As Rani Mukerji turns 37, we give you 37 reasons why we just LOVE her!
1) HER NAME – Rani means Queen. What more could you ask for in a name? Naam hi kaafi hai.
2) BODY CONFIDENT – Rani has never shied away from her figure. She has rocked her look when she was at her slimmest, and her heaviest. She has never let her weight define her.
3) CAN STAND HER OWN AGAINST ESTABLISHED STARS – Remember when Rani starred in KKHH? She held her own and came out glorious, even though she was pitted against 2 of the biggest stars in India at the time, SRK & Kajol.
4) CHAMELON – Rani can transform into any look. Remember her early days in Baadal, Bicchoo, KKHH? She sported the most shortest skirts, yet in movies like Yuva and Talaash, she donned the traditional saris and still looked magnificent.
5) NO UNNECESSARY PR – Let’s face it. Bollywood stars play the media like a game. When stars are known for planting stories, calling paparazzi and generally leaking out their private life, Rani has proven that you do not need to resort to these tactics to last in Bollywood.
6) FAMILY GIRL – Rani has always maintained that she is very much a family person. Her closeness to her mother and father is apparent at all times. Rani often skips Bollywood parties because she prefers to be with her close friends and family.
7) THE EYES – Ranis eyes are a phenonmonen in thjeir own right. The beautiful honey coloured eyes are often called “tigress eyes” Her eyes are truly one of a kind. Many Bollywood actress’ are seen wearing contact lenses to create coloured eyes, but for Rani, it just happened naturally.
8) MARDAANI FROM DAY 1 – Yes, we all know Rani as the Mardaani lady. However, Rani has played powerful strong female roles from her very first movie. Mehndi, Saathiya, Babul, Bunty Aur Babli, Hum Tum, Black and NOKJ are such examples.
9) THE HUSKY VOICE – Rani has possibly, the most unique voice in Bollywood. At the beginning of herr career it seemed to be a hindrance. However, it is one of Ranis USPs. Nobody has a voice like hers!
10) AGA BAI – When we heard that Rani would be doing a bellydance item song, many eyebrows were raised. However, Rani came, Rani saw, and Rani CONQUERED. She beat the dancing skills of all her contemporaries and showed that being in your 30s doesn’t mean that you cant be sexy. We all watched, and we all were stunned.
11) SABYASACHI’S MUSE – Nobody can deny the immense talent that Sabyasachi Mukherjee has. However, it was Rani that made him into a household name. Rani and Sabya are synonymous with each other. Nobody rocks a Sabyasachi like Rani.
12) LOYAL FRIEND – Although Rani is quite a recluse, she has a close knit circle of friends who she has stuck with. Aamir Khan, Karan Johar and Vaibhavi Merchant are 3 of her closest friends.
13) ACTING CHOPS – This one is a no brainer. None of her contemproaries can match upto Ranis acting prowess. The proof is in the pudding.
14) GULABJI – Although Ranis role in Saawariyaa was short, it is a role which most Rani fans adore. It is possibly, Ranis most beautiful look to date. The charm and cheek of Gulabji still resonates with many Rani fans.
15) CHANGING ADITYA CHOPRAS LIFE – Once news about Rani and Adityas marriage broke, their good friend Karan Johar spoke on how Rani has affected Adityas life. Mother in law, Pamela Chopra also stated that her son has never been happier.
16) THE SMILE – Ranis smile is often claimed to be one of the best in Bollywood. Such a natural and genuine smile comes rarely.
17) TERA CHEHRA – This Adnan Sami video was a pure visual treat for Rani Mukerji fans. The song is beautiful, and the video is equally stunning.
18) QUEEN OF EXPRESSIONS – Rani has one of the most expressive faces, and eyes in Bollywood. She can put on the jovial, bubbly persona in one scene, and in the next she can make you cry with just her eyes.
19) RANISHEK – Rani and Abhisheks pairing is now legendary. They compliment each other so perfectly in all their movies. Here’s hoping we can see some Ranishek magic again in the future!
20) BLUE SCHOLARS – American Hip hop duo Blue Scholars released a song dedicated to Rani Mukerji. The lyrics go something like this “Brown skin lady, let your darkness shine, Don’t ever change cuz you’re doing just fine”
21) KHANDAALA – Say the word “Khandaala” and immediately, Rani comes to mind. The now iconic song, through Rani and her chemistry with Amir into the limelight.
22) AWARDS, AWARDS, AWARDS! – In her heyday, Rani was nominated and won most of the awards. One of the most memorable award functions was Filmfare Awards 2006, when she won the BSA Critics for Black, and the BSA for Black.
23) BRIDE BEAUTIFUL – Whenever Rani is a bride in a movie, she looks ethereal. Her bridal avatars are beyond stunning, be it in KANK, or Hum Tum.
24) PRIVATE LIFE REMAINS PRIVATE – In an era where every move is scrutinised, Rani has managed to avoid any intrusion. We admire how she is able to guard the most important moments of her life.
25) MARDAANI AFTERMATH – Yes, the movie was a hit, yes it was applauded by most critics and yes it reinstated every Rani fans belief. The Poland premiere, being invited to charity events, being praised by colleagues and winning a National Award are all noteworthy events.
26) CONFIDENT AND FEARLESS – Rani has a personality which just shines. She is witty and always confident in her own strengths. Just look at this awesome answer!
27) CHAL RE! - Ranis bold slaps in Mardaani showed everyone who's really boss.
28) CRAZY TIMES IN AIYYAA - Aiyyaa may have been a quirky movie, (too quirky for some!) but it was celluloid perfection watching Rani dress up as past heroines and act all crazy in her dreams!
29) THE ICONIC SMOKEY EYE – Think of Rani, and you think of her eyes. Think of her eyes and you think of smokey, sexy and sultry makeup. Ever since Mickey Contractor did the smokey look on Rani in Chalte Chalte, it has become her signature look. Nobody pulls it off better!
30) NO, SHE NEVER WANTED TO BE AN ACTRESS! – Rani has stated that she had no intention of wanting to become a Bollywood star. It just kind of happened! We love her for this honesty.
31) DUSKY BEAUTY – Rani is one of the very few actress’ who have never endorsed a whitening product. Even at her peak, Rani has never endorsed any skin lightening brands.
32) BOSS ATTITUDE – Whenever we see pictures or videos of Rani, she has this star aura always. Her personality shines through her appearances, and nobody can deny; SHE’S ONE HELL OF A LADY!
33) SYMPATHETIC – One of my personal reasons for loving Rani, is the fact that she is seen at funerals of her colleagues and their families. In a busy world, Rani has made it her job to attend and show support for prayer meets and funerals.
34) THERE’S ONLY ONE BABLI – Bunty and Babli created all sorts of hysteria when the movie released. One of Ranis most famous roles, was Vimmi Saluja aka Babli. Who doesn’t love the short collared kameez with the shalwar look? Bablis fashion became a look that was sought after by everyone.
35) SHE ROCKED THAT SHORT HAIR IN HUMTUM – Okay, we know it’s a hard task pulling off a short hairdo. But Rani did it and looked mega cute whilst doing so!
36) QUALITY OVER QUANTITY – We would love to see Rani in more movies. However, Rani is very choosy and will only accept a movie if it challenges her, moves her or she really believes in it. I guess, it’s a blessing in disguise!
37) THE CAR CRASH GOVINDA SONGS – For me, those hilariously silly and over the top songs featuring Govinda & Rani are the epitome of what Rani is capable of. Holding your own against grand master of dance and expressions is no easy feat! We marvel at the sheer brilliance of the outfits and choreography. What better note to end on?!