Film pundits, who declared that Bollywood actress Kajol is past her prime after having delivered flawless performances in blockbusters like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and now has nothing new to offer, may soon have to eat their words as the talented actress is all set to be in her element in Yash Chopra's forthcoming mega love saga Fanaah.

Kajol, who has been missing from action for more than five years, says, "This is the first time I am being paired with Aamir Khan, who is known to be methodical and a perfectionist. I really do not know how things will turn out. But I am sure that the final result will be eye-dazzling. It's a great script. And of course, the director and production house also mattered."

She said though she would have loved to restart her career with director Karan Johar, who had offered her an awe-inspiring role, she would not have been able to handle a big schedule in London for his next film.

Acting runs in Kajol's blood but this has become an "old saying" in tinseltown as over the years this daughter of actress Tanuja and granddaughter of Shobhana Samarth, since making her debut in Bekhudi, has carved a niche for herself on her own, essaying varied roles.

But even after attaining much succes early in her film career, Kajol did not hesitate about settling down in matrimony with her co-starof films like Raju Chacha, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha and Dil Kya Kare, Ajay Devgan.

The two tied the nuptial knot on February 24, 1999 and Kajol decided to take a break to savour the joys of motherhood after the birth of her daughter Nysa. Even today she makes it a point to regularly drop the apple of her eyes to school in her car.

The versatility of the three-time Filmfare Best Actress Award winner is evident from the fact that she was also the first woman to hold the Filmfare Best Villain Award in 1997 for the film Gupt. In 2003 and 2004, she was positioned at number 5 in the Filmfare Top Ten Actress' List despite her absence from tinseltown.

Whether it is the small screen or the silver screen, Kajol, who was born on August 5, 1975, has always shared a mesmerising chemistry with Ajay and these days the cute couple is making a splash in a series of a telecom company's advertisements.

"I am a strong believer in simple life and even my lifestyle is like any other person who hails from a middle-class family," she said. Kajol has always been health and fashion conscious, but motherhood has bestowed a special glow on her and to be on the safer side, she is being extra cautious about her health and her diet and exercise regimen.

She also pays due attention to her outfits, once a staunch loyalist of dress designer Manish Malhotra, Kajol has now diversified her wardrobe to include other talented designers whose creations she loves to flaunt.

"Nothing is hard and fast in my life. Except one or two things, my life also changes like clothes and after getting married my wardrobe has become richer," the elder sister of actress Tanisha said. Instead of donning branded clothes, Kajol prefers to go in for those dresses which look decent on her and make her simple persona look impressive.

Mention her daughter Nysa and the proud mother's eyes start sparkling with childlike naughtiness. Though neck-deep in her work Kajol always find time for her daughter.

"I may be very busy but I always take time out for my daughter. Ajay, Nysa and I always have dinner together. Our lives are incomplete without her. Ajay dotes on her and just a look from her is enough to melt him. She is very naughty and we try to fulfil almost every wish of hers. But she also gets the stick when she becomes stubborn. Right now, my priority is to give her a nice upbringing."

One thing that is also known about Kajol is that the effervescent actress is a bookworm and is always seen with a book in her hand and library is her favourite stamping ground.

Writing also comes naturally to the actress who says, "Writing helps me unwind. Apart from advertisements, I am also foucusing on writing. I cannot disclose what I am writing right now, but soon people will get to know about it. Writing has also helped me understand myself better. I like to travel also. I also like to know things closely."

Kajol, who is more of a private person and prefers to keep her personal life under wraps, is sometimes misunderstood as a snob. But she begs to differ.

"Those who prefer to call me snooty, I must tell them, I myself hate those who put on airs. Nor is she averse to occasionally sharing the titbits of her personal life. " On my first birthday after my marriage, Ajay did not show any excitement a day before. But when on the birthday he presented me with a diamond gift, my happiness knew no bounds."

Hailing from a strong film clan, Kajol is already toying with the idea of of making her daughter an actress some day." I want to make my daughter an actress one day. She will make a better actress than me. I will make her stronger than myself. And if today I have to give her marks in acting, then I will give her 20 out of 10.

Kajol, who often goes cycling and swimming to keep herself in shape, said, "I want to give birth to another child and give a decent upbringing to both of them. Motherhood is simply great."

"I always try to keep a smile on my face. As I have become slimmer I am looking glamorous. Positive thinking and remaining happy is my mantra of life. I do not interfere in other people's lives. I love to lead a peaceful life. I think life is too short and it should be lived to the fullest, and my belief in God is my strength," the beaming actress said.

On the home front, Kajol, who can have sandwiches for all three meals of a day, said, "Like other women I also try to make my home sweet and beautiful. As the atmosphere of my home is very tranquil I like to spend most of my time in my study."