As she celebrates a massive 30-year milestone in Indian cinema, Rani Mukerji took a deep dive into her past, revealing a vulnerable moment that nearly changed the course of her career. In a heart-to-heart with filmmaker Karan Johar, the Mardaani 3 star broke down in tears while discussing the one thing that has become her signature: her husky, distinct voice.
For many fans, Rani’s voice is iconic, but early in her career, it was considered a “flaw” that needed to be erased.
The ‘Ghulam’ Heartbreak: Dubbed and Disappointed
Before she became the “Queen of Hearts,” Rani faced a significant professional blow during the making of the 1998 hit Ghulam. Despite being the lead opposite Aamir Khan, Rani was told her natural voice wasn’t “apt” for the character.
- The Decision: Director Vikram Bhatt and the team decided to have her lines dubbed by voice artist Mona Ghosh Shetty.
- The Reaction: Rani admitted that while she acted like a “team player,” the decision was deeply upsetting. “Even if there are personal disappointments, it doesn’t matter if the intent is true for the film,” she reflected, noting how hard it was to hide her hurt at the time.
How Karan Johar Flipped the Script
The narrative changed entirely when Rani walked onto the sets of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai later that same year. In a move that defied industry norms of the time, a young Karan Johar didn’t just accept her voice—he celebrated it.
Rani recalled the exact moment Karan asked her about her previous dubbing experience. When she told him she was capable of doing it herself, Karan’s response was a simple: “I love your voice!”
“I really owe this to Karan… Thanks to you, I could retain my voice,” an emotional Rani shared during the interview.
A Legacy in Every Note
Karan Johar, visibly moved, comforted the actress with a kiss and a reminder that her “husky” tone is now a fundamental part of her legacy. It was Kuch Kuch Hota Hai that finally introduced the world to the real Rani Mukerji, turning what was once called a “weakness” into one of the most recognizable assets in Bollywood history.
As she prepares to return to the screen as Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3, the story serves as a powerful reminder of how one person’s belief can protect an artist’s authenticity.