Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji, who recently celebrated three decades in the film industry, has ignited a fresh wave of online debate with her comments on marital dynamics and gender roles. As she prepares for the release of her upcoming film Mardaani 3, scheduled to hit theatres this Friday, her remarks during a recent interview have drawn mixed reactions from netizens and critics alike.
Rani Mukerji's Controversial Statement on Household Respect
In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Rani Mukerji emphasized the importance of respect starting at home, particularly in how fathers treat mothers. She stated, "I think respect starts at home. Very easily, when you see your mother being ill-treated, it empowers boys to think that if my mother can be treated like this, every other girl can be treated the same way." She further explained that fathers need to be responsible for their behavior, as boys grow up observing these interactions, which shape their understanding of how women should be treated in society.
The Remark That Sparked Controversy
However, it was her follow-up comment that triggered widespread criticism. Rani added, "So it all starts at home. Even a small thing like a father raising his voice at the mother shouldn't happen. You know, the mother should raise her voice at the father, that's how it should be." This statement, suggesting a reversal of traditional gender roles in vocal expression within marriages, quickly became the focal point of online discussions.
Netizens React to Rani Mukerji's Comments
The clip from the interview was shared on Reddit, where users expressed their disapproval. One user commented, "I think she tries to be funny, but she doesn't realise that she is NOT." Another remarked, "She laughs and insists she made a great point." A third user quipped, "Rani interview de aur koi aur problematic take na ho?" translating to "Every time Rani gives an interview, why does there always have to be another problematic take?" These reactions highlight the polarizing nature of her views on gender dynamics.
Rani Mukerji's Anecdote and Personal Life
During the same conversation, Rani recounted an anecdote from her school days, mentioning she once slapped a boy, before jokingly referring to her husband, filmmaker and producer Aditya Chopra. She said, "Only one boy I slapped, and the rest of the boys were my friends. And just don't go and ask my husband what happens to him every day at home." This playful remark added another layer to the controversy, with some interpreting it as a lighthearted jest, while others saw it as reinforcing problematic stereotypes.
Rani Mukerji's Views on Parenting and Generational Shifts
In a separate interview with Zoom, Rani also spoke about her daughter Adira, joking about being intimidated by her. She shared, "She also fires me. She is Gen Alpha, so she fires me and I have to, like, listen to her. Because every generation changes. Like I used to get slaps from my mom. I can't expect to do that with her because she would slap me back." This insight into her parenting approach further illustrates her perspective on evolving family dynamics and the shifting power structures between generations.
Background and Career Context
Rani Mukerji, who tied the knot with Aditya Chopra in 2014, has been a prominent voice in Bollywood, often advocating for gender equality through her roles and public statements. Over her 30-year career, she has consistently addressed social issues, though some of her comments have been perceived as parochial or skewed. Her upcoming film Mardaani 3 continues her legacy of portraying strong female characters, aligning with her broader message of empowerment.
The ongoing debate surrounding Rani Mukerji's remarks underscores the complex conversations about gender roles in modern Indian households. As public figures navigate these sensitive topics, their words continue to spark important dialogues on equality, respect, and the evolving nature of marital and family relationships.
