Rani Mukerji on 30 Years in Bollywood: Parents Wanted Me to Marry Young, Not Act

Actress Rani Mukherjee is marking 30 years of service in the industry. She is also busy promoting her upcoming film "Mardaani 3." Rani also talked about the beginning of her acting career and mentioned that she had to marry when she was very young.

Rani Mukherjee was interviewed by her old friend and filmmaker Karan Johar at Yash Raj studios on the eve of the completion of 30 years in the film industry. When Karan asked Rani about her childhood, the actress explained that although she comes from a film family, she was still a child. Her father, Ram Mukherjee, was a film producer, but the household expenses barely made ends meet. Rani further stated that her parents never imagined her working in films. "I don't think they ever dreamed of me. When we were growing up, my father never imagined I would work. It was considered a boy's responsibility. He would fulfill that responsibility through my brother. But in my case, it was clear. He wanted me to get married at a very young age."

Rani recalled that despite her parents' plans, she made her Bollywood debut with the film "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat," produced by her father's friend, Salim Akhtar. Rani said that fate had other plans. When she received the offer for "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat," her mother said, "Salim uncle is a family friend, and he has offered you a film. Why don't you accept it?" She didn't realize then that perhaps her mother was looking for a way to improve her family's financial situation. Because she knew that if I did well in this field, it would be good for us. But at that time, I didn't think from that perspective. Now I realize it.

Ram Mukherjee comes from a prestigious film family. Her father, Ram Mukherjee, was a screenwriter, director, and producer. Her cousins, Deb Mukherjee and Joy Mukherjee, were popular actors. Her uncle, Shashadhar Mukherjee, was one of the pioneers of cinema in Mumbai. Ram Mukherjee was best known for directing Dilip Kumar's film "Leader."

Rani Mukherjee made her Bollywood debut with the 1996 film "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat." Although "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat" wasn't a box office success, it brought her recognition, followed by films like "Ghulam" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," which launched her Bollywood career. Rani is returning to theaters this year with "Mardaani 3."