The film industry shines a little brighter today as Rani Mukerji, a luminary of Bollywood cinema, celebrates her birthday. Renowned for a plethora of remarkable roles that span across commercial blockbusters and new-wave cinema, Mukerji opens up about the delightful family traditions that adorn her birthday festivities each year.
Year after year, the accomplished actress finds herself enveloped in the love and surprises thoughtfully orchestrated by her husband, film producer Aditya Chopra, and their adorable daughter, Adira, born in 2015. The intimate celebrations are a testament to the tight-knit bond that the family cherishes so deeply.
Speaking with sincere anticipation, Mukerji revealed to ANI, “Every year, my husband and my daughter give me surprises. So, let’s see this year.” The excitement in her voice echoed the childlike wonder that special days such as birthdays often rekindle.
More than the gifts and surprises, it is the precious union of her nearest and dearest that resonates most profoundly with her. “The most important and good thing is that on my birthday, my close friends, my family members, my husband, my daughter, all of them stay together, eat together, laugh together, and just spend time with each other. That is very important for me,” she added, highlighting the simple yet profound joy of togetherness.
Rani Mukerji’s journey in cinema is as varied as it is storied. Making her acting debut in 1996 with the Bengali film ‘Biyer Phool,’ directed by her father Ram Mukerji, she quickly ascended to stardom with an illustrious career that showcases an extraordinary range of characters and narratives. Films like ‘Ghulam’, ‘Bunty Aur Babli’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Nayak’, and the critically acclaimed ‘Black’ have all become milestones in her nearly three-decade-long career. Her foray into Hindi cinema began with the film ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat’, marking the start of an enduring presence in the industry.
Reflecting on her expansive body of work, Mukerji shared her unwavering passion for the craft, “I still look at myself the same way as I did in my first film, ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat’. And still, going to a film set is a big thing in itself. So making a film, contributing to that film, I think that’s the biggest thing. And contributing to that as an artist, I am very happy that I got a chance to play a role.”
The actress’ most recent project, ‘Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway’, released a year prior, narrates the gripping saga of an immigrant mother’s unyielding struggle to reclaim custody of her children. Directed with finesse by Ashima Chibber, the film was showered with praise for its heartfelt performances and compelling storytelling, with contributions from stalwarts such as Neena Gupta, Jim Sarbh, and noted Bengali actor Anirban Bhattacharya.
As the curtains rise on another chapter of her life, Rani Mukerji looks forward to yet another year of artistic contributions and personal growth. Meanwhile, fans and admirers from around the globe extend their warmest wishes, eagerly awaiting the next performances from an actress who has, for decades, graced the screen with a blend of talent, grace, and authenticity that is uniquely her own.
Off-screen, nestled in the embrace of her beloved family, Rani Mukerji celebrates the essence of life—not just the glitz and glamour of stardom but the simple, irreplaceable moments of love and laughter. Happy birthday, Rani Mukerji, may your year ahead be as extraordinary and inspiring as the roles you have brought to life.
