I Was Short, Had A Distinct Voice: Rani Mukerji Thanks Fans After Completing 25 Years In Bollywood

In 1997, Rani Mukerji made her Hindi film debut with Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. While her contemporaries in that year were busy dancing in Switzerland for movies and romanticising 'Sarson Ke Khet', Rani Mukerji chose compelling films to tell important stories concerning our society.

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Even though her films like Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat and Mehendi didn't rake in money at the box office, the world was introduced to Rani, the actor who had the potential to make her mark in Bollywood.

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It has been 25 years for Rani Mukerji in the movies, and now, she is all pumped up for the release of the sequel of one of the most successful films of her career, 'Bunty Aur Babli'.

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In a conversation with IANS, Rani spoke about playing 'Vimmy' and why it remains close to her heart. She said,

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"It's special that I have completed 25 years in cinema with the character that is probably closest to my heart. I feel I was born to play Vimmy. I remember being blown away by her when 'Bunty Aur Babli' was first narrated to me. Her energy, even from the pages of the script, was very infectious, and I'm fortunate that I have her in my filmography."

Looking back at her journey, Rani expressed her gratitude for getting several chances to work with the 'best from the industry. She said,

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"Looking back at my journey in films, I feel blessed that I did the films that I worked in, and in a way, they're all special. I'm fortunate that I got a chance to collaborate creatively with some of the finest actors and technicians that the industry has ever seen. I'm proud that I've witnessed them and the proximity of their work, learnt from them and tried to be better with each passing film of mine, which I till date do."

Recalling the beginning of her journey at the age of 16, she thanked God and mom for pushing her in the right direction. She added,

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"I started when I was 16; I was really young then, I didn't think that I would be, an actor but it was my mum's insistence that made me one, or rather made me take the plunge in the movie business. Thank God for my mum that she recognised my passion earlier than I did."

Explaining how times have changed since the time she made her debut in films, Rani said,

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"Going into films today for a lot of youngsters is looked upon as very cool. During the time I was growing up, and the time when I came into films, it wasn't a choice or a career option for most youngsters. I think it was looked upon more as a profession to be taken up by people who came from a film background or by those whose parents were actors or film producers/directors. For someone like me, who is from the industry, it was still difficult because we t brought up in a filmy atmosphere."

Mentioning her idols, the actress said,

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"When I was growing up, I idolised Sridevi and Madhuri in films, for they came across as screen goddesses, and imagine me as an actress was tough because I really did not think I had the qualities that made for an Indian movie star."

On a thankful note, she added,

"With changing times, movies change, and audiences accepted someone like me, who had a distinct voice and was short, compared to the standards which people used to judge Indian actresses. I am fortunate that my audiences have kept me going for the last 25 years."

Rani said her "loyal fans" had kept her relevant even today.

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"I think their love gives me the energy to keep going back on to the sets and giving my best," she said.

Concluding the chat that reads like a perfect thank you letter for all her fans who have showered on her, she said,

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"Even at a time when I was having my baby, and I was not sure about going back to the arclights, it was my husband (Yash Raj Films boss Aditya Chopra) who reminded me of the fan following that I have and that I needed to go back again and face the camera because I am no longer Rani Mukerji the person, but Rani Mukerji the star that my fans have created.'

Rani will be reprising her role as Vimmy in the soon-to-be-released 'Bunty Aur Babli 2' with Saif Ali Khan.

The two will be chasing a con-artist duo, the new Bunty and Babli, respectively, played by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari. The film, directed by Varun V. Sharma, is due for a theatrical release on November 19.

(With inputs from IANS)