year, a weird and pretty dark rumor took over social media. People were actually sharing "RIP" posts claiming she’d died in a car accident. It was a mess.
Kajal had to jump on Instagram to clear the air, calling it "sad" and "disturbing" for her family. Honestly, it highlights the downside of the level of fame she has. When you have nearly 27 million followers on Instagram, the internet becomes a bit of a wild west. She handled it with a lot of grace, but you could tell she was genuinely ticked off.
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The pivot to entrepreneurship
If you check her bio these days, "Entrepreneur" sits right alongside "Actor." This isn't just a vanity project situation where a celebrity slaps their name on a perfume.
- Kare and Karess: A sustainable baby and mommy care brand she launched after her son, Neil, was born.
- The Ayurveda Company (TAC): She wasn't just a face for them; she was their first major investor.
- Kateeka: A high-end home lifestyle brand she started in 2024, collaborating with her husband and celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani.
It feels like she’s diversifying because she knows the shelf life of a leading lady in Indian cinema can be fickle. She’s building an empire that doesn't rely on whether a Friday release is a hit or a flop. Her net worth is reportedly hovering around 80 crore, which isn't exactly small change.
Why she’s still relevant (when others aren't)
Kajal has this weirdly "real" vibe that works. In a recent interview that went viral, she was asked to rate South Indian actors on their looks. She gave Allu Arjun a 6 and Prabhas an 8. It was honest. It wasn't the typical PR-cleansed "everyone is wonderful" answer we usually get.
That honesty is probably why she’s managed to bridge the gap between Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema so effectively. She doesn't feel like a "Bollywood export" to the South, and she doesn't feel like a "regional actor" in Mumbai. She’s just Kajal.
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Actionable insights for fans and followers
If you're following her journey or looking to see what's next, keep an eye on these specific moves:
- Watch the Ramayana Release: This will be the ultimate test of her transition into high-stakes character acting. Her chemistry with Yash is going to be a major talking point.
- Look for The India Story: If you prefer her "serious" side, this is the project to track. It’s expected to hit screens soon and will likely be her most "performance-heavy" role in years.
- Entrepreneurial Lessons: For those interested in business, her "Kare and Karess" venture is a case study in identifying a market gap (sustainable Indian-made baby products) and using a personal life stage (motherhood) to build a brand.
She’s entering 2026 with what she calls an "open heart," and looking at her lineup, it’s easy to see why. Between the Australia vacations and the massive movie sets, Kajal Aggarwal is proving that you don't have to choose between a personal life and a powerhouse career. You just have to be willing to work twice as hard as everyone else to keep both.