Ranbir Kapoor hails Rani Mukerji’s 30-year legacy ahead of 'Mardaani 3' release: 'One of India's greatest ever actors in India'

Ranbir Kapoor has lauded Rani Mukerji for her remarkable three-decade career in Indian cinema, as the industry comes together to celebrate her ahead of the release of ‘Mardaani 3’.“It is really amazing to see the entire industry come forward to celebrate 30 years of her iconic legacy,” said Kapoor in a conversation with Variety. The actor, who starred alongside Mukerji in his 2007 debut ‘Saawariya’, added, “I have always felt that Rani is one for the ages, one of the greatest ever actors in India and someone who has defined our industry through her work. Her choice of projects and roles have shaped how women are portrayed on the screen today.” Kapoor recalled that Rani, his co-star from his debut film ‘Saawariya’, was the first person to tell him that if he worked hard, he would go a long way, a moment he said he would never forget because it gave him confidence when he needed it most. He mentioned that having seen her both personally and professionally, he has always been impressed by her grace, charm, and brilliance.Ranbir added: “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.”In ‘Mardaani 3’, Rani reprises her role as police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy in a story centered on the abduction of young girls, aged 8 to 9, from underprivileged communities across India. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, the movie continues the franchise’s focus on tackling crimes against women. The ‘Mardaani’ series first hit screens in 2014, spotlighting the dark world of human trafficking. Its 2019 successor, ‘Mardaani 2’, shifted focus to a chilling case involving a serial rapist taunting the police.‘Mardaani 3’ is set to hit theaters on January 30.