Not in My Hands: Rani Mukerji on Starring in a Rom-Com in the Future
Rani Mukerji’s name has become synonymous with some of Bollywood’s most memorable and emotionally grounded performances. Over a remarkable 30-year career, she has shifted seamlessly from youthful romantic roles to powerful character performances, proving her versatility time and again. Recently, fans have been buzzing over comments she made about the possibility of starring in a rom-com in the future — a genre she once defined in films like Hum Tum. In this article, we’ll explore Rani Mukerji’s career journey, what she’s said about potentially returning to romantic comedy, and why the decision ultimately rests with circumstances beyond just choice.
Who Is Rani Mukerji? A Career Defined by Diversity
Rani Mukerji started her film career in the mid-1990s and quickly became one of Hindi cinema’s most respected actresses. Her breakthrough came with early roles in films such as Ghulam and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, but it was her performance in Saathiya — a romantic drama — that established her as a leading lady. Throughout the 2000s, she delivered critically acclaimed work in diverse roles, from romantic comedies to intense dramas.
Her filmography includes beloved titles like Hum Tum (a rom-com that remains a fan favorite), Black, No One Killed Jessica, and more recent socially engaging films like Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Rani Mukerji’s Legacy in Romantic Cinema
Romantic comedy is a genre many fans associate strongly with Rani Mukerji. Her on-screen presence in Hum Tum — a film that blended lighthearted romance with wit and chemistry — is often cited as one of Bollywood’s defining modern rom-coms.
She has also dipped into lighter romance in films like Aiyyaa, proving her comic timing and ability to handle love stories with a refreshing charm.
Yet as her career progressed, Mukerji increasingly gravitated toward roles with deeper societal impact and dramatic heft.
From Hum Tum to Mardaani: Rani Mukerji’s Evolving Roles
As Mukerji matured as an artist, her choice of roles likewise evolved. In the Mardaani film series, she portrays a tough, no-nonsense police officer who hunts down criminals and confronts systemic wrongs — a stark contrast to her earlier romantic characters. The upcoming Mardaani 3, slated for release in January 2026 and streaming later in the year, continues this trajectory with Mukerji reprising her role as Shivani Shivaji Roy, diving into a narrative around missing girls and human trafficking.
Likewise, her award-winning performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway showcased her dramatic range, illuminating the emotional story of a mother battling for her children.
These choices reflect a deliberate pivot toward socially relevant, character-driven cinema — but they don’t close the door on lighter fare entirely.
What Rani Mukerji Has Said About Rom-Coms and the Future
In a recent conversation with the Free Press Journal, Rani Mukerji addressed the idea of returning to rom-coms. She expressed that she would love to star in a romantic comedy akin to her beloved classics like Hum Tum, particularly because she loves songs, dance, and the joy that such films bring to audiences.
However, Mukerji also candidly conveyed that whether such a project happens is “not in my hands”. Projects ultimately depend on a mix of script quality, timing, and the right story that fits her current artistic sensibilities. This viewpoint makes sense given her recent focus on films with social weight and complex characters.
She has also pushed back against rigid labels such as “women-centric films”, arguing that cinema should be seen as good or interesting rather than pigeonholed by genre or gender expectations. This perspective highlights her broader belief in diverse storytelling, not just limited to romance.
Why Fans Hope for a Rom-Com Comeback
There’s no question that fans of Bollywood romantics would gladly welcome Rani Mukerji back in a rom-com. Her chemistry with actors like Saif Ali Khan in Hum Tum left an indelible mark on audiences.
Rom-coms also offer a nostalgic energy that connects with viewers across generations — a feel-good genre that provides lightness amid heavier storytelling. Rani’s natural charm, expressive acting, and comic timing make her an ideal fit for such roles. That’s precisely why discussions about her potential return to rom-coms continue to flourish online and among cinephiles.
What Would a Modern Rani Mukerji Rom-Com Look Like?
If Rani Mukerji were to star in a rom-com today, it would likely mirror contemporary audience tastes: smart, character-driven, and emotionally layered. Modern romantic comedies in India have evolved to feature more nuanced storytelling while retaining the genre’s signature warmth and humor. Combining Mukerji’s seasoned acting with this evolving genre could result in a fresh take that satisfies both long-time fans and new viewers.
A film that balances nostalgia with modern sensibilities — blending heartfelt romance with real-life complexity — could be exactly the kind of rom-com audiences have been longing for.
Barriers and Realities: Why It’s Not Up to the Actor Alone
Even though Mukerji has openly talked about her openness to romantic comedies, the reality of filmmaking means that decisions about casting and genre are collaborative. Scripts must align with an actor’s schedule, vision, and personal choices. As she herself conveys, the final call often lies with timing, the right story, and broader production plans — not just personal desire.
At the same time, Mukerji’s evolving priorities reflect a broader trend in cinema: actors today increasingly seek roles that offer depth, meaning, and artistic satisfaction — beyond a single genre.
Conclusion: Hope and Possibility
Rani Mukerji’s contributions to Bollywood are already iconic — from heartfelt romances to resonant dramas. Her recent comments about rom-coms reveal a genuine love for the genre, paired with a realistic understanding that life in cinema is shaped by many forces, not just individual choice.
While a new romantic comedy starring Rani Mukerji remains a hope rather than a confirmed project, her openness to the idea keeps fans dreaming. Whether she returns to rom-coms or continues blazing trails in meaningful cinema, one thing is clear: her talent and presence remain as compelling today as ever.
If the stars (and scripts) align, we might one day see Mukerji deliver yet another memorable performance — this time in a story that makes us laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again.
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