It’s been 30 extraordinary years since Rani Mukerji stepped into the world of Hindi cinema, and she’s not slowing down. The veteran actress is making headlines with her return as the indomitable Shivani Shivaji Roy in ‘Mardani 3’, a milestone that coincides perfectly with her silver jubilee-plus-five in the industry.
Kicking off her career with a bang in 1997’s ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat’, Rani quickly proved her mettle. Her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ turned her into a household name overnight. Who can forget her bubbly Anjali or the intense Tina in ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’? These roles highlighted her range, from romantic leads to dramatic powerhouses.
The 2000s saw Rani evolve with films like ‘Hum Tum’, earning her a Filmfare for Best Actress, and ‘Black’, where she delivered a career-defining performance as the deaf-blind Michelle. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s direction brought out raw emotion that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
‘Mardani’ marked a game-changer in 2014. At 36, Rani took on action-hero duties, fighting child traffickers with fists and fury. The film’s success spawned sequels, with ‘Mardani 2’ upping the ante on vigilante justice. Now, ‘Mardani 3’ promises to tackle modern threats like online exploitation, blending high-stakes chases with poignant storytelling.
Off-screen, Rani has navigated personal highs and lows gracefully. Her low-key wedding to Aditya Chopra was the talk of the town, and she’s since embraced motherhood while selectively choosing roles. ‘Hichki’ in 2018 was a heartfelt return, showcasing her comedic timing as a teacher with Tourette syndrome.
Industry peers shower praise. Kajol calls her ‘a sister in arms’, while Pritish Nandy remembers her debut fondly. As celebrations kick off with fan events and retrospectives, Rani remains grounded. ‘Acting is my oxygen,’ she says.
‘Mardani 3’ is poised to dominate 2025 box office, directed by a fresh visionary team. With Rani at the helm, expect fireworks. Her 30-year odyssey from ingenue to icon continues to inspire.