“All I need is the right role and the right mind to collaborate with, and I’m game to work in the South any day,” shares Rani Mukerji. The actress’ only South Indian film was 25 years ago — Kamal Haasan’s Hey Ram (2000). Rani, who was recently in Pondicherry to shoot for the third instalment of the Mardaani franchise, spoke about working in the South films, and why she keeps returning to the character of female cop Shivani Shivaji Roy.

Currently reprising her role as police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy for the third time, Rani says she is fortunate to have the Mardaani franchise in her filmography. “Its success is special because it busts myths in our industry that female-led films are seldom success stories. It’s quite empowering to have the lead role in an action genre, and the franchise demonstrates how our audiences want to support a femaleled franchise. It also shows how society wants to see a woman’s success story due to her sheer merit in a male-dominated profession. I hope the franchise has impacted people’s minds to empower their girls to become police officers,” she says.

The actress adds that she considers the franchise and her character as a tribute to the Indian police. “I have the deepest respect for people who have chosen a profession for which they had to dedicate their lives in the service of others. Mardaani is a humble tribute to the Indian police force, especially the women cops who are the true mardaanis of India,” she signs off.

Rani says she is game to take up a film in the South if the right script comes along. “I’m always looking for disruptive scripts that present women in the right light. When the right script comes along, the audience can see me in a South film. I just need something that’s exciting and inspiring so that I can add value to the director’s vision,” she shares.