Rani feels good content transcends boundaries

Basking in the success of Hichki, which now figures among the top five highest earning Indian films at the China box office, actor Rani Mukerji feels that it gives hope that good content will always find an appreciative audience somewhere. Excerpts from the interview:

Hichki has collected ₹ 200 crores worldwide. How does this impressive milestone make you feel?

Firstly, I think it is the success of the team and the content. You realise when you have good content, it transcends all kinds of boundaries globally. So the emotions that we feel watching a film sitting here in India are the same emotions that are felt in China, among the audiences there. The resonance that the film has had with the audiences there, is proof that when you make a film which is about human emotions, it clicks in any part of the world. It makes you believe that a project which has a heart and soul will always have an audience somewhere.

What is the best compliment that came your way?

There have been compliments galore. The most important have been from teachers and principals who saw the film, because they identify with Naina Mathur (Rani’s character), and the education system up, close and personal. To see them come out of the theatre crying or teary eyed... the fact that they tell me they will take inspiration from a teacher like Naina, makes me feel humbled.

When we had a screening in China in the university, the vice president there, who is also a teacher, said she wants to be a teacher like Naina! It has also had an impact on people who are emotionally, physically weak — they have got inspiration from this film because ‘make your weakness into your strength’ was its message.

It’s now among the top five Indian films at the Chinese box office. Does it make the success even sweeter?

There is nothing sweeter than success. It is good to know that somehow a small film like Hichki has got a coveted title so as to say those numerous titles that are given to films.

Is Hichki 2 on the cards?

I doubt. I don’t think we left any scope for that. So, unfortunately, I don’t think Hichki 2 will happen. But you never know with the creative minds... If creative people come up with something out of the box, it might happen. As of now, there is nothing on the cards.

PHOTO: VIRAL BHAYANI Rani says nothing is sweeter than success