Rani Mukerji Birthday: From A Not-So-Glamorous Debut To Ruling Bollywood, A Look At Her Unconventional Journey To Stardom

Rani Mukerji turns 43 on March 21! Unbelievable right? The actress doesn’t look a day older than 23! Rani Mukerji who was last seen in Mardaani 2 is one of the most popular actresses in Bollywood. Not only is the actress blessed with gorgeous looks but is also immensely talented in her craft. Despite making a not-so-glamorous debut in Bollywood, the actress has risen to fame and ruled Bollywood all because of her hard work. Today on the occasion of her birthday, let us take a look back at Rani’s unconventional journey to stardom.

Meanwhile, take a look at Rani’s Bollywood debut film, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat:

Debut Film

The beautiful actress began her Bollywood journey in 1996 with the film Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, directed by Ashok Gaikwad, in which she essayed the role of Mala, a rape survivor. Although the film wasn’t a box office success back then, the critics lauded Rani for her performance. Seems like not just the critics but even the filmmaker appreciated her performance as Rani went on to do some amazing films in her career.

Breakthrough Performances

How can anybody forget Rani’s next film ‘Ghulam’? Despite having a smaller role in the film, Rani became a popular name all thanks to the ‘Aati Kya Khandala song. Some even started calling her the ‘Khandala’ girl. In the same year, Rani starred in Karan Johar’s directorial debut, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. This was one of Rani’s breakthrough performances as the actress earned a Filmfare nomination while the film went on to become a huge success at the box office. Following this, she also starred in popular films like ‘Mehendi’ and ‘Hello Brother‘.

Unconventional Roles

The actress said that she didn’t want to be typecasted as a ‘typical Hindi film heroine’, which is why she then started experimenting with her roles. Rani started the year 2000 with films like ‘Badal’ and ‘Bichhoo’ opposite Bobby Deol, where the actress was highly appreciated despite these being male-centric films. She then went on do to more films like ‘Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye’, ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’, ‘Mujhse Dosti Karoge’ and more.

Rani Mukerji’s Saathiya alongside Vivek Oberoi became a hit at the box office and received several awards as well. Rani then received a lot of appreciation for her performance in Aziz Mirza’s romantic drama Chalte Chalte opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Meanwhile, she stole the show in the ‘Kabhi Neem Neem’ song from the Mani Ratnam directorial Yuva, opposite Abhishek Bachchan.

Also Read: Watch: Rani Mukerji Shares How She Did Not Miss Her Daughter’s Biggest Milestone!

Oscar-worthy Performance

Rani has worked with many actors and directors in her career. Some of her notable films being, ‘Bunty Aur Babli’, ‘Paheli’, ‘Hum Tum’, etc. Rani Mukerji’s first-ever collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali resulted in the best performance of her career. She starred across Amitabh Bachchan and essayed the role of a deaf, blind and violent child. The actress was brilliant in the film which then went on to become India’s official entry to the Oscars.

Groundbreaking Performances

In 2011, Rani captivated the audience with the role of a fearless journalist in the film ‘No One Killed Jessica’, based on the Jessica Lal murder case. She later stunned the audiences with her action avatar in the 2014 film Mardaani. Rani’s character of the no-nonsense cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy got tremendous love resulting in a sequel of the movie being made in 2019. Meanwhile, the actress also won the best actress award, essaying the role of a school teacher with Tourette’s Syndrome in Hichki.

Truly, Rani Mukerji has had one of the most unconventional yet brilliant journeys in Bollywood. On the personal front, the gorgeous actress got hitched to YRF’s head honcho, Aditya Chopra and is the literal Queen of Bollywood currently. And on the professional front, Rani will be next seen in Bunty Aur Babli 2.

We wish this talented actress a very Happy Birthday!