In a heartfelt tribute timed with Police Commemoration Day, Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji extended her appreciation to the Indian Police Force (IPF) for their unwavering service to the nation. The actor’s comments also tie in with her upcoming film, the third installment of the “Mardaani” franchise. A Salute with Purpose Mukerji, ahead of the release of Mardaani 3, took the opportunity to publicly honour every member of the police force across India. “It is an honour for me to salute the Indian Police Force through my film franchise Mardaani and I also look forward to every opportunity possible to salute the hard work of the police across the country by participating in as many of them,” she said. She emphasised the risk that police personnel undertake daily: “In every corner of our nation, there are cops protecting people, risking their lives, sacrificing their personal time to keep us safe. Words cannot do justice to the work that the police force of our country does to put our nation and the people first.” Humanising the Uniform Mukerji took care to draw attention not just to the badge and uniform but to the person behind it. “We should never forget that behind the uniform, there is a human being who chose to do good, chose the path of selfless service and decided that the country comes first,” she said. “We should never forget that they are also someone’s son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother.” She further added: “Their selfless courage inspires me to live fearlessly. They leave their homes with no certainty of returning back. They confront dangerous crimes and criminals like a lion… They miss important moments of their lives to serve the nation. It cannot get more selfless than this.” Re-launching the Mardaani Franchise Mukerji’s tribute coincides with her return to her iconic role of Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy, this time in the upcoming film Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced under the banner of Yash Raj Films by Aditya Chopra. The film is scheduled for release on 27 February 2026. Mukerji said she views the film not just as entertainment but as a medium to highlight and honour the work of the police. “I love honouring them through Mardaani. The Indian Police Force should be a reminder to us all of what courage, devotion, and unwavering patriotism mean and how we can all learn from them and do our bit to stand up for the country.” Why This Matters on Police Day Police Commemoration Day (also known as Police Martyrs’ Day) is observed each year to remember the sacrifice of police personnel who have died in the line of duty. While Mukerji’s statement is from the entertainment arena, it contributes to wider public recognition of the risks and dedication inherent in policing. (For context, the National Police Memorial in New Delhi commemorates thousands of officers who have fallen in service since independence.) By aligning her message with that date, Mukerji’s gesture helps bridge popular culture and civic appreciation, potentially drawing more attention to the realities of police life and the human stories behind the badge. Looking Ahead: A Message for Citizens In her remarks, Mukerji not only honoured the force but also issued a subtle call to the broader public: recognise what lies behind the uniform, and “never let their work and their sacrifices go unnoticed.” Her message suggests that while policing is a professional duty, its effectiveness also depends on societal respect and understanding. In her words: “We should all learn from them and do our bit to stand up for the country.” Final Word As the release of Mardaani 3 approaches, Rani Mukerji’s tribute to the Indian Police Force serves as a reminder that real-life heroism exists beyond the silver screen. Her acknowledgement of the risks, sacrifices and human dimension of policing adds meaningful weight to her otherwise entertainment-centric platform. In salute to the men and women behind the uniform, her message on Police Day resonates both as gratitude and as a reflection on civic responsibility.
By – Sonali