Rani Mukerji Opens Up About Her Experiences with Bollywood's Legendary Khans
In a candid and revealing interview, veteran Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji has shared fascinating insights into her professional collaborations with the three iconic Khans of Indian cinema—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. The actress, known for her powerful performances across decades, detailed how each superstar possesses a distinctly different working style and approach to their craft.
Working with Aamir Khan: A Lesson in Dedication
Rani Mukerji began by recalling her experience working with Aamir Khan in the 1998 film Ghulam. She revealed that as a young girl, she had watched Aamir in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and developed what she described as "a huge crush on him." The actress humorously added that she felt equally enamored with co-star Juhi Chawla during that period.
When she signed Ghulam, Mukerji admitted feeling overwhelmed as Aamir had already established himself as a major star. However, what truly impressed her was his extraordinary dedication to every aspect of filmmaking. She observed his sensitivity, seriousness, and the complete immersion he brought to each performance.
"What struck me most was the dedication he brought to every shot—the sensitivity, the seriousness, and how much of himself he gave to the performance," Mukerji shared. As a newcomer to the industry at that time, she acknowledged that she "imbibed all of that" from watching Aamir Khan work.
Shah Rukh Khan: The Gentle Mentor
Moving to her experiences with Shah Rukh Khan, with whom she has collaborated on multiple films including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Chalte Chalte, Mukerji painted a picture of a nurturing co-star. She recalled watching Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge as a young girl, which released the same year she was shooting her debut film Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat.
"Working with these two megastars felt surreal," she expressed about her early experiences with both Aamir and Shah Rukh.
Describing Shah Rukh Khan's working style, Mukerji emphasized his gentle and sensitive energy. She revealed that he treated her like a baby during their early collaborations when she was barely 18 years old, and to this day, he continues to call her "baby." This enduring nickname reflects the protective and mentoring relationship that developed between them.
Salman Khan: The Effortlessly Intense Performer
When discussing Salman Khan, Rani Mukerji described the experience as a "360-degree turn" from her previous collaborations. She noted that Salman approaches his craft with a distinctive style characterized by swagger and a carefree attitude.
"His dedication to his craft is very different. He walks in with this swag and a bindaas attitude. You might feel like he's not really 'there,' but he is present," she explained.
Mukerji went on to clarify that despite his casual demeanor, Salman Khan works incredibly hard on his performances. She suggested that people often don't recognize his dedication because he doesn't allow others into his creative zone, maintaining a light atmosphere on set while delivering intense work.
Current Projects and Industry Impact
On the professional front, Rani Mukerji's latest release Mardaani 3 hit theaters on January 30, 2026. The film has reportedly earned over Rs 52 crore worldwide in its initial run, demonstrating the actress's continued box office appeal and relevance in contemporary Bollywood.
Mukerji's reflections offer valuable insights into the working methodologies of three of Bollywood's most influential male stars. Her observations highlight how each Khan has developed a unique approach to filmmaking that has contributed to their enduring success and iconic status in Indian cinema.
The actress's career, spanning multiple generations of Bollywood, positions her as a unique observer of industry evolution. Her ability to adapt to different working styles while maintaining her own artistic integrity has been a hallmark of her successful career, which continues to thrive with projects like the Mardaani franchise.
