On 29 Jan, in New Delhi, Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji highlighted the evolving role of women in India during a special event organized by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in New Delhi. Speaking at the “Voices of Grace and Grit” programme, Mukerji said that women today are confidently shaping institutions, families and society at large. Her comments came ahead of the release of her much-anticipated film Mardaani 3.
Mukerji pointed out during the programme that throughout her three-decade career, she has chosen characters that reflect women’s strength, resilience and agency. She stressed that women are no longer confined by traditional expectations. They are increasingly balancing professional goals with roles as caregivers and leaders.
Event Highlights: Women’s Leadership and Representation
At the NCW headquarters, Mukerji inaugurated a new ‘Wall of Fame’, dedicated to showcasing former and current Chairpersons of the Commission. The display honours women leaders whose work strengthened gender justice and rights in India. The initiative aims to visually celebrate women’s contributions across leadership roles.
Mukerji also engaged in a conversation with NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, covering topics such as women’s empowerment, representation in cinema, and societal perceptions of leadership. Rahatkar emphasized that outdated notions like “mother’s guilt” should no longer define women’s choices. She said contemporary women handle responsibilities with grace, strength and resilience.
The event also acknowledged the increasing presence of women in leadership positions at institutional levels, citing, for example, that India currently has a woman as its President, a point Mukerji highlighted to underline women’s progress.
Rani Mukerji: A Career of Commitment and Recognition
Rani Mukerji has been a prominent figure in Indian cinema since the mid-1990s. Over the years, she has delivered acclaimed performances in a range of roles, from dramatic and emotional narratives to socially impactful stories. In 2025, she received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. A biographical drama, portraying the true story of an Indian mother fighting a foreign child welfare system, a performance widely praised for its depth and emotional nuance.
Her filmography includes both commercial and critically acclaimed works, often with strong female leads. This body of work reinforces her longstanding commitment to portraying empowered women.
January 2026 also marks 30 years of Mukerji’s work in the film industry. A milestone that underscores her sustained influence and popularity.
Mardaani 3 — A New Chapter in the Franchise
Mukerji is currently gearing up for the release of Mardaani 3, the third installment in the celebrated Mardaani crime thriller franchise. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the franchise features Mukerji as Senior Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy, a fiercely determined police officer fighting crime and corruption.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 30 January 2026, after being cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with edits tailored to the film’s narrative.
Mardaani 3 continues the franchise’s legacy of strong, female-led action storytelling. Earlier promotional information and promotional material indicate it will remain a gritty, intense thriller that pits Mukerji’s character against powerful antagonists while showcasing her commitment to justice and societal safety.
Mukerji’s remarks reflect ongoing discussions in India about women’s leadership, participation in the workforce, and cultural perceptions. In recent years, women have steadily increased their visibility in fields from business and politics to sports and entertainment. While barriers remain, such statements by public figures resonate with broader efforts to highlight women’s achievements and encourage equal opportunities.
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