Rani Mukherjee Living in a world of 'Black' or white   Rani sees it all in black and white. Be it films, friendships or feuds. She chooses to work with her friends (Khans, Johars, Chopras), who just happen to be the finest in the biz. Youre either on her hot-favourite list or a nonentity in her scheme of things. For a once-in-a-lifetime role, she will go all out. And even if it is a full-fledged part, with her the centre-piece in every frame, and the story fails to magnetise her...its no go. No short-cuts to stardom; no multiple faces. Its just Rani Mukherjee.   No wonder then, that with her eyes closed she allows prolific filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali to lead her into a new world where she can see light and hope, even while enclosed within the black walls of doom. With the Bhansali effect haloing high over her, she tells us, What lured me most about Sanjay is that heres a director who is known for his opulence, stylish sets and extravagant musicals, and now the same man is willing to take that big risk and make a film on a blind, deaf and dumb girl. A song-less film in shades of grey and black. That contrasting feeling pushed me to do this film. Quite alarming for an actress who has shown a fresh and unsullied shade with every project she has been part of. Yes, after I completed Mujhse Dosti Karoge two years ago, I decided I have to snap out of the archetypal heroine mould. Shooting for a film or playing a particular character is not about going one day from home to the studio and coming back in the evening. Its about going and living every moment of your role for all those weeks and months. I felt the need to wake up each morning and think I am going to do something I didnt do yesterday, she explains.   Its Ranis honesty towards the art of acting that brings her rewards even for cameo roles in films. Dont call my role in Veer Zaara a cameo! snaps the Bong babe. The problem with the media is that theyve formed a habit of labelling stars, roles and movies and whatever else to suit their needs. If youve seen the film, my billing comes after Shah Rukh Khans, not in the special appearance category. Its a full-fledged role; in fact, its like being the hero of the film (second to SRK, of course). That brings to mind her Queenly status in tinselville, with the best banners, blockbusters and Big B. You cant get better than that! Shes quick to retort, Ive grown up on Amit uncles films, and hes still the only superstar for me. When I did Hey Ram, I got a letter from Mr. Bachchan saying that he liked my work. It was one of the most special days of my life. After that, I did a guest appearance in K3Gand that really made it. Since then Ive shared a good relationship with the Bachchans Jaya aunty, Abhishek and Amit uncle. And with Jaya aunty being a Bengali, we two have a different kind of bonding altogether.   And how did it feel interacting with people from another world the deaf, dumb and blind? And portraying that character, too? I interacted with the deaf, dumb and blind children and I realised how small we all were in our own worlds. Those physically disabled people whove seen nothing but darkness have survived in our world. They are the real heroes. When I met them, I was humbled and thankful to God for all that I have. And one thing I know for sure - that they possess powers that you and I cant have in an entire lifetime. Being with them has changed by my life forever. says Rani, deeply emotional. Indeed, it has. And one never knows - Black might soon be a bright spot in Ranis life!