Rani Mukerji / Wikipedia

Few actors in Hindi cinema have demonstrated the quiet endurance and evolving craft that Rani Mukerji has displayed across decades. Emerging from the illustrious Mukerji film family, she began her journey with the modest debut 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat'. What followed was not an overnight ascent but a steady, determined rise built on performance-driven roles and an unmistakable screen presence.

At a time when glamour often overshadowed substance, Rani carved her own space through emotionally layered characters, most memorably in 'Black'. Over the years she transitioned effortlessly from romantic dramas like 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and 'Saathiya' to family entertainers such as 'Ta Ra Rum Pum', 'Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye' and 'Baabul', before embracing powerful social narratives and thrillers like 'No One Killed Jessica', 'Talaash' and the hugely successful 'Mardaani' franchise.

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Today, as she stands at a stage in her career where many actors struggle to reinvent themselves, Rani continues to evolve with confidence and conviction. Having remained in the spotlight for over three decades, she is not merely a star but also a symbol of resilience in an industry that constantly reinvents itself. In this candid conversation, she reflects on the responsibility of leading a successful franchise, the lessons learned from setbacks, and what continues to drive her passion for cinema.

'Mardaani' has been a 13-year-long journey and a super-hit female-led franchise. How responsible do you feel as the face of the franchise?

I think it would be wrong to call 'Mardaani' a female franchise. There is only one definition of a film: It is either good or average. A film should be viewed in that way. As far as responsibility is concerned, playing the role of a female police officer is extremely demanding. The film strongly emphasizes that women officers reach their positions through the same level of hard work as men. They possess the same endurance and strength as any male officer.

Did you revisit the earlier films while getting into the role of Shivani, considering there has been a six-to-seven-year gap between each film?

We age and pass through different phases in life. Hormonal and emotional changes occur in our bodies, and they bring about significant transformation. This aspect has also been incorporated into the character of Shivani Shivaji Roy. Shivani has grown within her position. Her courage remains the same, but the story evolves each time, and so the performance adapts accordingly.

'Mardaani' is an intense film. As a mother yourself, do you worry about your daughter Adira?

A mother is always a mother. When a child grows up and begins going to school on their own, they spend long hours away from their parents. It feels as if a piece of your heart leaves with them every time. That worry and fear always linger. I think every parent goes through this phase.

Do you face box-office pressure at this stage of your career?

No actor can escape the box office. If you are an actor, you need the box office. It is not only about how much money a film earns but also about how many people have seen your work. Every actor wants as many people as possible to watch their films, be inspired by them and offer feedback. The box office motivates actors to give their best during the shoot so that audiences enjoy the film even more.

Looking back, how do you view the journey of your first film, 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat'?

Salim Akhtar uncle was the producer of that film and a close family friend. I came from a film family, but my family never really wanted me to enter the industry. My father always wanted me to get married. My mother didn't approve of my audition for 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat'. In fact, my father even told Salim uncle that casting me might harm the film's prospects, but he had faith in me.

At that time, I took up the film because I wanted to support my family financially. Our financial situation wasn't very strong, although my father still did not want me to enter films. In those days I believed it was the boy's responsibility to earn, while girls should ideally settle down. I initially started working for the money, but gradually acting became my passion.

What has been the biggest reward in your 30-year journey?

Apart from my family, I have another very large family—my audience. They have supported me for so many years, and that is deeply rewarding. Having such a large family is a blessing. Moreover, the characters I have played and my filmography promote women's empowerment. Audiences across the world can see how strong Indian women are through my films. That, too, is a major reward of my career.

Have there been setbacks in your career?

Many. My career has been full of ups and downs. My voice was dubbed in 'Ghulam', and that rejection was not easy to deal with. I was also deeply hurt when I did not receive the National Award for 'Black'. My parents and fans were even sadder than I was. But every setback taught me to work harder. My focus sharpened, and eventually I did go on to win a National Award.

What is your definition of stardom today?

For me, stardom lies in the audience’s love—when people applaud your dialogue or tear up during your emotional scenes. I feel fortunate that the characters I have portrayed have connected with audiences in such a profound way.

When did you first experience stardom?

I attended the premiere of 'Ghulam' at Maratha Mandir. In the film’s introductory scene my helmet comes off, and people started clapping, whistling and cheering. That was the first time I heard such applause. Earlier, when I went to Gaiety Galaxy theatre for my debut film 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat', people applauded my monologue. Later, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' truly established me as a heroine in the industry.

Would you like to take on the responsibilities of producing or directing?

Right now I have my daughter, my mother and my family, and alongside all this I find time for shooting. Being a producer and especially a director requires immense commitment. Perhaps I will consider it once my daughter grows up, but for now I have many responsibilities to balance.

Does your daughter watch your films?

To be honest, Adira doesn’t watch most of my films. She becomes emotional because many of them are very intense. That is why she has only seen lighter films like 'Bunty Aur Babli' and 'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic'.

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