The pretty Bengali beauty of B’Town, Rani Mukerji, turns 37 on March 21. She is not just one of Bollywood’s most loved actresses, but has also wooed the audience with her performances, be it her debut movie ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat’ or the recent ‘Mardaani’.
On her birthday, Pinkvilla takes you back in time to remember her best performances till date.
Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat: Directed by Ashok Gaikwad, the movie marked Rani’s Bollywood debut. The actress played a rape victim who is ordered to marry the accused. Post the wedding, she is belittled and tortured by her in-laws. However, later she falls in love with him and they are remarried again.
Ghulam: The movie saw the actress romancing Aamir Khan. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, it released in theatres in 1998. This movie earned the actress widespread popularity and recognition. The song ‘Aati kya Khandala’ became a huge hit and is still popular among the audiences.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: Directed by Karan Johar, the movie saw the actress play Tina Malhotra. It released in theatres in 1998 and also featured Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. She won the Best Supporting Actress at the Filmfare Awards that year.
Saathiya: Rani essayed Suhani Sharma in the movie and was seen romancing Vivek Oberoi. Directed by Shaad Ali, the film was a remake of Tamil film ‘Alaipayuthey’. It revolved around the story of a couple who elope to be together and how they later work on their differences. The actress won the Filmfare Best Actress (Critics Choice) for her performance in the movie.
Yuva: Directed by Mani Ratnam, the movie was another brilliant performance by the actress. She played the role of a Bengali housewife who is married to a goon, played by Abhishek Bachchan. The actress won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress that year.
Hum Tum: Directed by Kunal Kohli, the movie released in theatres in 2004. The movie saw the actress romancing Saif Ali Khan. The movie and the performances by the actors were praised by the critics. Rani won the Best Actress trophy at the Filmfare Award that year for her performance in the movie.
Black: The movie was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and released in theatres in 2005. The movie revolved around a blind and deaf girl, and her relationship with her teacher who himself later develops Alzheimer's disease. It also featured Amitabh Bachchan. Rani received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress and Best Actress (critic’s choice).
Bunty Aur Babli: The actress was paired up with Abhishek Bachchan in this 2005 movie. Directed by Shaad Ali, the movie saw the actress play a con-woman. The film was a critical and commercial success becoming one of the biggest hits of 2005.
No One Killed Jessica: Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the movie featured Rani and Vidya Balan. The movie was based on the real-life murder of Jessica Lal. While Rani played the role of a feisty and determined news reporter, Meera Gaity, Vidya essayed the victim’s sister. Rani won the Filmfare award for Best Supporting Actress.
Mardaani:‘Mardaani’ was Rani’s comeback movie post her wedding to producer Aditya Chopra. The actress played the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy, a dedicated and brave police officer with Mumbai Police. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, The film tells the story of a female cop whose interest in the case of a kidnapped teenage girl leads her to uncover secrets of human trafficking by the Indian mafia.
We wish Rani a very Happy Birthday.