Three decades into her stellar Bollywood career, Rani Mukerji opens up about one of her most cherished projects: ‘Black.’ Paired with Amitabh Bachchan under Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s visionary lens, the 2005 film redefined her artistry and left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
In a heartfelt chat with Karan Johar marking her 30-year milestone, Rani delved into the magic of working with Bachchan. ‘For any actor, it’s a defining chapter,’ she said. Every scene with him felt like a private lesson in nuance and power, transforming the set into a classroom of cinematic genius.
The film’s emotional depth resonated deeply. Rani recounted the poignant moment she and Bachchan screened the final edit. Overwhelmed by their performances, tears flowed freely as they embraced, fully inhabiting their roles of Michelle and Debraj.
Rani’s commitment was unwavering. She immersed herself for six months, learning sign language fluently and bonding with the deaf and mute community to bring authenticity to her portrayal of a deaf-blind protagonist. Bhansali’s leadership fostered a creative haven where growth was constant.
‘He builds universes on set and molds artists anew,’ Rani marveled. From career highs to lows, this experience taught her resilience and depth. Today, ‘Black’ endures as a beacon of empathetic storytelling, reminding us of cinema’s power to bridge worlds.