From ‘Accidental’ Debut to 30-Year Icon: Rani Mukerji Reveals Why She Actually Joined Bollywood

The story of Rani Mukerji is often framed as a destiny-driven ascent to stardom, but in a candid 30th-anniversary sit-down with filmmaker Karan Johar, the actress revealed a much more grounded and poignant reality. Speaking at the Yash Raj Films studio on Thursday, Rani shared that her entry into cinema wasn’t born out of a dream to see her name in lights—it was a move to save her family from financial hardship.

As she gears up for the release of Mardaani 3 later this month, Rani looked back at the era where her life was headed toward a very different path.

The Marriage Plan vs. The Movie Offer

Growing up in a “humble Bengali household,” Rani noted that even though her father, Ram Mukherjee, was a filmmaker, they struggled significantly to make ends meet.

Traditional Expectations: Rani explained that her father initially viewed professional responsibility as a “boy’s job,” focusing those dreams on her brother.
The Original Plan: “With me, it was very clear. They wanted to get me married at a very young age,” she shared.
The Pivot: When family friend Salim Akhtar offered her the lead in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1996), Rani’s mother saw it as more than just a creative opportunity—she saw it as a lifeline.

A Career Built on Necessity

Rani admitted that as a teenager, she didn’t realize the gravity of her family’s financial situation.

“I didn’t realize it then that probably my mum was finding a way to make the financial situation in my house better. They knew that if I did well in this field, it would be good for us.”

While her debut film didn’t set the box office on fire, her performance was strong enough to catch the eye of Aamir Khan for Ghulam and Aditya Chopra, who eventually recommended her to Karan Johar for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

30 Years Later: The ‘Babbar Sherni’ Returns

Three decades after that “accidental” start, Rani Mukerji has evolved from a girl supporting her family to a powerhouse of the Indian screen. Her journey comes full circle this month:

Mardaani 3 Release: The highly anticipated third installment of the franchise hits theaters on January 30, 2026.
Social Impact: The film, directed by Abhiraj Minawala, is reportedly the lengthiest in the series and continues the franchise’s legacy of tackling brutal social realities.

From a young girl whose parents had no professional dreams for her to becoming the “Babbar Sherni” of Bollywood, Rani’s 30-year legacy is a testament to the power of grit over planning.

Disha Rojhe