In the recent released Netflix docu-series The Romantics, Rani Mukerji said that she is fortunate to not only find Yash Chopra as a filmmaker and a mentor who shaped her as an artiste, but also as a father-in-law.
"From my childhood, my memory of my favourite films was directed by the one and only Yash Chopra... His name was synonymous with romance. Women wearing white, chiffon sarees, snow-covered mountains, stunning locales, beautifully framed shots, breathtakingly beautiful close-ups of actresses, insanely romantic scenes, and outstanding music and dances! These were all part of Yash Chopra movies that were engraved in my mind since childhood, Chandni and Lamhe being my all-time favourites."
The actress added: "When I came into this profession and I got to know him personally as a human being, I discovered that he is so much more than just a filmmaker, he was an absolutely amazing person!"
"Him being a versatile and genius filmmaker was a given but what actually moved me was when I met the person behind the larger-than-life personality! So down to earth, humble, jovial and so respectful. He had a great sense of humour. He was always the favourite person at any gathering. He had this magnetic energy that always drew all of us towards him; he was full of life and always fun to be around. He never brought his towering personality of being The Yash Chopra with him at any instance."
"Over the years, I developed a personal relationship with him. When I watched 'The Romantics' for the first time I had a whole perspective of what made Yash uncle so special," she continued.
"I have always been in awe of how he presented his heroines on screen, and secretly always wished to be the quintessential 'Yash Chopra heroine!' In Yash uncle's films, the women always had an equal part or even slightly better part than men."
"It speaks volumes about him as a filmmaker that he always listened to his heart rather than conforming to the norms. His immense respect for women always showed in the way he presented his heroines."
The Romantics has been directed by Oscar & Emmy-nominated filmmaker Smriti Mundhra. Rani Mukerji will soon be seen in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway which will be releasing on March 17.