Rani Mukerji Opens Up About Accidental Bollywood Entry and Family Financial Struggles
In a heartfelt and revealing conversation with filmmaker Karan Johar, celebrated Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji has shared that her illustrious career in the film industry began purely by accident. The Mardaani 3 star disclosed that she initially stepped into movies to help her family make ends meet, despite hailing from a film background herself.
Financial Pressures and Unplanned Debut
During the interactive session held at Yash Raj Films Studios, Rani Mukerji reflected on her childhood and early days. She revealed that even though her father, Ram Mukherjee, was a filmmaker, the household income was modest and just enough to cover basic expenses. "We were making just enough to make ends meet," she stated, highlighting the financial constraints that influenced her career path.
Rani further explained that her parents never envisioned her working, as it was traditionally seen as a boy's responsibility in their family. "It was more of a boy's responsibility. That responsibility they saw through my brother. With me, it was very clear. They wanted to get me married at a very young age," she shared, underscoring the gender norms of the time.
Destiny's Intervention and Mother's Encouragement
The actress recalled how her Bollywood journey started unexpectedly with the 1996 film Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, produced by Salim Akhtar, a friend of her father. "Destiny had other plans for me," Rani remarked, describing how her mother encouraged her to accept the offer. "My mum just told me, 'Salim uncle is a family friend, and he has offered you a film. Why don't you take it up?'"
She admitted that she didn't realize at the time that her mother's motivation was partly financial. "I didn't realise it then that probably my mum was finding a way to make the financial situation in my house better. Because they knew that if I do well in this field, it would be good for us," Rani added, acknowledging the hidden economic reasons behind her entry into films.
Career Takeoff and Personal Life Insights
Although Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat did not perform well at the box office, it served as a stepping stone, leading to notable roles in films like Ghulam and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. These projects catapulted her into mainstream Bollywood success, establishing her as a leading actress over the past three decades.
In the same interview, Rani also spoke fondly about her husband, Aditya Chopra, the Chairperson of Yash Raj Films. She praised his simplicity and grounded nature, saying, "It's his simplicity that draws me towards him." She elaborated on how his quiet charm has been a constant source of comfort and admiration in their life together.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2014, are parents to a 10-year-old daughter, Adira Chopra. Rani Mukerji is now gearing up for her return to the big screen with Mardaani 3, set to release in theatres on January 30, marking another milestone in her accidental yet remarkable career.
