Rani Mukerji is all set to hit the big screen with her film Mardaani 3, which is scheduled to release on January 30, 2026. Ahead of the release of the action crime thriller, the actress was roped in for an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, where she reacted on winning the National Award for her performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Talking about that moment, Rani Mukherjee recalled her early years in the industry and said, “When I started my career, the idea of a heroine was that she should be tall, she should have a certain voice, her skin color should also be like that.”
(When I started my career, there was a certain mold for a heroine; she had to be tall, her voice had to be a certain way, and even her skin color was expected to be a certain way.)
“I didn’t give up those stereotypes, but my audience did. A lot of people said that an actress’s career stops after marriage and children. But my audience never thought that I was married or a mother. They appreciated my work, went to the theater to see my work, and I like it very much.” Gave all the love and support,” Rani further said.
(I didn’t break those stereotypes, but my audience did. Many people said that an actress’s career stops after marriage and children. But my audience never thought that I was married or a mother. They appreciated my work, went to theaters to watch my films and gave me a lot of love and support.)
The actress further added, “I can say right here today that the National Award I got was very important for my audience. I always keep it on my mind, and I salute it, but the most important award for me is the love of the audience, which I feel I have really collected from my work over the years.”
(Today, I can say that winning the National Award was very important to my audience. I always hold it in high esteem and salute it, but the most important award for me is the love of the audience, which I feel I have earned over the years through my work.)
Apart from this, Rani also recalled the moment of winning the award with her old friend and co-star Shah Rukh Khan. He said, “I think it was a blessing for both of our children to get the award together. And the important thing is that our children are very happy that we got the award. This award is not just about me, but about Mrs. Chatterjee versus the entire Norway team.”
(I think we were both like kids, receiving the award together. And more importantly, our kids are very happy that we won the award.)
Watch the interview here:
Mardaani 3 is the upcoming installment of the Mardaani franchise, starring Rani Mukherjee once again reprising her role of Shivani Shivaji Roy. Directed by Abhiraj Meenawala, the film is scheduled to release on January 30, 2026.
Also read: Exclusive: Rani Mukherjee reveals how Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway helped her after miscarriage: ‘My sense of loss…’
