..Rani Mukherjee

Rani Mukherjee interview on her role in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.

 I have a lot of memorable moments in my life; some are at times embarrassing, most are spectacular and others are just great experiences. I am not a negative thinker, so everything that happens is a great memory. Last week on Friday, a mix of everything happened, something I will refer to as a magnificent embarrassment. There I was sat at my hairdressers with foil in my hair (the girls will get it), and I get two phone calls. One is from Gospel singer Rufftone who says he has to see me immediately – I tell him to drive to Prime Apartments and ask for Ruth's Place, this is where I get my do done, and he tells me he will see me in 5 minutes. I look at my self in the mirror and think "I look interestingly messy, oh well, there is a first time for everything". I then hear my text alert go off and the message reads "Can you interview Rani now?". Now? Now? I panic and begin to perspire. It's a hot afternoon, the weekend has checked in and I am at the salon without a pen and paper and an idea about what I can ask Rani. This is the first time I will be speaking to Rani so I need to make an impression. Ruth (my hairdresser) has given me a tasty glass of something red that goes straight into the blood stream after two sips and I am beginning to giggle. "Keep it together" I tell myself. I text back and say 'I will call her in 30 minutes, is that ok?" in the meantime I order about the fine people of the salon saying "get me a pen and a note pad and when Rufftone gets here send him straight in". I am sure they are thinking "Girlfriend this ain't your office!" but they tend to my every demand with diligence. Rufftone walks in and we chat, he comments about my look, but he is a sweetie and sugar coats his comments. We chat charity and say bye bye to each other. I still am not of sound mind (what was in that drink??) so I begin to ask other clients in the salon about what to ask Rani. They don't know who she is. So I explain that she is an A List star in Bollywood, I start getting ideas for my questions. My phone rings and its India.

"Hello?"  I say.

"Rani would like to talk to you" Monica tells me at the other end.

"I will call back in 2 minutes" I say in my professional voice.

I hang up, clear my throat, order the salon clientele to hush, forget about what my hair will look like at the end of all of this and dail her number.

"Hi Pinky" she sings at the other end of the line.

"Rani, darling! Hi. How are you?" and so the interview begins.

You are such a lovable character in all your movies, which has been your best role so far?

Pinky, asking an actor to choose a favorite movie is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child. All my movies have helped me become what I am today. But I guess if I had to say then Black was definitely the most challenging and Bunty Aur Bubli was my most fun film.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I am throwing myself into my movies. Don't ask me about my personal life. I am just doing one movie after the next. Although I have no idea what I am doing tomorrow so I cannot plan for the next five years, I just know that I will be in the film world doing what I love most.

Tell us about your role in your up coming movie Laaga Chunari Me Daag?

It was a wonderful experience; the movie focuses on the strength of a woman and will make everyone take notice of how a woman will go to lengths to save her family life. Remember that in India it is especially difficult for a woman when she is the first born – she has to be the boy of the house, she has to fight for her education and then face her parents when she wants to discover the world and then she has to protect the family who have stood by her. This is a story of a middle class woman with an Indian hear. I am very proud of this role. It is a real roller coaster ride and am sure all audiences will be completely enthralled.

You have a different look in the movie; tell us about your style?

I am a person who loves clothes, which woman doesn't? But I try and be as versatile in terms of looks for every movie. I don't want to come across as monotonous and boring. I want to be able to have something different to offer cinema audiences whenever they see me in a new project.

How do you handle all the publicity that comes with being Rani Mukherjee?

I take in my stride. I have worked very hard to be where I am today and I think because of that hard work I remain grounded. The publicity that comes with it is a good thing, I mean wherever I travel across the globe people seem to know me, there is a downside however, at times you pick up a paper and read lies about yourself. This is very hard for someone who has to deal with family and people you love. But I guess I have been in the business for so long now, I am very thick skinned.

When are you planning to come to Kenya?

Anytime, I would love to come there and meet my fans in that part of the world. I have received so much love from South Africa and am sure Kenya would be just as good if not better. I am honored with the love I receive from my fans and for that I am always thankful.

What are your words of wisdom?

Do your work well, whatever field you are in, this is a sure shot was of progression.Also stay focused, know what you want to attain in life and go for it full throttle. Be sincere, remember what goes around, comes around. Even if you are cheating, the only person you will truly cheat is yourself.

Tell us about what you do for fun or to pass time?

I watch TV. I eat Daal Chawal and I love talking to my parents.

Who inspires you?

Mahatma Ghandi

What is your motto in life?

Have faith in God.

I wanted to ask her about the drama with Ash Rai Bachchan or even her secret wedding to Aditya Chopra but I couldn't bring myself to being controversial. Rani seemed very sweet and warm and her success is something she has attained, why should I be like the rest of the people who look for scandal and sensation when it comes to big names? Instead let's support her and celebrate her achievements. Besides, her little secret to me on the phone was that she would come to Kenya if Laaga.. does exceptionally well here. I am holding you to that Rani.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag is out soon at Fox Theatres.