Bollywood icon Rani Mukerji paid a special visit to the HT City office in Delhi on January 28 for HT City’s Stars In the City with Sonal Kalra. The actor, who has completed nearly three decades in the film industry, spoke candidly about her upcoming film Mardaani 3, reflected on some of her most memorable onscreen characters, and shared heartfelt moments from her life as a mother to her 10-year-old daughter, Adira.
Looking back at her journey in cinema, Rani revisited the many iconic roles she has portrayed over the years—characters that have stayed with audiences and helped define Hindi cinema across generations. As she gears up for Mardaani 3, set to release on January 30, the actor expressed quiet excitement while balancing the demands of her professional and personal life.
But it was her reflections on motherhood that truly lit up the conversation. Speaking about Adira turning ten, Rani smiled as she described the emotional shift of seeing her daughter grow up. “She has become a double digit,” Rani laughed. “Which is so beautiful. Not that I’m happy about it, because I still go back to her baby pictures.”
The actor shared an endearing anecdote about how often she revisits Adira’s childhood memories. “To the extent that she started feeling jealous of her own self,” Rani said. “She’s like, ‘Mumma, why are you watching me like this? I am like this now.’ And I’m like, ‘I understand you are like this now, but I want this—I want you in my lap.’”
Rani added with warmth that the tables have turned now. “She’s bigger than me. I can be on her lap now,” she joked, admitting she misses the days of carrying Adira everywhere. “She was my favourite accessory,” she said fondly. “They grow up too fast, especially girls.”
When asked whether Adira is more like a friend than just a daughter, Rani responded without hesitation. “Of course! She’s my best friend, really,” she said. “And I’m constantly seeding that thought into her—that I’m her best friend.”
Despite being busy with promotions and work commitments, Rani revealed that Adira’s priorities are refreshingly simple. When asked if her daughter senses her mother’s nervousness ahead of Mardaani 3, Rani laughed and said, “No. Her main intention is that I should catch the night flight today so I can go to her Sports Day tomorrow.”
“She keeps asking me, ‘Mumma, are you taking your flight? Are you going to finish?’” Rani shared. “And I’m like, ‘Of course. I’m wrapping up everything and I’m rushing for your Sports Day.’”
My daughter Adira is my best friend and I am constantly trying to seed the thought in her mind that I am her best friend: Rani Mujherjee in conversation with @sonalkalra #SITC pic.twitter.com/LVrwenzBwf
— HT City (@htcity) January 28, 2026
Calling herself an “enthu mother,” Rani confessed how excited she is to be present for moments like these. “It’s very fulfilling,” she said. “I’m dying to be there on Sports Day and run along with the children.”
As Rani Mukerji prepares for the release of Mardaani 3, she continues to balance stardom with motherhood—embracing both with passion, warmth, and unmistakable enthusiasm.