Rani learns cricketing lessons

After playing an angel in "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic", actress Rani Mukerji is all set to do another unconventional role - she plays a cricketer in Yash Raj Films' next venture and is busy practising on the field!

"I don't know if any actress has played a cricketer before. But I'm playing one for sure. In fact, I've been learning cricket regularly on the field for the past two months. I can most certainly play the game convincingly now, though not as good as professionals yet. It's a very big challenge for me," Rani told IANS from her swanky new home here.

So is she equipped to join the Indian Premier League now (IPL) now?

"I don't know about that. But I'm definitely enjoying it. My practical sessions are on in full swing."

She will also for the first time be paired opposite Shahid Kapur in the film that will be directed by debutant Anurag Singh.

Rani says she is hungry for new roles. "At this stage of my career I feel I need new challenges. When Kunal Kohli offered me an angel's role, I was kicked. I don't now of any actress who has played an angel before.

"Also, for the first time I was playing a character who couldn't cry. Now they can stop saying Rani cries so much in all her films. It was pretty cool to play a character who actually doesn't know how to cry and who had to fly around like Hrithik (Roshan) in 'Krrish'."

Being suspended on a harness, she says, was not easy.

"It required a lot of physical strength to assume the correct 'flying' posture on the harness. I guess it'd be equally difficult for me to look convincing as a cricketer. But I'm glad to be doing work with challenges."

So is she ok working with a first-time director?

"It isn't as if I haven't worked with new directors before. I was in Shaad Ali's first film 'Saathiya', remember? And Kunal Kohli started his career with me in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'," she quipped.

After an angel and a cricketer what would Rani like to play?

"Maybe an astronaut like Kalpana Chawla. And I'd also love to play a doctor. I've never done that before. Come to think of it I've never worked with Shahid Kapur before either. I'm doing so now."

Isn't there a danger of her being branded a resident Yash Raj heroine since all her recent films have been with that banner alone?

"Why? Wasn't 'Saawariya' with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? And if Yash Raj is making some of the best films in our country why should I keep out just because people are talking?

"Incidentally, my marriage date Feb 10 (as reported by some media) has come and gone. Would mediapersons like to set another date for me so I can start getting my trousseau ready?"

I still learn a lot from Shah Rukh: Rani Mukerji

Shah Rukh Khan tops her list of favourites. After a career spanning 12 years and 40 films, Shah Rukh is still the man who holds "a special place" in Rani Mukerji's professional life.

"I was considered a newcomer in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', but Shah Rukh never let me feel like one. The treatment he gave in spite of his superstar status then overwhelmed me," Rani, who made her debut with "Raja Ki Aayegi Baarat" in 1996, said.

She said Shah Rukh had always guided her in the right direction and she had gained a lot from him.

"I respect his dedication and the extra effort he puts towards his work. I still learn a lot from him," Rani told IANS on the sidelines of a function here.

The two have acted together in several films, including hits like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", "Chalte Chalte" and "Veer-Zaara".

They were also seen together in the critically acclaimed offbeat film "Paheli", which was based on a short story written by Vijayadan Detha.

Queried about her rapport with Saif Ali Khan, with whom she was seen in "Hum Tum" and "Ta Ra Rum Pum", Rani said: "In my recent film 'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic' it was a good experience working with him. But while doing 'Hum Tum' we had some reservations. With time, we get along well and have mutual respect for each other."

In "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic", which is releasing June 27, Rani says she essays the role of an angel who has been sent by god to bring happiness in the life of a business tycoon and four orphan children.

She had to do a lot of practice with action director Shyam Kaushal, especially for the flying scenes.

"The speciality of the role is that I have to smile throughout the film unlike my other films where I had to cry as well. Even my fans told me that they have had enough of my crying. So this film is special for me and my fans; besides, 'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic' is my only release this year."

In real life, her angel is her two-year-old niece Myiesha. "She keeps me smiling. Whenever I am free and have some time, I play with her. She keeps me going."

Famously reclusive when it comes to parties and social appearances, Rani said emphatically: "I don't like parties. I am more of a family person. I prefer spending time with my family."

Rani has been paired with almost all superstars except perhaps Akshay Kumar.

"Many projects came to me where Akshay and I were paired together but somehow the roles didn't excite me." Refusing to name the films, Rani said many of those did well. "But, we hope to do a film together."

The talented actress has cut short her assignments because roles don't excite her any more.

"The roles or the stories that came my way did not excite me. I don't want to do a film just for doing it or to please the journalists. There was a time when I did even three or more films at a time. I did 'Veer-Zaara', 'Mangal Pandey' and 'Black' together because the roles excited me."

Her much talked about marriage plans are dismissed.

"You people are too much interested in my marriage. But let me tell you that I don't have a marriage plan for a long, long time. I want to do a lot of films now and don't see marriage in the near future."

Rani's next project is a Yash Raj Film production with Shahid Kapur to be directed by debutant Anurag Singh. The yet to be titled film will go on the floors in June.