Rani Mukerji Says Salman Khan's Got ‘Heart Of Gold’, Credits Him, SRK & Aamir For Her Bollywood Rise

Rani Mukerji is in full promotional mode as she gears up for the release of her much-anticipated film Mardaani 3. The National Award-winning actor recently spoke to Pinkvilla, where she not only spoke about

her upcoming project but also opened up about her long-standing relationships with some of Bollywood’s biggest superstars—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan.

During the conversation, Rani candidly reflected on her early years in the industry and revealed that she was once a diehard fan of Aamir Khan. The actor shared that during her school days, she had even visited a film set just to get Aamir’s autograph—long before she would go on to star opposite him on the big screen.

‘Salman Khan’s got a heart of gold’

Speaking about Salman Khan, Rani had nothing but warmth and admiration. She said simply yet emphatically, “He’s got a heart of gold.”

She went on to explain how the three Khans of Hindi cinema—Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir—played a defining role in shaping her professional journey and work ethic in Bollywood.

Reflecting on her formative years, Rani shared, “Ye Jo jinka naam liya, maine apne career ki shuruaat inke saath ki. Unhone bahut achhi tarah se mujhe kaam bhi shikhaya, mere ache co-stars rahe. Unko dekh ke mujhko shiksha mili bahut early on in life ki superstar hona ye nahi hai ki aap ek film karo aur superstar ban jao.”

She further added, “But jo star ka tamga hai wo maintain karke rakhna. Ek ke baad ek film karna mehnat karna aur achha kaam karna ye sab maine unse hi seekha hai. Har ek shot ke peeche aise lag jana as if that is the last shot that you are doing.” (I started my career with these people. Watching them, I learnt very early on in life that being a superstar does not mean doing one film and becoming a star. It’s about maintaining that tag—working hard, doing film after film, and giving your best in every shot.)

Rani Mukerji’s cinematic journey with the three Khans

Rani Mukerji began her career opposite Aamir Khan in Ghulam, a film that marked a significant turning point for her. She later became one of the most iconic leading ladies of Shah Rukh Khan, delivering memorable performances in films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, and Chalte Chalte.

Her collaborations with Salman Khan were equally notable, spanning films like Hello Brother, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, and Baabul. Together, these films cemented her position as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and enduring stars.