Rani Mukerji, one of Bollywood’s most prolific actresses, turns 38 today. After a forgettable start in Bollywood, the seven-time Filmfare Award winning actor essayed both glamorous and non-glamorous roles in a career spanning two decades. After bursting into limelight as a Oxford University alumnus Tina in Karan Johar’s directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Rani carved a name of herself with performances in films like Ghulam, Saathiya, Hey Ram, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega in early phases of her career.
Known for her husky voice, her acting abilities often received a lot of accolades as she could do difficult roles with sheer perfection. Her role of a blind-deaf teacher in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black. Now, Rani is married to filmmaker Aditya Chopra and has a daughter Adira. Post-motherhood, she will be seen in her forthcoming film Hichki. Here are the 7 roles played by her which proves why Bollywood needs her to comeback to silver screen ASAP.
Shivani Shivaji Roy (Mardaani): Rani Mukerji is known for having portrayed strong women-oriented roles in her career. After marrying Aditya Chopra in 2014, she appeared in his home production venture Mardaani which is hailed as one of her finest roles in the career. Rani played a badass police inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy who unearths a human trafficking racket in Delhi. She underwent rigorous rehearsal process and learnt street-fighting form Karva Maga. If you are her fan and love action films, then this one is a must watch.
Roshni (Talaash: The Answer Lies Within): Rani and Aamir Khan have worked together in the past and share a wonderful chemistry on-screen. In 2012, the duo starred in Reema Kagti’s psychological thriller Talaash: The Answer Lies Within. Rani played Aamir’s wife who is unable to come to terms with her son’s death in a freak accident. She seeks help from a medium who helps her reconnect with the soul of her child, often irking her on-screen better half. Her role is intriguing and you will be shaken by the intensity with which she essays the character.
Meera Gaity (No One Killed Jessica): “Justice has been denied … you can live with it, I will not” utters a visibly upset journalist Meera after the accused is let-off in the Jessica murder case. Raj Kumar Gupta’s 2011 release based on the Jessica Lall murder case witnessed a top-notch performance by Rani who shared screen space with Vidya Balan. Meera is ambitious, no-nonsense and will not tolerate any excuses when it comes to work. The film assumed significance as it infused a fresh lease of life in her career after a series of duds.
Michelle McNally (Black): Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2005 drama is hailed as one of Rani’s best performance till date. Playing a blind and deaf girl, Rani essayed the role with excellence. To rehearse for the role, she is said to have wore coloured contacts and studied sign language and Braille for seven months. It is no surprise that she bagged the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
Vibhawari/Natasha (Laaga Chunari Mein Daag): Vibhavari or Badki, is protective about her family. When her father falls ill and is unable to meet expenses to avail treatment, Badki takes up the responsibility to do so. She goes to Mumbai, but unfavourable circumstances force her to adopt the profession of a call girl. Rani won accolades for her performance in her first collaboration with Pradeep Sarkar.
Maya Talwar (Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehnaa): What happens when a woman finds love outside her marriage? In 2006, Karan Johar directed multi-starrer Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna which drew flak for the subject. The film had Rani playing Maya Talwar, who is unhappily married to Rishi (Abhishek Bachchan) and falls in love with Dev Saran (Shah Rukh Khan) who also is married. The film could not do well but the actress won accolades with her performance.
Tina Malhotra (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai): Rani’s first major break came in 1998 when she was paired opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Karan Johar’s directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. And then there was no looking back for her. She shared screen space with Kajol, who happens to be her cousin. The role earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Have a nice day, Rani!
