'You will go a long way': Ranbir Kapoor reveals career-defining words from Rani Mukerji

Ranbir Kapoor has revisited a pivotal moment from the very start of his acting career, recalling a deeply personal and motivating interaction with his first-ever co-star, Rani Mukerji, as she marks 30 years in Bollywood.

Ranbir made his acting debut in 2007 with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya, stepping into the film industry as the son of late superstar Rishi Kapoor. The film featured fellow newcomer Sonam Kapoor alongside Rani Mukerji, who at the time already had more than a decade of experience in Hindi cinema. Nearly two decades later, Ranbir says one conversation with Rani during that debut film left a lasting impression on him.

In an interview with Variety celebrating Rani’s three-decade-long journey in films, Ranbir described her as a performer whose impact transcends generations. He referred to her as one of the finest actors the country has produced and credited her work with shaping the industry over the years.

Reflecting on their time together on Saawariya, Ranbir said: "Rani is the co-star of my first film 'Saawariya' and she is the first person who told me that if I worked hard, I would go a long way. I will never forget that interaction because it gave me so much confidence when I needed it the most. I have seen her as a person closely, I have seen her work closely and have been bowled over by her grace, charm and brilliance."

He went on to express heartfelt gratitude for her influence on his life and career, adding: "Thank you Rani for the movies, the memories, the nostalgia and the powerhouse performances. She is an entertainer who has dedicated her life to make people happy and I don’t have words to describe the impact her films have had on me."

As Rani Mukerji celebrates 30 years as an actor, she is preparing to return to the big screen with Mardaani 3, scheduled for release on January 30. The film marks the third installment in the YRF-backed Mardaani franchise. She also has King lined up, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan.

Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is gearing up for Love & War, which will see him reunite with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He is also set to appear in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of Ramayana.