EXCLUSIVE: Mukesh Bhatt says he signed Rani Mukerji even before her debut film released
As Rani Mukerji completes 30 years in Hindi cinema, filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt looks back on discovering her before fame followed. In an exclusive conversation, he reveals why he signed her even before her debut released and what truly set her apart as an actor and a person. Read the full interview below.
Rani Mukerji completes 30 years in cinema: Few careers in Hindi cinema carry the weight of longevity and respect that Rani Mukerji commands today. As the actor completes 30 years in the industry and gears up for the release of Mardaani 3 later this month, veteran filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt looks back on discovering her long before stardom followed.
In an exclusive conversation with TV9 English, Bhatt recalled meeting Rani at the very start of her journey, even before her debut film Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat reached theatres.
Mukesh Bhatt on Rani Mukerji
He revealed, "Rani Mukerji is one of the most fabulous actors I’ve met in my life. Not only a good actor but also a good human being, a good soul. She’s one actor who has never carried any baggage of any self proclaimed stardom on her shoulders. She’s very grounded, realistic, and positive. She’s a producer’s actor. Producers are used to the tantrums of so called stars. Rani came with no extra baggage.”
Mukesh Bhatt revealed that temperament mattered as much as talent while casting for Ghulam, where Rani would eventually star opposite Aamir Khan. The recommendation came from an unexpected yet trusted source.
"My editor was editing a film… and he mentioned that Rani is a very good actor,” he said, adding that the endorsement from a senior editor carried real weight. After watching selected scenes from Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat, Mukesh felt convinced. "Once I saw those scenes, I immediately decided that she was right for Ghulam. Aamir Khan asked me whether I was sure about her. I assured him that she was absolutely fine.”
Beyond her performances, Mukesh Bhatt emphasised Rani’s character off-screen. Success, he noted, never altered her approach.
He added, "You come to know about people’s temperament whether they’re stars or not,” he said, pointing out how fame often changes people. "Whenever I met her after she became a star, she was so decent in her approach and met me with respect and affection. She knew how important role I played in her life.”
What stands out most for Mukesh Bhatt is her gratitude, a rare trait in an industry known for short memories. "Her attitude, gratitude towards me never diminished even after she became a star. Very few people in this industry have this quality. People tend to forget easily. But Rani has never done that,” he concluded.