In a heartfelt and revealing conversation, veteran Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji opened up about one of the most challenging moments from her early career, shedding light on the industry's initial skepticism towards her distinctive husky voice. During an interactive session with filmmaker Karan Johar, marking her 30-year journey in cinema, Mukerji became teary-eyed as she recounted the emotional experience of having her voice dubbed in the 1998 film Ghulam, starring opposite Aamir Khan.
The Painful Revelation from Aamir Khan
Reflecting on her debut days, Rani Mukerji shared that as a newcomer, she had limited choices and was thrilled to work with superstar Aamir Khan. However, this excitement was dampened when she learned that her voice would not be used in the final cut of Ghulam. She revealed that the decision was made by director Vikram Bhatt, producer Mukesh Bhatt, and Aamir Khan, with Aamir taking on the role of the "bad cop" to break the news to her.
"Aamir kind of explained to me that for films, we have to sacrifice certain things for the best of the film. Probably your voice is not apt for the character," Mukerji recalled, highlighting how Aamir used logic and examples to soften the blow. He pointed out that even legendary actress Sridevi had her voice dubbed in several films, yet it didn't hinder her stardom, encouraging Rani to surrender to what was best for the project.
Emotional Turmoil and Professional Resilience
Despite putting on a brave face, Rani admitted that the experience was deeply upsetting. "It was a little upsetting for me. But obviously I couldn't show the fact that I was upset because you need to be a team player whenever you're part of a film... Even if there are personal disappointments, it doesn't matter as long as the intent is true for the film," she said, showcasing her professional maturity even in the face of personal setback.
Karan Johar's Unwavering Support
The conversation took a positive turn as Rani Mukerji expressed gratitude towards Karan Johar, who played a pivotal role in boosting her confidence. During the shooting of the teaser for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Karan approached her and inquired about the dubbing in Ghulam. Upon learning the truth, he assured her, "I love your voice and you will dub for my film." This act of faith allowed Rani to retain her voice in what became a iconic film, cementing her place in Bollywood.
"And thanks to you, Karan, I was able to retain my voice," Rani emotionally acknowledged, underscoring how Johar's support was a turning point in her career, helping her embrace her unique vocal quality rather than seeing it as a limitation.
Looking Ahead to Mardaani 3
As Rani Mukerji continues to reflect on her illustrious three-decade journey, fans have much to look forward to with her upcoming project, Mardaani 3. Directed by Abhiraj Minwala and written by Aayush Gupta, the film is produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films and is scheduled for release on January 30, 2026. This new installment promises to add another chapter to her legacy of powerful performances.
This candid revelation not only highlights the challenges faced by actors in the film industry but also celebrates the resilience and support systems that help them thrive. Rani Mukerji's story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that perseverance and belief in one's unique traits can lead to lasting success.
