Kajol reveals she ran away from boarding school with her friend at 11: ‘I was waiting in the bus, but…'

Time of India

5 days ago

Kajol
has always been open about how much she loves and admires her mother, the veteran actress Tanuja. But in a recent chat, Kajol shared a story from her childhood that many people didn't know.
It's a tale that shows just how deep her bond is with her mother and the strong line of women in her family.
Growing up with strong women
Speaking to The Lallantop, Kajol looked back fondly on her childhood. She grew up in a busy house with four generations of women under one roof, her great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and herself. That kind of upbringing left a big impact on her.
She said, 'I got to know that my maternal grandmother's mother was very sick.
I called my mom, but she didn't allow me to come back home because I had exams. My holidays were in December, so she asked me to come in December only. I was 11 at that time." Even after so many years, Kajol remembered this moment very clearly.
A daring plan to escape
Kajol was just 11 then, studying in a boarding school in Panchgani, which is nearly five hours away from Mumbai. But she didn't let distance stop her from trying to be with her family.
Overcome with emotion and a strong will to act, she made a bold plan to run away.
'Another one of my friends was also unhappy, and we both decided to run away from the boarding school. We both decided to go to Bombay," she shared, laughing a little at the memory. It was a plan full of childlike bravery and love.
Almost halfway home
Kajol didn't stop at planning. She actually put her little plan into action. 'I went to my local guardian, my mama in Panchgani, and I told him that mom has called me home.
I asked him to take me to the bus stand," she said.
Her uncle believed her and took her to the bus stand. It seemed like everything was working out. But her freedom didn't last long. 'While I was waiting in the bus, the nuns came, and they pulled me by my ear and took me back to the school."
Boarding school taught her life lessons
Even though her runaway adventure was cut short, Kajol still thinks fondly of her boarding school days.
'There, kids learn the value of their parents. It makes you better at adapting to society," she explained.
Sending her own children to boarding school
Kajol believes so much in what boarding schools offer that she decided to send her own children there too. 'I like boarding schools, and I sent Nysa also to one. Now, I want to send my son Yug as well to the boarding school," she confirmed.
On the work front, Kajol's horror thriller 'Maa' is now running in the cinemas.