Rani Mukerji - I can play a college student today, but...
Rani Mukerji challenges ageism in Bollywood while talking about embracing roles beyond youth.
Dec 05, 2023
Rani Mukerji (Courtesy: Yash Raj Films Talent/Instagram)
In a recent episode of Koffee With Karan Season 8 Rani Mukerji brought up the topic of, in acting, do es one's age matter? She made a passing reference to ageism in Bollywood and even lightheartedly scolded Karan Johar, the show's host and filmmaker, for failing to produce mature love stories. Despite the progress made in Hindi cinema, which no longer writes off female actors in their late 30s, there is still much work to be done to combat ageism. Actors like Rani, Kajol, Tabu, Vidya Balan, and countless more are spearheading the much-needed revamp.
Rani Mukerji's stance on accepting age in acting
During a recent interaction with Mid Day, Rani, who had a smash hit this year in Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway argued that performers should accept their age rather than fight it. To not be naive and think one will never age is crucial for artists. The actor stated that one can have a youthful spirit, but it's equally important to embrace their age and play roles that are appropriate for them if they want the audience to embrace them. Actors and directors, in her opinion, should work together to create films that include characters of all ages. Rani can play a college student today if the script is about a mother who goes back to school much later in life. But that part needs to be justified."
The actor has been working for 27 years and has played a wide range of characters, including that of a college student in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), a woman who finds love outside of marriage in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), and now a mother of two in Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway. She feels liberated to play such a wide range of roles because of the supportive audience. Over the years, her audience has adored her. Thanks to them, she was able to overcome ageism and swears she will keep working until she is 80 years old, as age is no indicator of acting talent.
ALSO READ: Koffee with Karan 8 – Will Rani Mukerji join the YRF Spy Universe? She replies with a smile
Challenges and triumphs
Rani played a 60-year-old in the final scene of Hichki [2018], in which she was the main character. Thus, there are obstacles that a performer must overcome in order to appear older. One doesn't want an actor to come out and say, "I am young," so it's funny when they try to seem younger. They have to take care of themselves, be confident in their age, and remember to look their best for the camera.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Rani is yet to announce her upcoming film.
ALSO READ: Koffee with Karan 8: Rani Mukerji shares why she felt calling Kajol ‘didi’ strange
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