rani Mukherjee who turned aunt recently..

Rani Mukherji is justifiably excited. After 25 years, there has been a new addition to the family. "I was supposed to meet a couple of people on the same day my bhabhi went into labour," says Rani. "I had to cancel all my appointments so that I could be with her all through."

Naturally the Mukherjis are in a joyous mood. As soon as the news spread, Rani and her family were bombarded with congratulatory messages and bouquets. "Everyone from the film industry called up. My mom came in late, by the time she came the baby was already born," smiles Rani. Her mother Krishna Mukherji adds, "Rani always pulls my leg for being late. 'Ma even today you are late!' she said. But I was told that Jyoti would deliver six hours later."

Apparently Rani cried with joy when she saw her niece for the first time? "Who told you that?" she asks. "I couldn't believe that I was holding a newborn baby... it's such a divine feeling."

Rani had been awaiting the arrival of the baby eagerly. In fact, her mother informs us that she had even started shopping for the kid when she was in London. "Come on, we've got a baby in the family after so many years," she says. "I am the youngest, so I never had the pleasure of playing with babies. I love kids, they are surely God's best creations. Yes, I did start shopping for the baby during our family vacation because that was the only time I got to shop. I did not know whether it would be a girl or a boy, so I shopped for both. Now she has everything she needs from London. The baby cot is the only stuff that we've bought from Mumbai."

There's even a room newly renovated by Twinkle Khanna for baby Mukherji. "The room is so cute... I love all those soft toys," the child in Rani speaks up.

Rani's father believes in numerology, so they are still in the process of finalising the baby's name. And Rani is busy brain-storming with her brother Raja and bhabi Jyoti for a name for the baby. Will it begin with 'R'? "Everyone is asking me that question," she replies. "Honestly, I don't know. This should be Raja and Jyoti's decision. I will go along with any name they finally decide on."

On the sixth day they will have a ritual, where eight kids will be treated to a meal at their place.

Rani's mother is overjoyed. "Now we have two Ranis in our family," she says. "My granddaughter has light-coloured eyes like Rani, I am sure she will grow up looking gorgeous."

"Of course, she is my niece after all," adds Rani.

* Yes, I did start shopping for the baby during our family vacation because that was the only time I got to shop. I did not know whether it would be a girl or a boy, so I shopped for both — Rani Mukherji