By Divya Malhotra

New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): As she gears up for the release of her mythological horror debut 'Maa', actress Kajol opens up about a different kind of fear--one that every mother knows too well.

In a conversation with ANI, she shared her perspective on motherhood, the delicate balance between protection and independence, and the deeply personal experiences that resonate with her latest role.

When asked how she balances protecting her children and allowing them to face their own fears, Kajol reflected with the grounded wisdom of experience:

'My children are much older now. I have taught them a lot of skills. So now I will have to trust my upbringing. Look, I have taught you for so long, now it's time for you to learn your lesson and to practise it.'

It's a philosophy of parenting that echoes the essence of 'Maa'--a film about a mother fighting ancient evils to protect her daughter.

But in real life, Kajol believes parenting teenagers is as much about listening as it is about guiding.

'Sometimes just listening to them makes them also see your point of view and makes you also see their point of view. So, I guess listening is the most powerful parenting tool,' she said.

Speaking about the most vulnerable period of motherhood, Kajol offered a moving reflection. 'The first day that the child is born in this world is the first day that the mother is born in the world as well.'

Describing those initial few months as the toughest, Kajol revealed the immense pressure mothers face to prove their worth, both to themselves and to the world.

'There's a pressure on a mother that... no one can question me whether I am a good mother or not. You have to do superhuman things like not sleeping for six months and still have a happy face,' Kajol said.

In a way, that relentless strength mirrors her upcoming role in 'Maa', where Kajol plays a mother confronting supernatural forces rooted in mythology, grief, and legacy.

Directed by Vishal Furia and produced by Ajay Devgn and Jio Studios, 'Maa' is a unique entry in Indian cinema. The film marks Kajol's first foray into the horror genre and brings with it a compelling narrative: a mother-daughter road trip gone horribly wrong after they encounter a cursed tree haunted by ancient spirits.

With a stellar cast featuring Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Yaaneea Bharadwaj, and Surjyasikha Das, Maa blends mythology and horror to deliver a gripping emotional journey.

The film is slated to release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali on June 27, 2025. (ANI)