Rani Mukherji stepped into the world of Bollywood in the year 1997 with her film 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat' on the insistence of her mother. Little did she know that she will one day become the lovely bride of YRF head honcho, Aditya Chopra. The fairytale wedding that took place on April 21, in the picturesque locales of Italy was perhaps the fitting reward for the long wait.
As the bride and groom revel in these moments, here's a dekko at how this love story unfolded.
Falling in love
Rumors of the Rani-Aditya affair started surfacing in the media around 2009, the time when Aditya was on the verge of a divorce with his then wife Payal Khanna. Apparently, it was Payal, an interior decorator by profession, who was in-charge of designing the grand YRF studio. At the time, Rani was mostly doing Yash Raj movies. This fueled the rumours of the Rani-Aditya affair. The rumour that started then continued till today and got confirmed with the official statements of the wedding released by Rani and the Chopras.
Here is a rare video of Rani Mukherji during the premiere of the Yash Raj Film 'Veer Zara' in the year 2004. Interestingly, Rani is seen hugging Aditya's ex-wife Payal Khanna. Well, little did she know the course of events to follow. Check at 6 minutes into the video.
Not a bed of roses
Her love life has not been a bed of roses for Rani Mukherji. In a chat show with Simi Garewal in 2004, Rani had mentioned that she would not like to be in a 'relationship' but would like to marry her man right away. She also mentioned that she would like to settle for a film person, as this industry has given her a lot. She also asked Simi to look for a guy for her, as she wished to get married. However, fate had other plans for Rani, who had to wait a good ten years after this, to tie the knot with her prince charming. All the time, there had to be questions to be evaded and pictures of be avoided. However, Rani stood firmly by Adi, in a hope that it would one day be all well. And it did!
Vacationing abroad
Rani and Aditya were clicked by our photographers when they returned from their London trip in 2012. This was their first 'appearance' together. We also reported how the love-birds went shopping for some 'body cream'. While Rani did all the shopping, Adi did all the paying. This pretty much sealed their relationship status, didn't it?
Joining in the festivities
Rani and her family were seen celebrating Diwali with the Chopras. Rani did seem like a perfect bahu and wife, as she was clicked feeding 'mithai' to beau Aditya Chopra.
Spotting of an engagement ring
Rani was spotted wearing a huge rock on her finger in 2013. Apparently, it was during the October of 2013 when Aditya popped the question to his longtime sweetheart. No prizes for guessing Rani's answer to this much-awaited question!
Loving the in-laws!
Rani, even before her marriage, seemed to be the perfect daughter-in-law to the Chopras. News had it that the Chopra seniors were not to keen on the relationship as they loved thier DIL Payal. however, with time they relented and gave in to the charms of Rani. Rani shared a close and loving bond with the legendary filmmaker and Aditya's late father Yash Chopra. She was devastated when her loving 'Yash uncle' lost his life to Dengue just before the release of his movie 'Jab Tak Hain Jaan'. Rani also could not control her tears at the event where a Yash Chopra statue was unveiled. Since then, Rani has been spotted with Aditya's mother Pam Chopra at many an event.
Well, it does not stop at Rani where taking care of Pam Chopra is concerned. Apparently, Rani's parents also are equally concerned. Apparently, even during movie screenings, Rani's mom Krishna Mukherji is always seen making sure if 'Pam aunty' has got her tea and snacks. Sweet!
Grand welcome to the family
Interestingly there were strong rumours of the couple getting married in February, in Jaipur. However, this obviously did not happen, leaving everyone surprised. Rani's cousin Kajol also commented on Rani's wedding on a chat show asking when Rani would tie the knot. Well, the answer to that question is finally out!
Though Rani is not officially a part of the social media family, brother-in-law Uday Chopra was quick to send her a loving welcome, online. "We welcome Rani Chopra to the family...lots of love to the newly weds. Wishing voldemort and bhabhi voldemort all the love and happiness." Also, there are rumours of a grand reception in Mumbai for this charming couple.