Mumbai

Marking three decades in Indian cinema, actor Rani Mukerji reflected on her journey with gratitude and quiet pride, sharing an emotional note that traced her evolution as an artist and as a person.

Looking back at her early years, Rani described how her entry into films was unplanned and instinctive rather than driven by ambition. She recalled stepping onto a film set as a young girl, unsure of where the path would lead, but gradually discovering a deep and lasting love for acting. According to her, the passage of time feels unreal when one is doing what they truly love.

Revisiting her debut film Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat, Rani said the experience shaped her understanding of cinema at a formative stage. The film, she noted, taught her that acting goes beyond glamour and carries responsibility, especially when portraying characters rooted in dignity and resilience.

Describing the 1990s as a “magical phase,” she said those years opened doors while also revealing the emotional bond Hindi cinema shares with its audience. As her career progressed into the early 2000s, Rani felt she began to discover her own voice as an actor. Films such as Saathiya, Bunty Aur Babli, Hum Tum and No One Killed Jessica played a crucial role in shaping her artistic identity.

Saathiya, she said, was a turning point that liberated her from the need to appear flawless on screen. Playing a complex and imperfect woman allowed her to prioritise honesty over perfection in her performances.

Rani also described Black as one of the most transformative experiences of her career. Working with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Amitabh Bachchan, she said, challenged her emotionally and artistically, teaching her the power of silence and the importance of listening as an actor.

Noting her consistent attraction to strong, defiant female characters, Rani spoke about her roles in Bunty Aur Babli, No One Killed Jessica and Mardaani, saying she feels deeply connected to women who confront patriarchal norms with courage and grace. Her portrayal of police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani remains especially close to her heart, as it embodied quiet strength rather than overt heroism.

Reflecting on her life after marriage and motherhood, Rani said the transition made her more selective and conscious about the work she chose, helping her focus on the kind of legacy she wanted to create. She also spoke about her National Award-winning performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, calling it a role that resonated deeply with her as a mother and as a more grounded actor.

Concluding her note, Rani expressed gratitude to her collaborators and audiences, saying she values moments on set and emotional connections over numbers and accolades. She affirmed that her love for cinema remains undiminished—calmer, deeper, and more appreciative—with a continued desire to learn and grow.

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Rani Mukerji’s milestone year coincides with the release of her upcoming film Mardaani 3. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on January 30.