DNA (December 26, 2017)

For her role as a school teacher in the upcoming film, Hichki, Rani Mukerji has drawn inspiration from her real-life school teachers who impacted her life and thinking in her growing-up years. In the film, she suffers from a disability but she takes it up as a challenge and despite it, tries to bring out the best in her students. Says a source, “Rani drew upon memories of her schooldays and the friendly, supportive atmosphere that some teachers would build for students in her school to play the part,” informs a source.

Confirms Rani, “We had many inspiring teachers in my school (Maneckji Cooper, Juhu, Mumbai). Mrs Vakil, our Geography teacher used to teach us in such a crystal-clear manner that we wouldn’t need to study once we went home. Mrs Dadarkar, our History and Literature teacher was excellent. She would spend time with students, and teach us Julius Caesar in a manner that brought the story alive. She made us live a story like it was happening in front of our eyes. Our teachers were very friendly, informal and wouldn’t heap a lot of academic pressure on us. We had toppers, students who did well, like me, and students who would barely manage passing marks. But our teachers were never harsh on those who would fail or struggle to pass. I remember growing up in a manner where we were never forced to chase high academic scores all the time. We had fun studying. I have tried to reflect this realisation in Hichki through my character.”

She adds that the biggest lesson today (for teachers and parents), is that students should be able to express themselves freely at school. “Once a child grows up, pressures of building a career and earning money will automatically emerge. It’s very important to let children explore and figure out what they are good at — it could be academics, sports or the field of art. As school years are the most formative ones, it’s important for parents and teachers to let children fly at this stage. I learnt this from my teachers and I thank them for shaping me up the way I am today. This was an invaluable learning for me and my character in Hichki will live this philosophy, this learning.”