RANI SPEAKS OUT

With a small frame and a million watt smile, Rani Mukherjee knows to charm her viewers in real as well as reel life.

Her recent release might not have rocked the box-office, but she comes up with that million watt smile of hers. It is easy to see that she is happy. Ask her about her failing act before her present release, and pat comes the reply, “We actors are like vagabonds. We accustom ourselves to the surroundings, and go so deep that we need time to come out. People feel it’s so simple to make a movie. I like giving my best to a movie I work in. I want my work to speak volumes, and for that I have to give my it my 100 per cent. That is why I was away from the scene.”

While others in the industry describe her as one of the most versatile actresses, Rani wants to surprise everyone every time. “I like giving my audience their paisa vasooli. I want to do an action film which will get my adrenaline high, do something I have never done before. I want to do a real Indian martial art film. We have a martial art culture down south and even Punjabi martial art is so interesting. Nobody ever shows that. There are some TV shows where they came with such fighting styles. They really intrigue me,” she says.

What makes her do soft romantic comedies in general? “I am a feel good movie freak. You’ll see me more in romantic comedies. But now, I want to push myself for more difficult roles. For instance, it was pretty challenging to play a boy. I went through rigorous training to get my act together. And the funniest part is none of the critics have spoken about it,” says she. In other words, she has a disappointment in her heart. But, that does not show.

I CAN'T AFFORD AN IPL TEAM: RANI MUKHERJI

So what are the Bollywood actress’s main concerns right now?

She took tips from Shah Rukh Khan to appreciate cricket for her role in Dil Bole Hadippa, but Rani Mukherji has no meaning of following her good friend's footsteps by bidding for an Indian Premier League (IPL) team.

"I can't afford it... I don't have so much money. There is no chance that I can buy an IPL team," Rani told IANS in an interview in New Delhi.

"Right now I don't even think that I can take up so much responsibility because everything of that sort means more responsibilities. I am quite happy doing what I am doing right now," she added.

IPL is quite popular among Bollywood stars - while Shah Rukh owns Kolkata Knight Riders along with Juhi Chawla, Preity Zinta has Kings XI Punjab and Shilpa Shetty bought stakes in Rajasthan Royals along with boyfriend Raj Kundra.

Salman Khan too is reportedly going to bid for a team this year.

Leave alone IPL, Rani says a big "no-no" to venturing into other facets of filmmaking, such as production or direction, like some of her superstar colleagues.

"Again with production comes a very big responsibility and so is with direction and I don't think I am ready for that as of now," she said.

What's on her mind right now is having a blast during Durga Puja.

"I am just hoping I can have a great time with my family and celebrate Durga Puja as I used to celebrate it as a kid. This time luckily I have kept no commitments during that time; so I am just hoping that this year I'll have a blast," Rani said.

Asked if she had any plans of visiting Kolkata for pandal hopping, the actress said: "I'll be in Mumbai... I always celebrate Durga Pujo in Mumbai only."

Unlike other A-list actresses, Rani is not brand conscious when it comes to her wardrobe. And she has no brand preferences either.

"There's nothing special...basically I love wearing good clothes. I walk into a shop and I buy anything I feel I'll look good in. In any case, having a toned body always feels great."

Her latest outing Dil Bole Hadippa! may have got mixed responses from both audiences and critics, but that has not deterred the actress's confidence.

"I have always done different things. I've done a Black that somebody would think twice before doing and now this. I take up challenging roles as that really excites me as an actor.

"For me it's very integral that I choose a character which is special for the audience as well as me," Rani said.

RANI KA DIL BOLE HADIPPA

Rani Mukerji is back this week after over a year with Dil Bole Hadippa. The dazzling actress who has done a wonderful job in the film, talks about her new body and glamorous image and her outlook from the film.

On her new look and toned body

When you tone your body, you feel confident about showy your body and wearing certain clothes. It’s not that I haven’t shown off my midriff or my legs before but I worked on acquiring an athletic body and wanted to show it off.

My character Veera has very limited scope to come in different avatars and even Veer is covered from top to bottom. It was the team’s idea to flaunt my body in the music video because I had worked so hard on it. The movie didn’t give me the scope to show off how hard I worked. The music video where we have taken some liberties, gave me the opportunity to show off. It wasn’t on the agenda at first; I just went with the flow during the making of Hadippa. Working out for an athletic body, putting on a beard and playing cricket well were equally difficult but you need to go through the grind if you want to reap the benefits.

Being an Indian actress you have to be glamourous also and people have got a chance to see a new side of me.

On the response to her new look

People have been extremely kind. I have got wonderful and wondrous compliments from a lot of people I have met and even on the internet. I worked very hard so it feels good.

On her expectations from the film and being a regular feature in YRF productions

I only want my audience to like my work. If they enjoy my work in the film, I have won my battle.

This film is for my fans who like to see me doing comedy and being happy. It’s a big compliment to be called a resident Yash Raj heroine but I want to do roles that are worth my while. YRF has offered me great roles that allow me to push my boundaries as an actress.

'DIL BOLE HADIPPA' IS SO CONTRASTING TO 'KAMINEY', SAYS SHAHID

It is ‘very much in the space of business genre'.

The promos of "Dil Bole Hadippa" are centred on Rani Mukerji, giving a feeling that the film mostly tells her story, but Shahid Kapur maintains that it's not a woman-centric film.

"Sincerely, I don't think 'Dil Bole Hadippa' is a woman-oriented subject. Of course, Rani has a very, very important role in the film and when you see it you will realize yourself how both of us in fact fit into the storyline," Shahid told IANS.

The actor, who had confused schedules before and after the release of dark thriller "Kaminey", is now busy promoting Anurag Singh's "Dil Bole Hadippa". But he admits that he could let down his hair more often during the shooting of "...Hadippa" when compared to Vishal Bharadwaj's "Kaminey".

"Seriously, 'Dil Bole Hadippa' is so contrasting to 'Kaminey'...in terms of genre, setting, performances, space, treatment and audiences. The film is very much in the space of the commercial genre. It is a complete entertainer with a Punjabi background to it. Playing Rohan was not as challenging as enacting the role of Charlie or Guddu. After a 'Dhan Te Nan', it was a lot of fun to be indulging in some 'bhangra shangra'!" Shahid said.

Made under the Yash Raj Films banner, "Dil Bole Hadippa" also stars Anupam Kher, Rakhi Sawant and Vrajesh Hirjee. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sunday (Sept 13) and is set to hit screens in India on Friday (Sept 18).

Shahid, who will also be seen in Ken Ghosh's "Chance Pe Dance", is happy to be playing a young lover boy.

"By god's grace I have been accepted by audiences in my romantic avtar; so why let that go? A movie like 'Kaminey' or a 'Dil Bole Hadippa' only helps further in getting a contrast. Your value as an actor is realised due to the contrast you bring in," he said.

"Now look at 'Jab We Met'. I was an introvert there and the role was so different. Audiences gave me a thumbs up there and they did so for 'Kaminey' as well. But, frankly, after a point in time I don't want to start gauging audiences' reaction too much. Instead I wish to follow my instincts and give them what I feel could be a real value add," Shahid said.

Doesn't the actor in him now look out for only performance-based roles after "Kaminey"?

"Honestly, I would love to do different kind of films. I can't be getting nor doing 'Kaminey' all the time. To even think in that direction would be unfair. After all such a role can come to any actor may be once in a couple of years," Shahid said.

ADITYA CHOPRA’S HOLDS PRIVATE FILM SCREENING FOR RANI’S FAMILY

Raja Mukherji is gibbering about his sister in ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’.

Aditya Chopra recently hosted a special screening of “Dil Bole Hadippa” for the Mukerjis.

“ Dil Bole Hadippa” is a very special movie for Aditya – it stars lady love Rani and has been directed by one of his closest friends, Anurag Singh. And hence he held a special show for his very extraordinary lady and her family at the Yash Raj Studios.

This clearly shows Adi’s feelings for Rani Mukerji. Even thought the couple denies being in relationship this special gesture says it all.

Present at the screening were Rani, her mom and dad, her brother Raja and his wife Jyoti.

Aditya, who is known to stay away from the limelight, does not believe in seeking any media attention by holding such screenings. But he did this for his Rani and her family.

After the screening Raja was heard telling everyone, how rocking his sister is in the movie and went on praising her looks and her performance.

Looking at the promos, we cannot help but agree with him.