Rani Mukerji is one of the most prominent and celebrated actresses in the history of Indian cinema. Known for her versatility and powerful performances, Rani has earned a special place in the hearts of movie lovers with her wide array of roles across genres, from romantic dramas to intense thrillers. Her dedication to her craft and ability to portray complex characters has made her one of the most respected actresses in Bollywood.
Early Life and Background: Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji was born on March 21, 1978, in Kolkata, West Bengal, into a Bengali family with strong ties to the film industry. Her father, Ram Mukherjee, was a director and producer in the Hindi film industry, and her mother, Krishna Mukherjee, was a teacher. Rani’s brother, Raja Mukherjee, is also involved in the film industry as a producer and director. Rani’s family background played a crucial role in shaping her career, though it was not initially a smooth path for her.
She completed her schooling at The Bannerjee Institute of Learning and later studied at Jai Hind College in Mumbai. Rani was initially inclined towards a career in the media, but after being introduced to the film world by her father, she chose to pursue acting. Though she was shy and reserved as a child, her family encouraged her to step into the limelight, and she started training in acting.
Career Beginnings (1996–1999)
Rani Mukerji made her Bollywood debut in 1996 with “Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat”, but it was a commercial failure. Her second film, “Ghulam” (1998), directed by Amit Kumar, opposite Aamir Khan, was a breakthrough role for her. The film, a thriller, received a good response at the box office, and Rani’s performance as a strong-willed woman helped her gain attention.
However, it was her portrayal of “Tanu” in “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998) that made her a household name. Directed by Karan Johar, the film became a massive hit, and Rani’s performance as a college student falling in love with Shah Rukh Khan’s character earned her her first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film’s success marked the beginning of her rise in Bollywood.
Following this, Rani starred in “Hadh Kar Di Aapne” (2000), a light comedy with Govinda, and “Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega” (2000), opposite Salman Khan, but neither made a significant impact at the box office.
Rise to Stardom (2001–2006)
Rani’s career took a significant turn in 2001, with her role in “Chalte Chalte”, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film was a moderate success, but it was “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” (2006) that solidified her status as one of the leading actresses in the industry. Directed by Karan Johar, the film explored complex relationships and featured Rani as Maya, a woman caught in a troubled marriage. Her performance was widely praised, and she received several nominations for her work in the film.
Another major turning point came in 2004 with “Hum Tum”, a romantic comedy directed by Kunal Kohli. The film was both a critical and commercial success, and Rani’s portrayal of Rhea earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. The film cemented her position as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses.
In 2005, Rani starred in the blockbuster film “Black”, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, where she played the role of Michelle McNally, a deaf-blind woman. The film was a critical triumph and earned Rani several awards, including her second National Film Award for Best Actress. Her powerful performance in “Black” earned her a reputation as one of the finest actresses of her generation.
Continued Success and Personal Life (2007–2014)
Rani Mukerji’s career continued to flourish in the late 2000s. She starred in films like “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” (2006), where her role as a woman in a complicated relationship received praise, and “Ta Ra Rum Pum” (2007), a family drama that did well at the box office.
In 2012, Rani starred in the hit film “Talaash: The Answer Lies Within”, opposite Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The psychological thriller was well-received, and Rani’s portrayal of a grieving wife was appreciated for its subtlety and depth.
Despite her success, Rani had to contend with a few ups and downs in her career. She took a break from acting to focus on her personal life and then made her comeback with “Mardaani” (2014), a gritty thriller in which she played a police officer investigating human trafficking. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Rani’s strong performance was lauded by critics.
Personal Life and Marriage: Rani Mukerji
On April 21, 2014, Rani Mukerji married Aditya Chopra, a prominent Bollywood filmmaker and the head of Yash Raj Films, in a private ceremony. The couple had been dating for several years before tying the knot. The marriage was a well-guarded secret, and Rani kept it low-key, away from the media spotlight.
Rani and Aditya have a daughter, Adira Chopra, who was born in December 2015. Since her marriage, Rani has focused more on her family life while continuing her acting career.
Recent Projects and Comeback: Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji returned to the screen in 2019 with the film “Mardaani 2”, the sequel to her 2014 film. In this movie, Rani reprised her role as the fearless police officer, Shivani Shivaji Roy, and tackled issues like the sexual abuse of young girls. The film was well-received, and Rani’s performance was hailed for its intensity and passion.
In 2021, Rani starred in “Bunty Aur Babli 2”, a comedy-drama sequel to the hit 2005 film “Bunty Aur Babli”. While the film received mixed reviews, Rani’s charm and screen presence were appreciated. She is also set to appear in future projects, with several exciting roles lined up.
Legacy and Influence: Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with her versatility, emotional depth, and commitment to her roles. She has earned multiple Filmfare Awards and National Film Awards for her performances in films such as “Black”, “Hum Tum”, and “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”. Her ability to seamlessly transition between light-hearted roles and intense, dramatic parts has made her one of the most respected actresses of her time.
Rani is also known for her philanthropic work and has supported numerous causes over the years. She is involved in charity work, particularly in areas such as education and women’s empowerment.
Throughout her career, Rani has enjoyed both critical acclaim and commercial success, and she remains one of Bollywood’s most talented and influential actresses. Her contributions to Indian cinema will continue to inspire future generations of actors.
Rani Mukerji Quick Profile
- Hometown: Mumbai, India
- Husband: Aditya Chopra
- Age: 46 Years
- Other Names: Khandala Girl, Raani (Queen) of Bollywood
- Full Name: Rani Ram Mukerji
- Nickname: Baby
- Profession: Actor
Physical Stats
- Height: 5’2″ (158 cm)
- Eye Color: Hazel Green
- Hair Color: Brown
Career Highlights
- Debut:
- Bengali Film: Biyer Phool (1996)
- Hindi Film: Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1996)
- Tamil Film: Hey Ram (2000)
- Awards: Multiple honors across Zee Cine Awards, Filmfare, Stardust, IIFA, among others, notably for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Tum, Black, Mardaani, and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
- Notable Honors:
- PETA Hero to Animals Award
- Honored by Prince Charles for raising awareness on social issues through cinema
- Honored at Forbes India’s Tycoons of Tomorrow
Personal Life
- Birthdate: March 21, 1978
- Education: Graduated in Home Science from SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
- Religion: Hinduism
- Hobbies: Traveling, Dancing, Watching Films
- Controversies: Known for an interview spat with Simi Garewal, and for comments on the #MeToo movement.
Relationships & Family
- Marital Status: Married to Aditya Chopra since April 21, 2014
- Children: Daughter, Adira Chopra
- Parents: Ram Mukherjee (film director) and Krishna Mukherjee (singer)
- Relatives: Maternal aunt Debashree Mukherjee and cousins Kajol, Tanishaa Mukerji
Favorites
- Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan
- Actresses: Sridevi, Sharmila Tagore
- Film: Titanic
- Cuisine: Bengali
- Travel Destination: Sikkim
- Car Collection: Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Range Rover Vogue
Net Worth
- Salary/Fees: Rs 7 crore per film (2023)
- Net Worth: Rs 206 crore (2023)
Here’s a summary of some interesting and lesser-known facts about Rani Mukerji:
- Early Mix-up: At birth, Rani was mistakenly exchanged with another baby by a nurse. Her family confirmed her identity through her hospital tag and records.
- Sibling Rivalry: Her brother was initially jealous and even thought of hurting her due to the attention she received from their mother.
- Early Career Choices: While in school, Rani aspired to be a fashion designer, though her parents wanted her to pursue acting.
- Odissi Dance: Rani started learning Odissi dance in her teens and is a trained dancer.
- Initial Rejection in Films: Rani faced rejection in the film industry due to her height, darker complexion, and husky voice, yet went on to make her mark with roles in Ghulam, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Saathiya.
- Nickname “Engine”: During the filming of Ghulam with Aamir Khan, she accidentally fell on him multiple times, earning her the nickname “Engine.”
- Hollywood Role Rejection: She turned down the lead role in The Namesake due to a scheduling conflict with Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
Secretive Private Life:
- Secretive Private Life: Known for her privacy, Rani avoids social media and rarely shares details of her personal life publicly.
- Magazine Covers and Accolades: Rani has graced the covers of top magazines like Vogue, Filmfare, and Femina, and was ranked among Bollywood’s top actresses multiple times.
- Personal Struggle: At the 2023 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Rani shared the personal grief of losing a second child during pregnancy. This experience drew her to the role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
- Social Welfare: Rani actively supports various causes, including animal rights, education, and children’s welfare, and has worked with organizations like PETA and Child Rights and You (CRY).
- Spiritual and Health-conscious: Rani practices yoga, visits religious sites, and follows a regular fitness routine.
- Cold Wars: She reportedly had tensions with actors like Kajol, Aishwarya Rai, and Jaya Bachchan at different points in her career.
- Family and Pets: An animal lover, she had two dogs, Tin Tin and Simba, and loves spending time with her niece, affectionately calling her “Mishti.”
