Rani Mukerji has given us many memorable films through her Illustrious career in which she has delivered incredible acting performances. Rani is also one of those rare artists who has tons of most loved films and characters to her credit. One such film is Chalte Chalte which she starred with the king of romance Shah Rukh Khan. On its 17th release anniversary, Rani proudly discloses that Chalte Chalte, directed by Aziz Mirza, is one of her most favourite films!
Rani says, “Working with Shah Rukh has been one of my favourite things! It was Shah Rukh’s production and it was the first time I had visited Greece, Mikonos and Athens which is a fun memory for me. The beautiful blue and white houses was a landscape which I had not seen before. The island was just amazing to stay and shoot. Athens also has such stunning architecture, such heritage, so many things which speak of history! We had a very nice outdoor during Chalte Chalte.“
Chalte Chalte is one of my favourite films: Rani Mukerji on film’s 17th anniversary
Rani gave India the big trend of smokey eyes through Chalte Chalte and she credits celebrity make up artist Mickey Contractor for his vision to create something completely new and stunning for a superstar actress.
Rani says, “Mickey said Rani I want to do something new and for me, Mickey has been such a senior person in the makeup industry. He has seen me from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, so I trust Mickey blindly, he can do whatever he wants to do on my face. He said I am doing something new Rani, do not freak out or be paranoid, this is something that I want to try. l said of course and that’s when Mickey did the first smokey eyes and the rest is history! Today, everyone knows and does smokey eyes but back then, Mickey did it for the first time!”
She adds, “I remember smokey eyes becoming a huge rage during the release and everyone kind of adopted that style of makeup. Mickey and me today also chat about it and he says that Rani had you not trusted me with doing those eyes for you, the look probably would have come much later! I am so glad that I went ahead and the makeup in Chalte Chalte has always been one of my favourites ever and smokey eyes became something that was very synonymous with!”
SRK is known for his big heart and the hospitality that he rolls out for people on his sets or his team. Chalte Chalte was no exception! Rani says, “It was a Red Chillies production and we were looked after humongously because Shah Rukh always kind of goes out of his ways to make his unit member and actors very comfortable and I have had a great association with Red Chillies whether it’s Chalte Chalte or Paheli. It’s one of the best production houses. I really miss working with Shah Rukh’s production because he takes such special care!”
Rani also misses late Bobby Chawla, Juhi Chawla’s brother, who was an integral part of Red Chillies. She says, “We had Bobby, Juhi’s brother, who is no more with us. I remember how he used to handle production and take care of us. It‘s a memory that I will cherish forever. Chalte Chalte is so special because of so many people who were involved with that film like Bobby. He had such a wonderful presence and I do really miss him.”
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