In-Conversation Session with Actress Rani Mukerji on ‘Delivering Compelling Performances’ at IFFI 54
26 November 2023, IFFI Premises: A riveting In-Conversation session with Hindi film actress Rani Mukerji on the theme of 'Delivering Compelling Performances' was held today at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The freewheeling debate, moderated by Baradwaj Rangan, Editor-in-Chief of Galatta Plus and a National Award-winning Film Critic, went into Mukerji's life and successful career.
Swati Bhat
Rani reflected on her film career, saying that she always strived to represent Indian women as strong characters. "Outside India, films and their characters are viewed as windows towards our Indian culture," she went on to say.
"It is important to always stand by strong films and roles," the acclaimed actress said, emphasizing the necessity of dedication to one's craft. You may not always obtain the audience's approval throughout that time period. Such films and people, however, will find a place in cinema history." Rani Mukerji also stressed the importance of flexibility in an actor. She elaborated, saying, "If an actor is versatile, they can portray different facets of life." The more diversified my characters are, the more interesting they will be for both the audience and me. This variety of characters encourages me as well."
"For doing specific roles, actors often meet real-life people to get their physical characteristics right," Rani said, delving into the complexities of character portrayal. However, it is equally critical to understand all of their feelings. The emotions underlying a scene in a film are what set it apart. It is critical to depict emotions in order to reach the audience's heart."
On the subject of ageism in the film industry, the acclaimed actress stated that actors must choose roles that suit their age in order for the audience to embrace them. She went on to say that the audience helped her overcome ageism and other challenges in the film industry.
Sharing her personal reflection, Rani remarked, "I don't give much importance to the age factor and tried to do justice to my characters. Fifty percent of your battle of making people believe in the character is won if you look like the character."
While expressing her happiness with her journey, the acclaimed actress revealed that she has never regretted playing any characters in her film career. "But it was unfortunate that I couldn't be part of Aamir Khan's first production venture film 'Lagaan' due to a date clash," she went on to say.
Rani Mukerji has charmed audiences with hundreds of gorgeous personalities, ranging from 'Tina Malhotra' in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to 'Maya Talwar' in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and 'Debika Chatterjee' in Mrs. Chatterjee versus Norway. When asked which of her characters she has played is her favorite, she said that the character in the film 'Black' is closest to her heart, revealing that the character transformed her and enabled her to be a better human being. "The character of 'Michelle McNally' in Black inspired and challenged me at the same time. The character in 'Mehndi' also empowered me”, she added.