Throwback: When Rani Mukerji was asked to wash her face on the first day of ‘Hey Ram’ shoot |
Rani Mukerji has long been celebrated as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and fearless performers. From ‘Black’ to ‘Mardaani’, she has built a career defined by honesty and conviction. But behind the confidence audiences see today lies a journey of lessons and experiences that shaped her into the actor she is. One such incident happen on the set the of ‘Hey Ram’.
“Go wash your face” – the lesson that stayed
Rani recalled working with Kamal Haasan was one of the biggest learning. In interview with film companion, she said “Hey Ram has been one of my most major learning curves. Getting an opportunity to work with Kamal Haasan for me at that point in my career was something very special because I was always an admirer of his performance and his acting and here I was going to get directed by him,” .She added more and said, “I remember the first day walking onto the set, Kamalji looked at me and said okay now you can go and wash your face and come back.” Initially surprised and nervous, Rani admitted she was insecure about facing the camera without makeup. But Kamal Haasan insisted. “He said to go back and wash it as if you are leaving the set after pack-up.”That day, Rani learned that authenticity could be more powerful than perfection. “At that time, doing a film without make-up was unheard of. Kamal Ji came and he put the bindi on me and he told the makeup artist to just put little kajal in my eyes and then he said yes, ‘now my Aparna is ready’.”
When Kamal Haasan taught her self-confidence
The actor also helped Rani embrace her height with pride. “In those times, because I am quite short, I remember wearing these platform slippers and Kamalji looked at my slippers and said ‘wow, wow what are these!’… He said ‘are you crazy?’ just wear flats. You are not to be measured by how tall you are but your achievements will measure who you are’ and I think that also stayed with me.” His world taught her confidenes.
25 years of ‘Hey Ram’
Kamal Haasan’s ‘Hey Ram’ remains a landmark film even after 25 years. The period drama, known for its bold narrative and strong performances, continues to be praised for its craftsmanship. Rani’s portrayal of Aparna was subtle yet impactful, marking a turning point in her early career.
Rani’s continuing journey
Rani Mukerji has only grown stronger over time. Her powerful role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ (2023) earned her the first ever National Film Award for Best Actress. She will next appear in ‘Mardaani 3’, releasing in February 2026.
