The captivating journey of Rani Mukerji in Bollywood is as dynamic as the narratives she brings to life on screen. Having debuted over two decades ago, Mukerji’s career trajectory has been nothing short of inspirational for both her contemporaries and aspiring actors. It all began with her first appearance in a Bengali film titled ‘Biyer Phool’ in 1996, which was helmed by her father Ram Mukerji. However, the year 1998 marked a significant turn in her career when she assumed the role of Tina in Karan Johar’s blockbuster ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. The character, which had been previously rejected by several actresses, brought Rani into the limelight and cemented her status as a sought-after talent in the industry.
Two decades on, as Rani Mukerji celebrates her 46th birthday, she’s acclaimed not just for her longevity but also for her intrepid choice of roles that challenge the norm. Her filmography is a testament to her unwavering commitment to portray compelling, age-appropriate characters that narrate powerful and influential stories—all while maintaining her bankability as a leading star in Indian cinema.
In the early 2000s, Rani Mukerji was the epitome of Bollywood’s romantic heroine, enchanting audiences with her performances in hits such as ‘Saathiya’, ‘Ta Ra Rum Pum’, ‘Chalte Chalte’, and ‘Mujhse Dosti Karogi’. As the decade progressed, Mukerji shifted gears, venturing into more serious and impactful genres. This transformation was prominently marked by her portrayal of a resolute journalist in the critically acclaimed ‘No One Killed Jessica’ (2011), a role that many labeled as her best performance till date. This film stood out in the male-dominated Bollywood landscape, with the narrative being carried forward by the prowess of two female leads—Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji—without relying on male superstar power.
Adding to her repertoire of intense roles, Mukerji dazzled in ‘Talaash’ (2012), where she played a mother dealing with the indescribable grief of losing her child. Post ‘Mardaani’ (2014), where she played a tough police officer, she took a considered four-year hiatus, only to make a powerful comeback with the sequel ‘Mardaani 2’, reinforcing her ability to take on serious and strong character roles. This sequel earned her accolades for the hard-hitting portrayal of a cop—a stark contrast to the characters from her earlier career.
Before her return as the fierce police officer, Mukerji captivated hearts with her portrayal of Naina Mathur in ‘Hichki’. She played an aspiring teacher with Tourette syndrome, a character that deeply struck a chord with viewers around the world. In her 2021 act, she reprised her renowned role of Babli in ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’, which, despite its high expectations, failed to capture the magic of its prequel. Nonetheless, Rani’s ability to entertain remained uncontested.
The year 2023 witnessed Mukerji once again delivering a breathtaking performance as a tormented Indian mother in Norway, battling against bureaucratic odds to retain custody of her children. The film not only registered her as a top contender during the award season but also demonstrated her sustained ability to pull crowds to theatres, proving its merit both critically and commercially.
The indomitable spirit of Rani Mukerji in embracing roles that resonate with the social and emotional zeitgeist has made her a celebrated icon in Hindi cinema. Her ability to adapt and excel in diverse roles—from the alluring Tina in her breakout film to the relentless fighter in her latest cinematic venture—has established one of the most remarkable and inspiring acting graphs. As she advances in her career, Rani Mukerji remains a dynamic force who refuses to play safe, choosing instead to redefine the narrative of female actors in Bollywood.
