Rani Mukerji Breaks Silence on Kajol Rivalry: “I’ve Only Ever Competed with Myself”

After winning her first National Award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, Rani Mukerji opens up about comparisons with her cousin Kajol, her acting philosophy, and how self-growth drives her career.

Rani Mukerji — one of Bollywood’s most celebrated performers — recently reached a career milestone by winning the National Award for Best Actress for her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. In a candid conversation, the actress addressed long-standing chatter about her supposed rivalry with cousin and fellow superstar Kajol, giving fans a glimpse into her personal outlook on competition and artistry.

When asked about the comparisons often made between the two actresses, Rani was quick to dismiss the idea of any professional rivalry. “There was no competition,” she said. “When we make films, we compete with ourselves. If someone watches my movie today, they’ll compare it with my last one — never with another actor’s work.”

She went on to explain that her focus has always been on self-improvement: “Competition is always with your own craft. You always want to do better. You don’t want the audience to say, ‘She’s not doing as well now.’ I would have been devastated to hear that. I have to keep improving my craft with every decade.”

Rani added that every actor’s journey is unique: “I’m not competing with anyone else because their choices, paths, and opportunities are different from mine. What I choose to do in my career is entirely my own.” She also mentioned that in ensemble films, actors are naturally pushed to deliver their best in every scene — a healthy creative drive rather than rivalry.

Starting her career in 1996 with Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, Rani Mukerji went on to deliver some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable performances in films like Black, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Saathiya, Veer-Zaara, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Hichki, and Hum Tum. Her emotional portrayal in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway earned her long-overdue recognition at the National Awards, which she described as a “deeply personal and surreal” honor dedicated to her late parents.

Up next, Rani will be seen reprising her tough cop role in Mardaani 3, and she’s also making a cameo in Siddharth Anand’s upcoming film King, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan.

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