Mukerji began collaborating with Yash Raj Films in 2002, when the company cast her in two high-profile productions: "Mujhse Dosti Karoge!", a romantic comedy co-starring Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor, and "Saathiya", a remake of the Tamil romance "Alaipayuthey". The former performed poorly at the box office, as did her two collaborations with Govinda"Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai" and "Chalo Ishq Ladaaye". The romantic drama "Saathiya", however, proved a turning point in her career, winning her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress in addition to a Best Actress nomination at the same ceremony. Shaad Ali cast her in the role of a medical student who deals with the troubles and discontent of being married at a young age, for the vulnerability that he found in her. She refused the offer at first as she disliked remaking an accomplished film, but was convinced to accept the part by the film's producer Aditya Chopra. In it, she played opposite Vivek Oberoi, with whom she did not enjoy working, saying that his "attitude was bothersome". "Saathiya" emerged as a commercial success. The BBC wrote that "Mukerji plays the character of a middle class girl with great conviction", and Udita Jhunjhunwala of "Mid Day" added, "Her expressions and acting are understated in a role that fits her like a glove."