Rani Mukerji on Mardaani 3: Balancing motherhood, ageing, and the weight of real stories

With three decades in the Indian film industry behind her, Rani Mukerji is gearing up to return as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3. 

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the third instalment of the Mardaani franchise continues its legacy of placing a woman-led crime drama at the centre of mainstream Hindi cinema, a space traditionally dominated by male heroes.

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The Physical and Mental Demands of Shivani Shivaji Roy

Rani Mukerji admits that the Mardaani films are among the most demanding projects of her career. Playing a senior police officer goes far beyond memorising dialogues. It requires a strong physical presence, controlled body language, and a deep understanding of the character’s internal rhythm. According to the actor, portraying Shivani means carrying authority in every movement and word, which involves intense preparation and discipline.

Speaking About Age, Motherhood, and Hormonal Changes

In an interview with Mid Day, Mukerji spoke candidly about the personal and biological challenges female actors face as they age. As a married woman and a mother, she explained that hormonal changes affect women constantly, making every phase of life different. Despite these shifts, she emphasised the pressure to maintain a specific look and demeanour for roles like Shivani, where authenticity is non-negotiable. Balancing personal life with such physically demanding roles, she said, requires consistent hard work and resilience.

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The Emotional Toll of Mardaani’s Real-Life Themes

Like its predecessors, Mardaani 3 tackles a disturbing real-world issue—India’s missing girls crisis. Rani revealed that the emotional burden of these stories often outweighs physical exhaustion. Knowing the narratives are inspired by true events makes the experience deeply traumatic. She shared that she has to consciously detach herself emotionally during filming to do justice to the role, as becoming overwhelmed could affect her performance. For her, the goal is to shake audiences and force them to confront uncomfortable realities.