The Hichki success meet at YRF studios saw Team Hichki out in full strength, smiles intact! Against a backdrop that declared, “It’s A Party!” Rani introduced all those who played a part in the film’s creation and success and made sure they got their due. “Don’t think I’m thanking YRF staff as I am married to Aditya Chopra,” joked Rani, as she let each and every one of them know much she valued their contribution.

While director Sidharth P Malhotra revealed that it took him six years to create this project, co-producer Manish Sharma shared that they were very pleased with the turnout and the appreciation they were receiving. “Society and education ki hichki was the core of the project,” pointed out Manish. Sidharth also shared that they auditioned 30,000 students to select class 9F!

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Of course, the focus of all attention was a jubilant Rani, who is thrilled with her return to the spotlight. She declared, “For a mother, her child is really special. I looked at 9F (the class she teaches in the film) as professionals but not like my kids, as they have worked hard for their characters and they were awesome!”

Be prepared to see a lot more of the hugely talented actress on screen, as she revealed, “I will keep doing comebacks sooner. I will do more films, as I love doing films! Hichki’s success proves the audience loves to see me.” She also declared that only if she can relate to a character emotionally, as an audience, does she choose a project. Her prep for the role too was emotional-centric. “When I met Brad Cohen through Skype, I tried figuring out how his relationship was with his parents, his childhood…”

However, when it came to developing the tics for her character Naina Mathur, she did it on her own. “I couldn’t copy Brad in every frame!” she points out. No two ways about it - the originality and warmth that Rani brings to the role is entirely her own.

DESK: NICHOLA