Rani is basking in the praise she has garnered for her performance as Naina Mathur in Hichki. But we suspect the role she truly values above all is that of mother to her little tot, Adira! At the recent Hichki press meet, she shared, “I never wanted to miss any milestones in Adira’s life. And my team made sure I got most time with my daughter.”

She also revealed that Adira does not like her applying make-up. “When I come back home, she asks me to remove it. It runs in her DNA – both father and daughter don’t like me in make-up!” she laughed.

RECOMMENDED READ: “DON’T THINK I’M THANKING YRF STAFF AS I’M MARRIED TO ADI!” JUBILANT RANI AT HICHKI SUCCESS MEET

Getting emotional, she declared that the kids in the film taught her innocence in her work. She also added that the fact that teachers had accepted the film so wholeheartedly was the icing on the cake. “The teachers, the principals, the educators; they are the ones who are making Hichki their own film,” she raved. “And most of all thank you to all my fans, the Rani-ans across the globe, thank you so much for recognizing this film for what it truly is. It is a special film – as I kept saying pre-release – and now I’m sure you’ll all believe that because it not only entertains but it does more than that.”

Incidentally, if not for a brainwave of co-producer Manish Sharma, Rani might never have featured in the film! The director Sidharth P Malhotra reveals that it always a male-centric film; they had always envisioned a male actor in the lead. However, Manish turned that idea on its head when he tossed the suggestion of turning the male lead into a female lead! “Full credit to Manish for getting Rani on board,” says Sidharth, adding that Manish corrected his Hichki.

Rani also responded to a question about the impending re-exams, saying that if kids study from day one, it should not be a problem. “If students are mugging up, then they are in trouble. Else, giving an exam again isn’t an issue,” she said.
Oh and probably the thing she said with most pride: “Adira will know in a few years that her mom is a supermom!”

DESK: NICHOLA