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29 March 2024

Interview: Rani Mukherji on comeback, marriage

The film is about the real-life murder of Delhi-based model Jessica Lal (FILE)

Published
By Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

Bubbly, entertaining and fun, Rani Mukherji is back with "No One Killed Jessica", which hits UAE cinemas on January 6.
The actress, who was once the reigning gueen of a million hearts, suddenly disappeared from the silver screen, but already, audiences are raving about her new look, which has been played to maximum effect in the film's promos.

The film is about the real-life murder of Delhi-based model Jessica Lal, a hot-button issue in India's political and social circles for several years after the 1999 event.

Taking on a film inspired by a real-life incident is a tough call, agrees Mukherji. “Everybody will come with their share of expectations and some might be satisfied, some disappointed, but that’s the risk we have taken. The film is serious, but very interesting and the audience will thoroughly enjoy watching it,” she says in an interview for Emirates247.com.

She's gone all out to make herself look different from using foul language to showing the middle finger to smoking, she's done it all. “My director gave me full liberty to colour my character the way I want, I didn’t have to follow anyone and I am sure everyone will like this side of me too,” she says.

Career change

Mukherji plays the character of a crime reporter and says she can’t be happier to have bagged the film and its rather out-of-the-box role. “I have this new found respect for crime reporters because their work is so dangerous and to be in this field, one has to be brave and fearless. They are doing a great job and I am happy to get a chance to portray them,” the doe-eyed actress says.
If she had had the option, she adds, she would be a journalist and crime reporter in real life.

Rani has not only kept herself away from films and media but she has also lost touch with her fans.
 
She says, “The audience isn’t too happy with me, but I am working towards that. Actors are like beggars they are always waiting for good scripts to come their way. I don’t want to do random films, if my fans shower me with love the least I can do is give them a good film. I want to do two three films a year, but I am not getting those kind of roles.”

IN PICTURES: Rani Mukherji and Vidya Balan on the road for 'No One Killed Jessica'

18+ rating

Ask her why she took such a long time to come on screen after "Dil Bole Hadippa", and she has her answer ready.

“The delay wasn’t intentional. I immediately started shooting for 'No One Killed Jessica' after I wrapped up 'Dil Bole Hadippa'. The makers of the movie took two years to finally wrap it up."

And she isn't worried that the film may be rated adults-only. “I will be more than happy if that happens. I don’t want children to watch this film as I wouldn’t take my niece along to watch it,” she explains.

But Mukherji is quick to address another belief that the film makes a mockery of the judicial system in India.

“That’s a very wrong notion. The movie is based on a true incident and the script is very close to facts and isn’t fictitious. The script was also approved by Jessica Lal’s family. Sabrina gave us a green signal and we worked as per the script,” she insists.

Aamir Khan, Vidya Balan

What about working with her costars Vidya Balan was reportedly keen to work with Rani, but has said she's surprised by the actress's fun-loving side. “Working with Vidya was a pleasant experience. We got along well, but she was quite surprised with my behaviour, since I was always up to some [mischief]. She would look at me and start laughing; I guess she finds me very attractive and also very naughty."

And now we ask her the second most important query about her having signed a movie with box-office big gun Aamir Khan.

True? “It is true that I am doing a film with Aamir Khan. But as of now, I can’t talk about it or else Aamir will sack me,’ she guffaws.

Since she is in a good mood we ask her if she is getting married to Aditya Chopra as the media has reported once again. It is being reported that she is getitng engaged in February to Aditya Chopra and getting married after that.

Is this true?

“There is no truth in this news at all. If something of that happens, I will be the first person to call all of you and announce it to the media as well,’ she signs off. (By Neha Antani and Samiksha Ghai)

IN PICTURES: Rani Mukherji and Vidya Balan on the road for 'No One Killed Jessica'