Janki Bodiwala Reflects on Working with Rani Mukerji in 'Mardaani 3'
Actress Janki Bodiwala is currently enjoying a significant career upswing, having garnered widespread acclaim for her role in the horror thriller 'Shaitaan'. Her momentum continues with the release of 'Mardaani 3', where she portrays a police officer, earning praise from both critics and audiences alike.
A Memorable First Meeting and Motivational Speech
In a recent interview with The Free Press Journal, Bodiwala opened up about her experience collaborating with veteran actress Rani Mukerji. She revealed that their initial interaction occurred during a pre-shoot workshop for the film.
"We met during the workshop. The energy she carries with her is incredible! She is lovely as a person and incredibly energetic. It serves as a huge motivation for all of us. Rani is so full of life and remarkably down-to-earth," Bodiwala shared enthusiastically.
The actress emphasized how comfortable she felt around Mukerji, attributing it to her warm demeanor and approachable behavior. Bodiwala recounted a particularly inspiring moment from their first in-person meeting.
"On the very first day we met her, she delivered a brief motivational speech to the team, emphasizing that we must strive to make this one of the best films in the franchise. She motivated us tremendously," Bodiwala recalled.
This moment left a lasting impression on Bodiwala, who appreciated how a senior actress like Mukerji addressed the team with such genuine care and encouragement.
Professional Collaboration and On-Set Dynamics
Bodiwala highlighted how Mukerji fostered a collaborative environment, making everyone feel like integral members of a unified team dedicated to delivering their best performances.
Despite the initial intimidation of sharing screen space with an established star, Bodiwala admitted she never felt scared. "While working alongside her and sharing the screen, she was exceptionally supportive and professional," she noted.
Mukerji's calming presence helped Bodiwala maintain focus, and her kindness extended to all crew members, always offering guidance when needed. Bodiwala expressed that she learned invaluable lessons simply by observing Mukerji's daily work ethic on set.
'Mardaani 3' Box Office Performance
The film continues to perform steadily at the box office. According to reports from the Sacnilk website, 'Mardaani 3' collected approximately Rs 1.75 crore on its eighth day in India, bringing its total earnings to around Rs 28.05 crore.
The movie had already accumulated Rs 26.30 crore during its first week, indicating a slow but consistent start to its second week. Occupancy rates for Hindi shows on Friday were as follows:
- Morning shows: 6.58%
- Afternoon shows: 10.77%
- Evening shows: 11.58%
- Night shows: 17.60%
This gradual increase in viewership, particularly during evening and night screenings, demonstrates sustained audience interest. While the numbers may not rival blockbuster figures, 'Mardaani 3' continues to attract attention within the Bollywood landscape.
