GapShap... News Update

New bride Rani Mukerji is grabbing attention with her whirlwind action, carrying her stern looks, chasing goons and kicking them to pulp. Everything that the hero is expected to do in our films, is being done by Rani in her upcoming film Mardaani. But Rani has a problem every time her film is referred to as a 'strong woman-oriented film'.

"Shouldn't we just know it as a film with strong characters irrespective of whether the lead is a man or woman? Do we ever refer a film as a strong male-oriented one?" asks Rani. "A film should be known by what it narrates on the screen and should not be highlighted with gender specifications. It's time we overcome our set notions," she insists

Pradeep Sarkar directed Mardaani, produced by hubby and Yash Raj Films scion Aditya Chora is a "realistic portrayal of a female cop, who is out on a mission."
"Our films have not tried much to break the stereotypes while depicting female cops on screen. While researching the character, I learnt that there is no gender bias in Police Training Academy. Irrespective of the gender, a cop is identified by his or her skills and talent. I tried to ooze out a raw anger that drives a hardcore cop to eliminate injustice," says Rani, who plays Shivaji Shivani Roy, a senior inspector in Mumbai crime branch, busting human trafficking rackets run by hardened kingpin.
"The anger in society has increased manifolds, and it is time we bring out the Mardaani in our girls," says Rani, who hopes to inspire the audience. At this juncture of her career, the search for a concrete script with a well-defined character has increased.
"Not just me, it stands true for all my contemporary actresses as we have to ensure that we get a role suitable to our capabilities. This is the reason that all big actors settle down for a newcomer aspiring to work in a film that merely helps them to get noticed," adds Rani. Quiz her about what prevents big stars to play second lead to an actress with a meaty role; Rani connects it with mindless hero worship in India.

This phenomenon is common in the west where audience are far more clinical while watching a film. In India, superstars are worshipped as Gods and their huge fan base would not want them playing second to anyone or see them in a small role," she says.
Her marriage to Aditya has automatically suggested her control over the mammoth production house; however, Rani has no such intentions as of now. "Many able brains including that of my husband is sufficient to run Yashraj banner. I am a professional actor with no intention of going back stage. I hope to work with filmmakers and productions houses outside YRF in the coming time," sums up Rani admitting to be in the happiest space, after entering "a new phase in life".