Bringing about social change is the onus of every person in the world and not just of a handful of those who are in powerful positions, says actress Rani Mukerji.
“I think we all being citizens of the world, have a responsibility and it’s not just for the sake of doing certain things because I am an actor, socialite or a business person,” she said.
“I think what’s important is that apart from the careers we choose, it is our basic duty as human beings to able to help other human beings... Or help in a cause because that’s what makes us truly citizens of the world,” Mukerji said.
Her film Hichki, in which she plays a woman with Tourette Syndrome has been widely lauded for spreading awareness on a little known nervous system disorder involving repetitive movements or unwanted sounds, with an entertaining and emotional story at its core.
At the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), Mukerji was awarded best actress for her role in the film. She feels when a film like this wins an award, it helps in pushing the awareness it sets out to spread.
When Hichki had released, Mukerji said she won’t take long gaps between movies if the films work. So when do we see her on-screen again?
“I will be doing projects, and you will be getting to hear about them soon,” she said.
Will she pick another issue-based movie?
“Let’s see... I don’t want to say much. So wait for the announcement,” the actress said with a smile.
Her Melbourne trip was special. More so because her daughter Adira, who was born in December 2015, was travelling with her. She took the little one to the aquarium, zoo, a ‘bouncing garden’ and amusement park to entertain her.
“I got her all the way to Melbourne and it was my duty as a mother to entertain her as much as I could. I took her to an amusement park and it was the first time she sat in a roller coaster. And she is really brave. ‘Mumma, I want to go again’. So, she’s quite a daredevil like that,” Mukerji said.
Is that like you?
“Yes,” said the proud mother, who is married to filmmaker Aditya Chopra.
As a mother, patience is one virtue that Mukerji has realised about herself.
“When you are a working professional and when you’re working round the clock, I think you forget the word patience. Also, I think we as actors are used to the phenomenon because a lot of times we are waiting for shots in the vanity vans and waiting, waiting, waiting till the next shot comes.
“Being a mother I realised there’s no time to sit ideal. For me, it’s 24/7 work and attention. The only time when Adira will not need attention is when she is in deep sleep. The rest of the time I have to be all attentive for her.”
Mukerji is glad she was able to break the cliche around actresses who become mothers. It was her husband who pushed her to work.
But what about being directed by him?
“I think there are some things that we should just leave for later... Probably Adira will make that phenomenon happen... I guess, all in time.”
