Rani Mukerji Completes 30 Years in Cinema: "I Still Feel Like a Newcomer"
Mumbai – Bollywood icon Rani Mukerji has officially completed 30 years in the Indian film industry. Marking this significant milestone, the celebrated actor penned an emotional and introspective note on Monday, shared via Yash Raj Films' official social media handles.
Reflecting on a journey that began with Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat in 1997, Mukerji described her career not as a calculated pursuit of stardom, but as a path of instinct and vulnerability. Despite three decades of critical acclaim and box-office success, the actor confessed she still feels the hunger of a newcomer.
The Note: "It Wasn't a Dream I Chased"
In her heartfelt message, Mukerji revisited her humble beginnings. "Thirty years ago, I stepped onto a film set with no grand plan of becoming an actress. It wasn’t a dream I chased – it was something that found me," she wrote.
She vividly recalled her first experience in front of the camera—a young, hesitant girl hoping not to forget her lines. "Somewhere inside me, I am still that nervous girl... hoping I belonged," she admitted, emphasizing that her love for the craft was born from a mix of instinct and the magical ability of cinema to freeze emotions.
Career Defining Moments
Mukerji’s note served as a retrospective of the changing phases of Bollywood, mirrored by her own evolution:
- The Late 90s: A "magical phase" where she discovered that Hindi cinema lives deep in people's hearts.
- The 2000s & Finding Her Voice: She cited Saathiya as a turning point, where playing a flawed, impulsive woman felt liberating. Films like Hum Tum taught her that women could be "funny, sharp and vulnerable all at once."
- The 'Black' Era: Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Amitabh Bachchan in Black was described as one of her most emotionally intense experiences. "It taught me that silence can speak louder than words," she noted.
Motherhood and The National Award
Addressing her personal life, Mukerji shared how marriage and motherhood sharpened her focus rather than slowing her down. She became more selective, choosing films that resonated with the legacy she wished to build.
She touched upon her recent success with Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, which earned her a National Award. "Maybe the universe reserved the feeling of winning this award for when I became a mother and truly understood what a woman can do for her offspring," she reflected, calling herself a "more complete actor" today.
The Philosophy of Longevity
For Mukerji, surviving 30 years in a fickle industry hasn't been about chasing relevance. "Longevity is not about staying relevant but about staying honest," she asserted. She credited her success to taking breaks, returning on her own terms, and trusting instincts that often went against market trends.
What's Next: Mardaani 3
The milestone coincides with the upcoming release of Mardaani 3, the third installment of her hit cop franchise. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the movie will see Mukerji reprise her role as the fearless Shivani Shivaji Roy.
"It is incredibly special to mark my 30th year in cinema with Mardaani 3 – a franchise that allows me to salute the spirit of today’s women," she said. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on January 30.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Rani Mukerji is a rare anomaly in Bollywood—a star who has transitioned seamlessly from the 'bubbly girl' of the 90s to the powerhouse performer of today without losing her connection with the audience. Her 30-year reflection is a masterclass in humility and artistic integrity. As she gears up for Mardaani 3, it is clear that Rani isn't just surviving in the industry; she is defining it on her own terms.