The sweet smell of Durga Pujo is in the air. The dhak players are ready with their drums, the pandals are filled with the aroma of khichuri bhogand the finest saris and jewellery are laid out for the five days of celebrations. On this occasion, Rani Mukerji talks about her deep connect with pujo, following tradition and the power of Shakti.

It is a moment of great pride that we celebrate 77 years of our pujo this year. The festival has always been extremely close to my heart, and I am eternally grateful that Durga Maa has blessed our family and friends associated with the pujo to be able to carry on the celebrations for 77 years. For me, it’s very emotional as my dad and mom used to manage this pujo successfully for many years with the help of other family members, and the baton passed on to Debu kaka (Deb Mukherjee) after my father fell ill and passed away. While Durga Pujo retains its core religious significance, the festival has undergone significant transformations over the years – right from our pandal décor, the bhog area, to the entertainment, everything has only become bigger with each passing year. I remember, as kids, we used to serve people on the floor on banana leaves, and then the table and chairs were introduced. At first, the volunteers were only family members, now every person who is a friend, member, or relative, participates in the bhog distribution.

Durga Pujo is more than just a religious festival; it is a cultural phenomenon that brings together people from all walks of life. I’m sure Adira will be attached to the Durga Pujo just as I am. She loves the Navratri festival as she has read books on Nav Durga. She knows the significance of the nine devis and their names and helps me prepare the bhog every day for nine days. She enjoys the Kanjak Puja I do each year, where I invite her friends and make them do a little garba and give them a feeling of the festivities. Little girls often look up to their mothers, and I love that she’s connecting with our cultural heritage. Dressing up, enjoying good food and spending time with family – it truly makes this the best time of the year for us, filled with joy and togetherness.

Durga Puja is one of my favourite festivals, and I love everything about the festivities, including getting together with the entire family, bonding with friends, and dressing up. This celebration offers a unique opportunity to serve and enjoy bhog, a tradition I’ve cherished since childhood. The poribeshon (serving of food) is something we truly enjoy, and the bhog khichdi made during Durga Puja always tastes divine. I also enjoy participating in sindoor khela on the last day of the pujo, it’s a vibrant and heartwarming ritual. The dhunuchi naach is also a very important and unique part of our celebration, and it’s something which is not seen anywhere in the world.

Handpicking saris and jewellery for Durga Pujo is one of my favourite parts of the celebration. Each year, I look forward to selecting the perfect pieces that not only reflect our traditions, but also add a personal touch to the festivities. Choosing a sari is an experience in itself, so I enjoy every moment of it. When it comes to jewellery, I love wearing traditional pieces that enhance my attire. After all, we are dressing up for Maa Durga and her homecoming, so it is like a five-day party for us.

I absolutely loved shooting the Durga puja scene we recreated in Tallinn for the movie. I believe women have a powerful ability to protect themselves and their loved ones. They embody strength and resilience, often serving as the emotional backbone of their families and communities. Throughout history, women have taken on roles as caregivers, advocates, and leaders, nurturing and empowering those around them. Their courage shines in times of crisis, as they confront societal norms and fight for safety and justice, demonstrating remarkable determination and resourcefulness. We are, after all, Maa Durga's lineage and represent Shakti in its truest form. Without shakti, I'm sure nothing in this world would survive.

Following daughter Adira’s birth in 2015, Rani Mukerji may have primarily been part of two offerings — Hitchki and Mardaani 2. However, the young girl has only seen the actor’s latest offering, Bunty Aur Babli 2, making the comic film a special one for Mukerji.

“She thoroughly loved it,” says the actor, adding that her daughter’s appreciation is among the highlights of her career. “It was amazing to see her reaction to what I have done. She was laughing and rolling over while doing so. Making her laugh fills my heart with happiness. She had the best time, and it means the world to me.”

Referring to her daughter as a case in point, Mukerji says the second edition of the franchise on con artistes is apt for all age-groups. “It is a true blue comedy that you can enjoy with your family. It is a good, clean film that is hard to come by. The industry no longer makes such universal films.”