Thaindian News

Mumbai, Sep 3 (IANS) Rani Mukerji is upset about being branded as a resident Yash Raj Films heroine despite having done a large number of films with the banner.”What exactly do people mean by this? Agreed Rani has done comparatively more films with the Yash Raj banner. But that’s because any heroine in Bollywood would be foolish to turn down an author-backed heroine-centric part like ‘Laaga Chunari Mein Daag’. And so what if the film didn’t work? She’s very proud of the film and rates it among her best films,” a source close to the actress told IANS.

Rani has recently featured in three Yash Raj Films’ productions - “Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic”, “Laaga Chunari Mein Daag” and “Ta Ra Rum Pum”. Earlier, she has done films like “Bunty Aur Babli”, “Veer-Zaara” and “Hum Tum” for the banner.

The source added: “In fact, Rani makes it a point to remind people that lately she did Karan Johar’s ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’, Ravi Chopra’s ‘Baabul’ and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Saawariya’. None of these is a Yash Raj film.”

And if rumours are to be believed, Rani is on the verge of signing a couple of films outside the Yash Raj banner.

“One, of course, is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical ‘Bajirao Mastani’, which is far from shelved. Sanjay plans to make the film in the near future. And while the rest of the cast may change, Rani as Bajirao’s wife remains in place. There are other films that Rani is seriously considering,” the source said.

“Some time ago Rani said no to Mira Nair’s ‘Namesake’ for emotional reasons. The excuse was dates. But Rani had her own reasons for foregoing a role that has changed Tabu’s career internationally.

“Today, Rani is in a space where she realises being hard-headed and business-like is what Bollywood is all about. She certainly doesn’t want to be branded a Yash Raj heroine.”

Rumours are rife that Rani acts like a hostess at Yash Raj Studios, but the allegation is strongly denied by people close to the organisation.

“This is all in people’s minds. Rani is at home in every production house. Have you seen her with Karan Johar or Sanjay Bhansali? She’s totally relaxed in their homes, has long chats with their moms and even goes into their kitchen at will,” said the source.

At the moment, Rani is busy preparing for her cricket film, which is being directed by Anurag Singh for the Yash Raj banner.

“It’s being said she’s agreed to work with a new director because of the banner. But hello … Rani has worked with Kunal Kohli and Shaad Ali. Even Karan Johar was a debutant when Rani did ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’.”