THE Rani DIARIES

It's not just about talent and hard work; it is also about keeping a level head, introspecting, and knowing how to bounce back when need be. A few things that RANI MUKERJI has learnt from the film industry. As Shraddha Kamdar chats with her, she also reveals the factors that help her decide to choose a film, how she deals with failure, and how motherhood has changed her

-  Shraddha Kamdar

It’s no surprise that she loves the genre of romance. Many of us do, in no small part due to Rani Mukerji’s mastery of the genre. Soon after her entry into the Hindi film industry, she breezed into hearts as Tina in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and stayed there as Suhani in Saathiya (2002), Pooja in Mujse Dosti Karoge! (2002), Priya in Chalte Chalte (2003) and Rhea in Hum Tum (2004). Add that to her vast body of work encompassing comedy, tragedy, satire, romance, drama and everything in between. However, she states, “The roles that I enjoy the most are those in romantic films. It’s a genre I’ve always loved,” as she settles down to get into the zone of the cover shoot.

On set on the dot at the mutually-decided time, the actor knows exactly what she wants. Dressed in a denim co-ord set with her hair tied in a messy top knot, she studies the mood board, asking specifically for looks she is keen on, and checking in, time and again, with makeup expert Mickey Contractor. It is a testament to their close bond and mutual trust, built over 18 years. Not one to waste time – hers or anyone else’s – she works in a swift and assertive manner, helping the shoot to progress on time.